Hi All, I am new to the forum so please forgive me if this question has been answered before.
Having had my steering rack re-built after it was re-fitted to the car the steering was not self centering, the garage told me it needed to wear in? Having now done around a 1,000 miles it is still not self centering which is a worry when getting a move on as you have to remember to bring the wheel back to center yourself each time you make any kind of turn.
Any ideas on why this is happening and how to resolve it please?
Cheers
Malcolm
If it’s not pulling to one side and the wheel is turning smooth the alignment is probably going to be off… have toe in checked.
Thanks David, I’ll get the geometry checked and hopefully this will fix the issue.
I appreciate the suggestion, thanks very much.
Cheers
Malcolm
I hope that helps, the factory wants a mid laden position, that is put some weight in the car and then bring a copy of the specs. Shouldn’t be expensive and is easier than diy.
This ^^^^ is utter nonsense. Let’s get that out of way way right at the start!
What’s the history here?
If the steering self-centered before the rack was overhauled but does not self-center after the rack was overhauled then the problem is in the steering rack or the installation of the steering rack.
That said, other possible causes would be badly worn ball joints and/or other steering/suspension components which cause are physically binding and/or causing a geometry problem.
Castor adjustment will influence the self-centering effect. More positive castor = stronger self-centering, and vice-versa. However, I’d think that the castor would have to be dramatically out-of-whack to result in the steering wheel needing to be forcibly returned to center. This might occur via gross mis-adjustment of the castor setting or a fault elsewhere in the suspension resulting in a geometry shift.
Cheers
DD
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I once test drove an XJS, had to center the wheel manually like you said.
The steering rack bushings were shot.
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Very good point. I assumed the bushings were addressed with the overhaul…but we all know what happens when you assume 
Cheers
DD
I think many rack re-builders have taken to setting up racks way too tight. I don’t know if it’s seals or the damper screw setting. The replacement on my Daimler still self-centres, but not as quickly as the old rack. It also lacks the steering sensitivity of the old rack. I’ll see how it goes with a few miles on it.
Thanks Guys, some really great advice.
The work was carried out by just a local garage who do not normally get involved with older cars so it would not surprise me if things like bushes were not replaced at the time of fitting the rack.
I will get all of those things checked this time around, at least I am better informed this time so can ask the right questions.
Thanks for all your time and input.
Cheers
Malcolm
The wisdom is, replace rack bushings with poly. I did them myself. Lots of poly lube, and fender washers to get them as tight as possible.
Handling is amazing, steering is razor sharp, and best of all, steering wheel snaps back to center 
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Doesn’t that make them notchy? This is why I asked if the wheel turns smooth.
Second the poly bush recommendation although my rack didn’t center better afterwards, just felt much better and didn’t wander. Poly should be standard in this application.
My guess is they changed the tie rod lengths and didn’t get them right, I would ask them once more to do something about it though, if it does not self center at all that is. If it’s just worse I don’t really see a problem or the shop at fault.
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When I bought my car, the rubber bushes were very worn. Fitting poly was a transformation in terms of responsiveness and turning circle. However, as I recall (it’s a long time ago), the steering self-centred OK with the rubbish bushes. Still, I agree poly should be standard - I think it is with competent Jaguar specialists.
When I first installed my poly bushes (rubber were fine, but i wanted to upgrade) i had to be careful driving at speeds of 60mph and up! I was used to sluggish response. With poly, i had to get used to not turning the wheel too much!
I guess yours were worse than mine, and all the rubbish washers were gone on mine!
I’m a little sorry they were so proud of this design. I’m sure they had their reasons but I can’t understand. I’ll always fit poly instead.
For Jaguar reducing NVH has always been paramount. How long the parts last, or giving the absolute sharpest response, is/was not a priority. The rack bushings and shock bushings are notable in that regard.
Cheers
DD