SI rack alignment

[JA_Bucks]

Hi,
Manual tells me to use Jaguar tool JD36 to align the rack before tightening up the mounting bolts when refitting. Is there any other way of setting this alignment? I can't just bolt it back in the same place as everything has a new coat of paint.
Thanks, Jeff

[mike020150]

If you didn't make a note of where the rack was to begin with or you have changed bushes in the subframe, there isn't any real alternative which will ensure the alignment is absolutely correct as Jaguar intended. Mike.

[PaulGover]

The magic alignment tool is a spring-loaded plunger about 1/8" diameter that enters a drilling on the rack back, so with the aid of an assistant you can fake it. Remove the grease nipple, and press a suitable metal bar (such as an old drill) into the exposed hole while your assistant gently turns the steering wheel from lock to lock. You should find the bar slots in and stops the wheel. Alternatively, if you have a lathe and some spare time, you can make your own.

The actual purpose of this is nowt to do with front wheel alignment; that's still down to track-rod lengths. What it should do is centre the steering wheel so that (a) indicators self cancel correctly (b) the steering lock engages at straight-ahead and (c) the steering wheel is centred when you are pointing straight ahead. It also means full left lock gives the same diameter turn as full right lock.

If you've not disturbed the steering wheel and indicators, then centring the wheel should do the same as the tool, assuming you got the various bolts in the UJ's in the steering column correctly placed with respect to the cut-outs in the splines.

[JA_Bucks]

Hi thanks for taking the time to reply Paul (and to Mike as well).
However the tool I'm taking about isn't the centering tool you describe, it's the one that clamps over the subframe with two arms that rotate to position the rack before fully tightening the mounting bolts. I guess it's to set the rack parallel to the subframe but I can't be certain hence the question. It's shown on page 170 of the Haynes manual.
Regards
Jeff.

[PaulGover]

Oh, that one! I once (back in the days when that front subframe was still pretty current) asked the local Jaguar dealers to check my rack alignment with it; they didn't have one. I suspect nobody did apart from Jaguar themselves. Personally, I'm so happy when I've finally managed to get all the washers, spacers, nuts and bolts in place, I couldn't care a toss if the rack wasn't within a gnat's of parallel to some line between the lower suspension shaft nut heads.

I guess in theory it should be possible to make one out of wood and pipe or something similar, but I doubt it would make a noticeable effect at the wheel. Presumably if out of line, either there'd be a little bump-steer as the wheels lifted, or a slight pull to one side

[JA_Bucks]

That's interesting that the dealer didn't have the tool. From that and the fact that I didn't use the tool on an Aristocat (kit car based on XJ6 oily bits) I built I'm inclined to agree with you that it can't be all that important. However if anyone else knows different please let us all know.
Jeff.