Edited on 2007-06-11 11:06:13

I have an '87 5.3 Liter XJS that has begun making noises in the transmission tunnel area when making sharp turns from a stop while hitting the gas or during a higher lateral G turn like a freeway entrance ramp under acceleration. This is more pronounced in a right-hand turn than a left-hand turn.
I believe the sound is that of the universal joint rubbing the transmission tunnel or some other structure under the car as the sound is exactly related to the drive shaft speed and it is a thumping-type sound.
I haven't crawled under the car as yet and, yes, I know this is the first thing I should have done but I would like input from anyone who may have experienced this situation themself or could suggest what parts and procedure I may need to consider.
Thanks in advance!

Al
Simpsonville, SC

Submitted by NW41-38077J on Wed, 10/24/2007 - 03:43

Al,
New parts are probably what you need, but make sure the mount is reassembled correctly. It might not even be assembled correctly now. If it's not it will still make these noises. Common sense there will get you in trouble. Engineering for this thing doesn't make good sense. Go to Kirby Palms he has a great picture showing the correct way this mount must be put back together.
Ray Papineau JDRC/NWA
1990 XJS V-12 CONV.
1990 XJS V-12 COUPE
1989 XJS V-12 COUPE
1987 XJS V-12 CAB.
1988 XJS V-12 CAB.
1988 XJS V-12 CAB.

Submitted by silver007@shaw.ca on Wed, 06/13/2007 - 21:41

Art Dickenson.
1983 XJS GT "Silver"
Pacific Jaguar.ca

The main thing is the spring has weaakened, "John's Cars" in Ca apparently has new springs of greater quality, possibly with a lifetime warranty. Mine went very early on in life, I have since installed a Polyurethane unit made for the T 400 GM Tranny, this does not allow the gearbox to float up and down as per the usual springy thingy.........
Some one has one documented on Jag Lovers I believe,
Good Luck Art

Submitted by mr442nt@wideop… on Tue, 06/12/2007 - 12:06

Edited on 2007-06-12 12:07:03

That might be the same bushing. I'd have to see it. It's pretty thick with a groove around the circumference and a hole in the middle. There is also an upper cup bushing from what I recall too.

As for the motorcycle guy, nope, no relation. I do occasionally get requests in the mail for autographs from people thinking I am him. I sign the cards and return them (he he).

Tom Kipp
89 XJ-S Coupe

Submitted by rrudy2@charter.net on Tue, 06/12/2007 - 01:03

Thanks Tom. Would that doughnut bushing be a rubber piece that tends to show up on eBay from time to time for about $20? I'll follow your advice and start in on this when the wife gives me some free time. Sigh. Great advice on the beer count, too, Bud! I appreciate one who gives all the important details. ;-)

Another question for you: Not too long ago there was an AMA motorcycle roadracer from Ohio with the same name as yours. I had the good fortune to watch him race in Phoenix, AZ in the mid-nineties and being a fellow Buckeye myself I cheered him on. Any connection, Tom?

Thanks again!
Al

Submitted by mr442nt@wideop… on Mon, 06/11/2007 - 12:23

Mine did that a couple of years back. Not too bad of a DIY job, but you need two jacks. You need a new bushing and tranny mount spring. Relatively cheap parts.

Get under the car, and have one jack holding up the tranny by the pan. You will see the mount assembly bolted to the underside. Kinda a pain to get to the 9/16 bolts under the exhaust pipes, but you can push them back some. There is a small plate covering the main bolt to the pin on the tranny bottom. That comes off with two nuts and bolts. Once off, hold the mount plate up with a second jack. Remove the main bolt and watch all the hardware tumble out so you have no idea how it goes back in. Slowly lower the rear mount plate on the jack (be careful, it's spring loaded). Once removed, the spring will fall out and you will see the donut bushing that needs replaced. Swap the parts and put back the way you found them. It's a four beer job for a first timer. Have fun.

Tom Kipp
89 XJ-S Coupe