I experience a grinding or vibration under the car when turning or cornering at low or high speeds. It sounds like the driveshaft is making noises between the two seats. My wife even noticed it today when she rode in the car for the first time. The grinding/vibration even seems to extend to the rear end of the car.
I am wondering if I have a universal joint problem (I'm not even sure if an XKE has a universal joint?) Could it also be a wheel bearing? i would appreciate any opinions on what you think the problem might be.

Submitted by urbanski@gwi.net on Tue, 06/21/2005 - 08:02

Jaguar XKE, roadster, 1969

Steve,
Thanks for all your help. I will be setting up an appointment today to have my Jag. mechanic look at the drive shaft and mounts.
I forgot to mention in my last thread that when I go over a "speed bump" or other large bump, it feels like the rearend of the car is moving up and down with a rather large, heavy "thunk" which I assume could also be a rear suspension/differential mount issue. The rear shocks are fine and are NOT leaking. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks,
Peter

Submitted by cleavefamily@c… on Mon, 06/20/2005 - 17:46

The front u-jiont is acessible for lubrication through the interior by removing the tunnel carpet and underlayment and an access port. As this is out of site out of mind (not to mention time consuming) it is often missed (especially by the quick lube boys). To replace this u-joint it is usually best to remove the rear suspension to pull the drive shaft, otherwise pull the engine and tranny. Get a good shop manual like Bentley's for specifics or find a Jaguar mechanic that has experience with these models. Do not cut into the tranny tunnel as this is a unibody car and considerable body strength is achieved in the tunnel.
There are also 2 u-joints on each half shaft that drive the rear wheels. These are covered with black sheet metal bell shaped housings that are secured to the half shafts by Cheney hose clamps that are getting exceedingly rare. Do not let anyone replace these clamps with American style hose clamps. But its your car, if you want to throw the Cheney's away throw them my way.
Stew Cleave
JOCO Chief Judge
'69 E-Type 2+2 and other LBC's

Submitted by NE52-32043 on Mon, 06/20/2005 - 09:50

Peter,

If you are hearing the noise from underneath, in the middle of the car, and toward the rear, it could well be the universals. Also, as I recall, there is a rear mount on the tranmission. It's possible that is going, causing the drive shaft not to run true. Unlikely it is a wheel bearing. Front wheel bearing, you'd hear the squealing up front, and it would probably squeak or squeal when running straight too, not just cornering. Rear bearing, same thing, and you'd hear it to the outside, not under the seats.

It should be easy enough to have it looked at. Have your mechanic put if up on the rack and check the drive shaft and tranny mounts, or test drive it. Should be able to tell easily.

Also, just a thought, but have you seen any leakage under the rear when you park the car? When was the last time you changed the oil in the differential or checked the oil level? Again, easy enough to do.

Steve Weinstein, JTC-NJ
'70 XKE FHC, '69 XKE OTS