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GMF opens Haverfordwest branch, pushing further into West Wales.

Steering & Suspension

It has been identified that the right-hand, front, lower control arm ball joint may be incorrectly mounted to Astra H models. The worst case scenario is the lower control arm working loose, separating from the steering knuckle and severely impairing control of the vehicle.

Water Pump/Timing Belt

The water pump pulley for the Astra H is prone to failure on 1.9-litre CDTi models which can result in timing belt issues and consequently, severe engine damage.

Motaquip offers a replacement Water Pump for this model . Due to the possibility of damage to the Timing Belt we would also recommend replacing the timing belt on occasions where the water pump has failed.

Wendy Williamson, Chief Executive of IAAF, has been appointed to the board and made treasurer of FIGIEFA, the association representing the needs of the European aftermarket to governments and legislators of the European Union.

Noises from rear axle differential

Jaguar XJ (X350 & X358); 3.0

Reference number(s): K035

Fault symptoms:

Rear axle differential generates noises.

Causes:

Contaminated oil

Remedy:

Replace rear axle differential.

Coolant leak

Jaguar XJ and S-Type; V6 petrol

Reference number(s): S518

Fault symptoms:

Coolant line may burst.

Causes:

Production defect.

Remedy:

Replace coolant line.

Timing Drive System

The 2.7-litre diesel engine used in both the X350 and X358 were fitted with a Dayco High Tenacity (HT) or ‘white’ timing belt as their original equipment fitment. The HT belt is unique and patented to Dayco, which is why workshops undertaking a timing belt replacement need to realise that only by fitting a Dayco HT timing belt kit can they be assured of a genuine like-for-like replacement.

Steering & Suspension

If knocking or clunking is heard from the front of the Jaguar XJ when being driven over bumps or pot holes, it’s likely to be a problem with the front suspension, in particular, a worn lower front suspension arm.

These suspension arms are exposed to significant levels of stress, especially when being driven hard or over uneven or badly damaged road surfaces, which is why the bushes in the arm are prone to wear. If this is found to be the case, the best solution is to replace the complete suspension arm, including the bushes.

Customers generally speak highly of these cars, listing limited isolated faults ­­– mainly electrical.

Engine management temperature sensors (EMTS) can be a problem on these cars and this part is Cambiare’s top seller for the models. Poor starting, hot or cold running, hesitation, poor fuel consumption and/or general poor performance could all be the result of a failing EMTS. Cambiare advises technicians to take live readings from the sensor and compare them to actual engine temperature readings before replacing the sensor.

Diesel – excessive smoke from exhaust, no running issues and no fault codes – EGR valve blocked with carbon, more prominent on low mileage vehicles.

Petrol – Intermittent poor throttle response/flat spot, no fault codes – Faulty throttle position sensor.

Petrol with supercharger fitted, severe flat spot at all engine speeds under acceleration – split vac pipe directly under the supercharger.

Sven Nielsen, Technical Director from Meyle, says the following difficulties may arise with the Jaguar XJ X350 and X358:

Switching problems occur after oil change

Problem:

Transmission oil is highly stressed. It is aging and wearing by abrasion, temperature and chemical processes. This leads to high risk of reduced driving comfort and modified gear changing conditions, up to costly transmission defects! Despite successful oil changes comfort and switching problems still occur because during an oil change for technical reasons only max. Two-thirds of the oil volume is changed. Therefore many deposits remain in the residual oil and in the transmission.

To help maintain the cleanliness of the Jaguar XJ X350 & X358 models, it is recommend to clean the oil and fuel system at regular service intervals using Forté's Clean & Protect, carrying out a 45 minute Advanced Formula Motor Flush, adding Oil System Protector to the new oil and adding either Forté Advanced Formula Gas Treatment or Forté Advanced Formula Diesel Treatment into the fuel tank.

Common problems with throttle body contamination can be treated with Forté's Air Intake Cleaner.