XJ-S

1975-1996 / Coupe / Convertible / United Kingdom

All XJ-S problems All workshop issues

Common Suspension and Steering

Power steering rack leaks

Symptoms

Power steering fluid leak, heavy steering, groaning noise from the pump.

Cause

Rack seals fail with age. The pump wears. Hose connections corrode and weep.

Fix

Reconditioned racks are available.

Replace hoses and check the pump.

Budget $1,500-3,000 AUD for a reconditioned rack fitted.

Cost mentioned in fix

Budget $1,500-3,000

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// More XJ-S problems

Other known issues

Common Suspension and Steering

Front suspension bush wear

Clonking over bumps, wandering at speed, uneven tyre wear.

Common Suspension and Steering

Rear suspension compliance mount failure

Vague rear end, clunking, unpredictable handling over bumps.

Minor Engine, V12

Cooling system failure

Engine overheats, temperature gauge climbs into the red, coolant boils over. In severe cases, head gaskets fail and coolant enters the oil.

Common Engine, V12

Head gasket weeping

Coolant appears around the head gasket line (external weep), or coolant contaminates the oil (internal failure, mayonnaise under the filler cap, white exhaust smoke).

Common Engine, V12

Lucas ignition system failure (pre-1989)

Misfiring, rough idle, hard starting, power loss, sometimes total ignition failure.

Common Engine, V12

Marelli ignition issues (1989 onwards)

Similar symptoms to Lucas, misfiring, rough running, but less frequent and usually easier to diagnose.

View all 23 XJ-S problems