Hi all,
My 1992 XJS v12 convertible (one owner only with 65k miles) - steering wheel shakes right along with the wheels ie if I go on a bump, the steering wheel moves violently, any bump or hole I can feel it in the steering wheel. I believe its the bushings but I dont know if 1) is that a DYI project without heavy equipment/special tools 2) where to buy the best possible bushings so that this does not happen anytime soon again. Has anyone else had this problem? I would appreciate any help, thanks so much!

 

It sounds like your steering rack bushing are shot. If you have someone turn the steering wheel while you lay on the ground looking at the rack, you'll be able to see the rack move side to side.

This is a very common problem because the OEM type bushings are designed in a way that the lateral forces of the rack will shear the rubber portion of the bushing. Using polyurethane bushings not only last significantly longer, they are a great upgrade for steering response and feel. This is the one application recommended to use polyurethane over the OEM.

It is a DIY job but you have to fashion a tool to get the bushings out. Download Kirby Palms book here: http://www.jag-lovers.org/xj-s/book/XJS_help.pdf and search for steering rack. It will describe the tool and how you can lower the rack enough to replace the bushings without having to disconnect it.

Good luck

 

Thank you so much Mac Allan. When researching to buy the polyurethane bushings there are different types etc. which do you recommend and what supplier should I use? I would like to get the best possible ones available. Thanks again Mac!

 

The best possible totally indestructible ones are the JaguarSport ones, which are still available from Jaguar and are quite expensive. After that poly ones are also fine and much cheaper. But you MUST ensure the rack end heat shields are in place or ply ones will cook in the exhaust heat.

 

I just ordered 2 of the JaguarSport steering rack mounting bushings from jaguarlandroverclassic.com. There were 73.28 GBP each, plus shipping.

 

Mac
I just called my local Jag parts dealer (US - California) and they said they are $212 each and would take three to four weeks to get - part#CBC9107. I’ll check with the supplier you shared. Thanks Mac.

 

Talk to Jack at manners in the UK, they will be far better than that!

 

I had something that, to me, seems a lot like what you described - some road bumps - not all - but some, would give a medium loud rattle and the steering wheel and column would really seem to be shaking violently. I got the car up on ramps, looked at everything, nothing looked all that bad or felt loose. Had my daughter turn the wheel back and forth a bit while checking everything - no obvious looseness or faulty movement I could see. The only thing I did find was a sway bar link bushing that looked a bit "iffy", but not that bad looking, couldn't really move it by hand but it didn't look quite right. Changed the sway bar bushings anyhow, the problem is about 95% better - still get some "feedback" through the wheel but it doesn't seem abnormal now. I really didn't think the sway bar would cause that much rattle in the steering, but it sure did.

Another point to make (cause I've done this a few times in other areas), do your best to find the problem before buying the parts - wow those Jaguarsport bushings are expensive! The sway bar was under US$20 and maybe one hours time.

Hope this helps, Eric

 

This is all you need:

https://www.terrysjag.com/PROD.html?...Code=CAC1635KK

A little more wallet friendly!

Cheers

 

So finally installed the Jaguar Sport bushings that we’re super expensive, and guess what: it only reduced the shaking by 20%. I guess there is nothing that can actually solve the issue. The mechanic said that the XJS v12 convertibles were know for this issue..... too bad as it ruins the cruising a bit and embarrassing at times.

David

 

I also have a 92 V12 convertible, and this behavior has bothered me since acquiring it. 50K miles. I have replaced the front subframe, all the subframe mounts, the bushings in the control arms, ball joints, wheel bearings, stock, then TerrysJag bushings.

It was still there, but reduced.

I finally upgraded the steering rack to a rebuilt German one. Problem 90% resolved. Sure took a while and some $$ to get there.

Regards