Can be, but can be top mount of shock absorbers, think they have some bearings and if worn out can give a roughness when moving. Probably you need someone with you, bonnet up and listen when turning to see if are any strange noises. Just a suggestion.

 

Thanks Dragos will give that a try asap.

 

Drfella,
Agree with Dragos to check but those usually only start becoming an issue in any car (not just XE) if higher mileage. I usually experience similar symptoms as cited by Dragos when I near 100,000 miles.

 

Thanks First Jag for your response. My mileage is very low, without checking its around 30k and working at home mostly my annual is less than 5k at the moment.
I noticed this problem when I’d collected my car from the hotel valet where it had been whilst on holiday, never again, wasn’t impressed with them and I complained but got nowhere. The doesn’t seem a big problem at the moment but there is definitely something wrong. I’ll check tomorrow what’s said and maybe I’ll need to take it into Jag just worried they’ll charge me a bomb!

 

At that low mileage, I would be surprised if it was the top mounts due to normal wear and tear.

If you valeted it, did you check the mileage In and Out to ensure they didn't take it for an enjoyment ride unbeknownst to you?

If true, I can easily see an assortment of problems, including suspension impact symptoms and just plain misalignment of your front tyres. Others please chime in with your thoughts.

 

Check the cars journeys on the app!

 

So I had a very similar situation a few months ago, steering was very stiff out of nowhere. Took it to the mechanic who checked for error codes and nothing. Spoke to my partners cousin who is a car nut and he noticed a the UJ at the bottom of the steering column had some rust on it which was causing it to catch and feel rough particularly when the car was stationary and cold. Added some good lubricant to it and good as new, might be worth checking.

 

Because symptoms appear after you left the car at hotel, than almost sure cowboys from car valet took your car for a ride and hit in a kerb or something. I saw a similar think few good years ago in a car wash in Basildon. A customer left car for a car wash and gone to work, and boys from car wash tought is time to check what car is capable in an empty car park. That car took so much abuse in 5 minutes in that car park that in few years of ownership. It is reason why I don't use car wash places and try not to leave my car anywhere, inclusive long stay car parks where you must leave car key. Anyway, probably you will need a mechanic to give car a proper check. If it is stearing rack, is not very cheap, but suggest to look on e-bay for a second hand one and a good mechanic should be able to replace it.

 

The OP says the problem has just recently started.
I think this could be nothing more than the front tyres juddering/skipping in this recent very cold spell.
It only occurs whilst stationary or at manouvering speeds.
My own XE has done it this year whereas in previous years it hasn't.
The OE fit Dunlops are the worst offenders and the older they get the worse it will become in cold conditions, as soon as the weather warms up the problem will disappear.

 

Yep.
Google the "Ackermann Effect".
Happens a lot at this time of year when starting off with cold tyres.

 

Cheers Phil,
I knew it had a name but for the life of me I couldn't remember it.

 

Ackermann angle is to do with the inner turned wheel slightly more inturned than the outer so that the wheels, in theory, are both still on the same turning path. If the OP is still in very cold weather then Ralphie M and Phil's replies are spot on. One wheel tends to rub on the surface and causes the slight vibration.

 

Thanks everyone who has given advice. I do think someone damaged my car steering the hotel. That was during summer and the problem seemed to go away after a while or wasnt that noticeable. Since the colder weather is has come back with vengeance so some of the comments to the cold weather are relevant. I’ll get it into a garage and have some take a look.