I am trying to get my 1990 XJS Coupe, 5.3L as close to the original factory ride/handling as is reasonably possible.

The main issues are; 1) There seems to be a small bit of road noise from the tires (V-Rated, 10 years old 20,000 miles) 2) The front wheels make a thud sound when hitting road bumps 3) The steering seems just a little loose 4) I may get some pulsating or uneven pull when applying breaks hard.

The car has 38,000 miles and has been well cared for.

Any thoughts on the above on what might improve the ride/handling?

Thank you,

Mike Moore
1990 XJS Coupe

Submitted by dwcurtiss@virt… on Sat, 11/25/2006 - 15:54

Hi Mike,

John Kelly at Park Place, Ltd. (Kirkland, WA) is where I would go. However, any good front-end shop can replace the upper control arms; they are GM parts(as are many of the components in this series).

Another respondent mentioned the bushings for the steering rack - a good point to inspect them also!

Dwight Curtiss

2006 XJR
1990 XJ-S Conv

Submitted by mmoore@bstglobal.com on Thu, 11/23/2006 - 00:01

Thank you for your replies...

Just curious... Any decent Jaguar shop/mechanic can replace the bushings?

Any idea what kind of $ we are talking? If it's what I think, my guess would be less than $200, but I am just guessing.

Thank you,

Mike Moore
1990 XJS Coupe

Submitted by mghirsch@netzero.net on Wed, 11/22/2006 - 17:55

Replace the tires, they are too old. THey have hardened and probably cause some of the noise.
Check the rack bushings, the steering loosens when they break down. Replace them with polyurethane.

Maynard Hirsch
86 XJ6
91XJS (RIP)
78MGB
67MGB

Submitted by dwcurtiss@virt… on Wed, 11/22/2006 - 14:50

Take a look at the upper control arm bushings, this could be the cause of some of the issues you are describing. They tend to need replacing on this series about now; no need to go the urethane bushing route if you want to retain original specs.

From my own experience - I recently put new V rated (original equipment) Pirelli tires on my XJ-S and notice a bit of front end road noise - probably due to the tread design. Otherwise, take a look at the tread depth - your tires could be at the wear warning indicators.

Dwight Curtiss
JDRC/NWA
2006 XJR
1990 XJ-S Conv