play in diff

[steveandtina]

hi folks,a quick question for you all. my 2002 xjrup for mot in sept now each time for the last 3 mots have had advisory for play in diff, i have spoke to a few jag people about this and all say it no problem (one even says its supposed to hav play in it as to how much depends on who built it at factory?)so who is right, spoken also with one or two owners of these and xkrs who say they have exactly the same advisorys

[XjRestorations]

Hi,
There needs to be SOME backlash in the diff. Unusual for an MOT man to advise on this though. Is it definately the diff - or the rear wheelbearings/output bearings they are advising on? The wheel bearings should have a very small amount of free play - the output bearings should have nothing noticeable.
These are more likely to be picked up by the MOT man.

All the best,
Keith

[J44EAG]

We had a spot of this the other day on a X300 which had the output bearings done a year ago. MOT fail this year for the same problem but worse than the year before.

Transpired that the bod who did the job forgot to shim up correctly. That done, the car went back to the MOT station and passed ok.

Mike

[steveandtina]

thanks chaps will get backto you on that keith (when i find advisory)seem to recall output bearings but not 100% but why would two good jag guys say it not bad, thanks for your advice by the way regards steve.

[XjRestorations]

Hi Steve,
There is a fine line between enough play - and too much
The output bearings should not show any noticable play - the wheel bearings should have a very small amount.
The output bearings are a sealed roller bearing that is pressed onto the output flange. The wheel bearings have a pre load set on them with a special Jaguar tool on the press. They are shimmed acording to the free play measured with on a dial guage. Too thick a shim will give NO play - too thin will give too much play

[steveandtina]

hi keith , thanks for all info mate. is it at major task to have the problem rectified and at what cost would i expect to be looking at, its a bit scary when ive been told it may not even make any difference,car drives spot on no knocking cluncking etc.it has 60,000 on clock true milage , i would have expected a little less wear n tear at this stage thanks again regards steve

[XjRestorations]

I would look to get a definate opinion on these to be honest.
If you have no leaks, no rumbles, and just an advisory on the play - it would likely be something to monitor - but not worry about.
Output bearings to replace work out at around £180 per side all inclusive. Wheel bearings around £150 per side all inclusive.

All the best,
Keith

[steveandtina]

thanks keith i will keep my eye on it (sorry for delay in reply only been away for a couple of weeks) thanks again for your help.regards steve