I'm Worried!

RallySnake · #1 (**permalink**) 10-21-2003, 11:21 AM

The strangest thing happen during the last rally. I had to make a U-turn on highway 33 to find a checkpoint. I did it my usual rambunctious way, with a little sideway slide on the gravel on the shoulder and a little tire spin on the pavement. But then, the rear end felt REALLY strange. I told Ron, "I think we have a flat tire". It was as if the left rear tire were squirming around with no directional control. I slowed down an looked back at the tire and then it was OK. We were in a hurry to get to the checkpoint and kept going. Later, I checked it and could see nothing wrong. I could understand if the shoulder had been muddy and the tire was slipping, but no, the whole area was dry. We finished the rally with no problems but I kept the speed down, because I didn't trust the rear end. It's mostly Jaguar XKE parts in there, but the hubs are from an XK6 with the 5 bolt flange. I'm thinking that maybe the bearings in the hub may be worn enough to allow the inner races to get off track temporarily. I'm thinking of pulling the whole thing apart to check it. With a 16 hour rally coming up next month, I want it to be right. Has anyone experienced anything similar with a jag-you-are rear end. Any suggestions or comments will be appreciated.

Excaliber · #2 (**permalink**) 10-21-2003, 11:56 AM

Could be a simple case of "paranoia", but I KNOW that feeling. And I've learned to listen to it if it speaks loud enough.

Bearings worn to the point you descibe is unlikley. How about bushings or mounting points either "loose" enough or under enough "torque" to throw the alignment out temporarily?

A thorough exame is warranted, if for nothing else than the long rallys coming up. But don't be "over come" by paranoia and go nuts.

Torque the suspension points nuts and bolts, the wheel bearings and fit, check the u-joints and various mounting points. If you DO have a "bearing" problem it is most likely a result of being "loose", not worn.

Ernie

RallySnake · #3 (**permalink**) 10-21-2003, 01:58 PM

Thank You Ernie,

I ingored the odd feeling once before about something wrong with the rearend. It felt a little loose. I thought it was "paranoia". Then, the right rear suspension collapsed at 90 mph and we went off the road and over a mountain on three wheels! My Guardian Angel kept it from flipping over. I'm getting older and a little slower and maybe my Guardian Angel is, too. So, I don't really want to push my luck that far, again.

I know that these Jag rears are not really designed for the torque that a V8 puts out. So, they have to be in prime condition to stay together. It's time to take mine apart and take a hard look. But, I was hoping for someone with experience who could give a little guidance with the problem areas.

I've pushed and pulled on the rear wheels and looked for cracks in the lower arm (that was the problem the last time). But, I cannot see anything that would explain that 30 seconds of wild rear steering.

Paul

decooney · #4 (**permalink**) 10-21-2003, 02:48 PM

RalleySnake,

... jack up the rear, grab the wheel from at 12:00 / 6:00 position and try to rock it back and forth. See if it has "any" play. It should NOT. If so, pull the hubs out and inspect bearnings, shims, etc. If it were me, I'd pull the half-shafts out, and check the u-joints too... checking the stub axle play too on the differential. Last Saturday, Photoguy lost a u-joint / shattered on his Butler; just OLD parts. You are the 4th person in the last month that I've heard of with a Butler/Arntz with diff issues or breakage! Most of them were built in the 80s right? Driven ever since! 20 years for those not serviced! If it has not been servcied in a while, it could be a life and a rear quarter-panel saver. Remember, the axle IS the upper control arm on a stock Jag rear end... If you lose the upper control (axle or parts) the wheel goes !~@#$%^&*()_+. Good Luck.

RallySnake · #5 (**permalink**) 10-21-2003, 03:05 PM

Thanks Duane,

Is Photoguy OK? How is his car?

I had Hoopers rebuild the differential and positraction about five years ago. I used CWI Grade 9 hardware and bottom plate to make the assembly more bulletproof. I usually grease all the joints about every six months. I will try your test tonight. Thanks!

Paul

RallySnake · #6 (**permalink**) 10-22-2003, 11:01 AM

Duane,

You were right. I found the loosenes in the right rear hub bearings. It's funny that theyallow the wheel/tire to move up/down about a 1/4 inch, but it does not seem to move left/right at all?

Paul