I recently purchased a 1970 E-type and am going through and correcting minor maintenance items. An inspection revealed a badly worn lower universal joint in the steering column. The Jaguar service manual suggests removal of the radiator and bonnet and disassembly of the upper steering column. After reading several posts regarding the problems associated with bonnet removal, I was wondering if there is a more expedient way to free the lower universal joint assembly? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Mike Buoy
1995 Lotus Esprit, 2005 Lotus Elise
1970 Lotus Seven, 1989 Morgan 4/4
1970 Jaguar XKE

Submitted by mbuoy@aol.com on Sat, 05/06/2006 - 21:53

Thanks for all of the sage advise. I was able to remove the lower u-joint assembly with little trouble. I am now moving on to other items I discovered during my inspection. Another question.. Where is the best place to purchase parts for this vintage Jaguar. I have discovered quite a bit of corrosion in the cooling system. Several of the nipples need to be replaced and some manifold assemblies will need to be removed and cleaned up. I need gasket kits, radiator hoses, etc. Also carb kits (stromberg) and some linkage parts. All suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Mike Buoy
1995 Lotus Esprit, 2005 Lotus Elise
1970 Lotus Seven, 1989 Morgan 4/4
1970 Jaguar XKE

Submitted by cleavefamily@c… on Tue, 05/02/2006 - 01:40

Mike,
ThereÔÇÖs another way to do this without removing the bonnet. Remove the steering wheel. Drop the upper shaft by removing the four bolts that hold it in place in the foot well (under the dash). You may want to remove the upper shaft altogether by removing the upper u-joint and letting it hang by string or wire so you donÔÇÖt have to disconnect the turn signal wiring , etc. If you choose to let it hang you might not have to remove the steering wheel. What you are doing is getting the upper column out of the way so the lower shaft can slide into the foot well.

Now from the engine compartment, disconnect the metal collar holding the ribbed rubber grommet at the fire wall and slide the collar and grommet down the lower shaft about 6ÔÇØ. You can now disconnect the lower u-joint by removing the through bolt and carefully prising the u-joint from the steering rack ÔÇô do not force against the shaft going into the steering rack ÔÇô use penetrating oil and patience (let the oil set and do its thing). Be careful not to collapse the lower column ÔÇô it telescopes and is held in place by four nylon shear pins (more complicated than that but hard to describe). You should now be able to drop the lower shaft down and remove it from the car so that you can replace the lower u-joint on a work bench ÔÇô use penetrating oil and patience. If for any reason you find either upper or lower column has collapsed post again for instructions on how I repaired mine.

Stew Cleave
JOCO Chief Judge
'69 E-Type 2+2
'01 S-Type
and other LBC's

Submitted by bonnettoboot@e… on Tue, 05/02/2006 - 00:01

It is quite difficult to replace the joint without moving the steering rack. The basic procedure for bonnet removal is as described earlier but there are some other points to consider. If you try to do so, FIRST, tie a safety strap to the catch on the bonnet going to the striker at the bulkhead. Also if you do so jack up the vehicle with two jacks -one on the jacking points on either side- place a sponge or suitable protection under the bonnet nose then remove the bonnet holding strut. Now with an assistant and restraining the strap jack up the car slowly until the bonnet can be moved upright and resting on the protected surface. Now secure the strap to the striker. If the bonnet is going to come off mAKE SURE YOU HAVE A SPOT ready for it; unplug the light socket and ondo the two 9/16 bolts going into the centre of each hinge, they can come right out. The bushes which the bolt goes through are what keeps it in place, they have to be carefully prized out until they disengage from the inner bonnet hinge, be careful as -unless you are comletely lined up- the full weight of the bonnet is on those spacers! This is a simple task if you have done it but still takes great care! Jaguar affectionado and etc.

Submitted by SC98-43723CJ on Mon, 05/01/2006 - 09:39

Mike,

You don't need to remove the bonnet (As a matter of fact if you ever need to remove the bonnet, it is a two strong person job). Simply jack the entire vehicle about 12" off the ground. Then remove the nut and bolt on the hinge assembley that stops the bonnet from moving any further forward. You will need someone to hold the bonnet from dropping forward and hitting the ground. I then tie a strap from the bonnet safety catch to a bracket on the firewall to hold the bonnet in this position. I have completely rebuilt my front suspention as well as replaced my radiator in this manor. Good luck and happy motoring.

Gary Vaughan