Steering rack bellows. Supplier and parts

[J44EAG]

Early cars 99>2002 to my knowledge were fitted with two differing types of rack. To complicate matters, it would appear that one rack had push in hydraulic pipe connectors whilst the other has a screw in type. Worth noting and definitely Vin Number critical.

For information, I originally owned a V6 MY2000 and then my current MY2002 (Made Oct 2001). Transferring from one car to the other when I changed vehicle highlighted a differing steering action and also a different brake feel. Steering and braking between the otherwise very similar chassis were as like as chalk and cheese.

Later pre-facelift and then facelift cars I believe were fitted with a third or may be even later design of rack together with a highly modified front wishbone, suspension and spring and damper set up. A similar suspension and rack sharing of many of the pre-facelift model components exists on X350 and XF models.

Pre face-lift onwards cars together with sister X350 and XF models appear well blessed as regards common availability of reconditioned steering racks at very reasonable prices. The early model S-types with the two early type racks appear to be almost non existent as listed reconditioned units within the after-market supply chain. I fear this may become an issue as the early S-types continue to age.

However, here are two links for early model steering rack bellows parts. Neither are interchangeable between V6 and V8 cars which do not seem to share the same bellows components.

This is for the 4 litre V8.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Jaguar-S-Type ... 43cf56e5f0

This is for the V6.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Steering-Rack ... 2a3cc7c4fd

Needless to say but this is one area where very careful checking of part numbers is required before committing to buy. Let us hope that all we need to keep early cars up to scratch as regards steering rack components are rack bellows and track rod ends which are easily sourced via the after market supply chain.

Comments or further knowledge from others would be well received so that we have the details to hand of where we might source early type racks in the future.

Mike