A Guide to Replacing Steering Tie Rod Ends on the 2007-2015 Jaguar XK

Symptoms of a Worn Tie Rod End on Your XK

A failing tie rod end on a performance car like the Jaguar XK can significantly degrade the driving experience. The symptoms are usually noticeable and should not be ignored. Here’s what to look and listen for:

• Loose or Wandering Steering: The most common complaint is a vague or 'floaty' feeling in the steering wheel. You may find yourself making constant small corrections to keep the car tracking straight on the highway.
• Clunking or Knocking Noises: A worn joint will make a distinct clunking or popping sound from the front suspension. This is most obvious when turning at low speeds, like in a parking lot, or when driving over bumps.
• Uneven Tire Wear: A bad tie rod end will prevent the front wheels from holding a proper alignment. Inspect your front tires for accelerated wear on the inside or outside edges, which is a classic sign of a toe alignment issue caused by a worn part.
• Steering Wheel Vibration: You may feel a vibration or shimmy through the steering wheel. This can get worse as you accelerate or turn.
• Visible Damage: The rubber boot that protects the ball joint can crack or tear over time. Once this seal is broken, grease escapes and contaminants like water and dirt get inside, rapidly destroying the joint.

Choosing the Right Aftermarket Tie Rod End

For the 2007-2015 Jaguar XK, the original factory tie rod ends are high quality but come at a premium price. The good news is that many aftermarket brands offer excellent quality, often providing better value. Aftermarket parts for your XK can be grouped into a few tiers based on quality, reputation, and price.

Premium Aftermarket Brands

These brands are known for meeting or exceeding original equipment (OE) specifications and are trusted by professional mechanics. They are an excellent choice for maintaining your Jaguar's performance.

• Moog: Often considered a top-tier aftermarket brand, Moog parts are known for their durability and 'problem-solver' designs, which can be stronger than the original part. Many Moog tie rods are greasable, which allows you to flush out contaminants and extend the part's life.
• Delphi: As a major OE supplier to many car manufacturers, Delphi has a strong reputation for quality. Choosing Delphi is often like getting an OE-quality part without the dealership price tag.

Quality Standard Brands

These brands offer a great balance of quality and cost, making them a popular choice for daily drivers. They provide reliable performance and are a significant step up from generic, unbranded parts.

• Beck/Arnley: This brand sources parts from various manufacturers, often including the same ones that supply Jaguar. While quality can vary depending on the source for a specific part, they generally have a good reputation.
• Mevotech: Known for offering different lines like 'Supreme' and 'TTX', Mevotech provides durable parts that are a good alternative to premium brands. They focus on balancing affordability with reliable engineering.

Economy Brands

These brands focus on providing a functional replacement at the lowest price point. While they will get the job done, their lifespan may not match that of more premium options.

• Dorman: Dorman offers a wide range of affordable replacement parts. While they can be a cost-effective solution, some users report mixed experiences with long-term durability.
• Suspensia & Vaico: These brands provide budget-friendly options that meet basic fit and function requirements. Suspensia parts often feature a corrosion-resistant e-coating.

Known Issues, Recalls, and Service Bulletins

While there are no direct recalls for the front steering tie rod ends on the 2007-2015 XK, there are a few related items to be aware of:

• Service Action H037: Jaguar issued a service action for some vehicles where the tie rod end ball joints were not properly sealed from the factory. The dealer remedy was to apply a protective wax to prevent water intrusion, not to replace the part.
• Power Steering Pipe Recall (2010 Models): NHTSA Campaign 11V168000 was issued for some 2010 XK models because power steering pipes could corrode and leak fluid. This could cause a loss of power steering and a fire risk. Ensure this has been addressed on any 2010 model.
• Rear Toe Link Recall (2013-2014 Models): A recall (NHTSA 14V157000) was issued for the rear suspension toe links, which are sometimes called rear tie rods. This is a separate part from the front steering tie rods.
• TSB JTB00388NAS1: This technical bulletin confirms that both inner and outer tie rods are available to be serviced separately, meaning you do not need to replace the entire steering rack if 🎬 See a walkthrough on changing both inner and outer tie rods. only a tie rod end has failed.

Frequently Asked Questions