The steering rack in the Jaguar XE, like in most cars, plays a crucial role in the proper functioning of the steering system. It is responsible for translating the rotational movement of the steering wheel into linear motion that turns the car’s wheels, allowing the driver to steer the car comfortably.
In addition to turning the car’s wheels, the Jaguar XE steering rack provides power assistance to the steering system for smoother and easier steering. So, a fault or damage to the steering rack will adversely affect the car in delivering its major service— moving the owner and its passenger around.
When driving the Jaguar XE, you want to experience optimal performance, comfortability, and smooth driving experience, but a faulty steering rack will most probably hinder you from enjoying that.
Causes of Fault to the Jaguar XE Steering Rack
Various factors contribute to steering rack failure in the Jaguar XE, thereby affecting the overall performance of the steering system. Some of these factors are;
- Wear and Tear: The effect of aging can be detrimental to the steering rack. Over time, the components in the steering rack become obsolete and wear out due to regular use and exposure to difficult driving conditions. Also, when other components of the steering system like bushings, seals, and internal gears deteriorate, the effect extends to the steering rack.
- Electrical Issues: Due to the special design and engineering that goes into producing the Jaguar XE, the car uses electric-power-assisted steering (EPAS). When there is damage to its electrical connections or control modules, the steering rack can develop erratic steering behavior, affecting the power assistance to the steering wheel.
- Debris Contamination: The steering rack is susceptible to failure when contaminants like debris, dust, or moisture find a way to accumulate in it. These contaminants accelerate corrosion, preventing the function of the rack and piston system.
- Impact or Collision Damage: Collision damage caused by accidents or hitting a curb or pothole has a great impact on your Jaguar’s steering rack function. The impact can cause the steering rack to bend and misalign, thereby affecting its responsiveness.
- Misaligned Suspension Components: When there is a misalignment in the Jaguar XE wheels or worn suspension components like the tie rod or ball joints, extra stress is imposed on the steering rack, thereby leading to wear and failure.
- Damaged Steering Gear: Due to prolonged use, the rack and pinion can become worn out or damaged, leading to several faults in the steering rack.
- Excessive Heat: High temperatures caused by engine overheating can also cause the electrical components of the steering rack to break down, leading to its failure.
- Bad Maintenance Culture: One of the fastest killers of a car component is improper maintenance. Not checking the steering system regularly will accelerate the degradation of the steering rack.
Signs of a Faulty Steering Rack
Before the steering rack in your car becomes totally unresponsive, it will send you distress signs. Some of these signs are:
- Difficulty Steering the Wheel: A faulty steering rack makes the steering wheel hard to turn. A consistent resistance of the steering wheel especially on low speed indicates a problem in the steering rack. Also, when the steering wheel does not return to the center after steering, you should get it checked for a steering rack problem.
- Clunking or Knocking Sounds: If you notice unusual noise coming from the front suspension or steering column, especially when turning, your steering rack might have development faults.
- Uneven Tire wear: When you start noticing irregular wear patterns on your tires, especially on one side, it could be caused by misalignment issues resulting from a faulty steering rack.
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