THE INTERNATIONAL JAGUAR 'S'-TYPE REGISTER FORUM

After having a chat with the garage I use for the jag. I asked about changing the steering to a rack and pinion, he said that although the bushes and ball joint are ok I should consider upgrading the bushes to poly bushes It should significantly improve my ability to keep the car strait.
So I have bought a complete set for the suspension and anti roll bar I have also bought replacement upper and lower wishbone ball joints, the only other query I have is the amount of movement on the steering wheel before take up on the wheels.

Regards John
1B1257BW
1972 Rover P6

The poly bushes should help tighten up the steering - it did on my car but at the expense of a soft ride. They will quickly show up any play you might have in the steering box. I'm still considering fitting a rack and pinion power system to mine.

John I have a factory fitted power assisted system on my 1968 S Type. The steering is very light whether you are sitting still or going 70 MPH. I have also found that the steering is a bit vague which you get used too eventually. You can be driving down the road and the car will meander ever so slightly. Whether this is the rubber bushes or play in the steering box I am not sure but I too have contemplated fitting poly bushes next time a do a service on the steering.

Because I have to drive with one hand on the steering wheel ( the right hand is for throttle/brake) I really need the steering to be as good as it can be, and I feel that I am fighting some times. My car is also the early powered steering. My son and the garage are of the opinion that the steering is ok, but the bushes being a bit on the soft side.the only other question I had was the side to side movement of the steering wheel before the wheels start to move. while I'm on my lap top I am trying to imagine the movement which I think is about 2inches (50mm).

Regards John
1B1257BW
1972 Rover P6

In my case, free play at the rim (and wander on the road) was at least partially explained by excessive wear in the Tie Rod Pin & Bush assemblies at each end of the centre tie rod. Part number 133101 or C17099. I am in the process of fitting these uprated bushes https://www.sngbarratt.com/uk/#!/Englis ... c8db1911e0 to see if they last a bit longer than the standard ones.

I upgraded to power steering using a more modern Jaguar power steering rack and I also added a power steering cooler.