Recently had my XF back to the dealer because the steering wheel wouldn't center after they had done an alignment. The dealer's alignment tech swore the alignment was good and the problem was the front tires... Since the steering centered before he worked on it the first time I politely told him and the service manager to review their procedures (more or less).

I then took it to an independent alignment shop and they pretty much made it right, but in the process told me that the steering bits are worn and need replacement, ball joints, idler arm, etc., and they could do it all for just $2K.

Also, after these trips to the service geniuses i recently noticed that the right front wheel seems to have a tiny bit of play it when i grab it with both hands and shake it hard.

Now, the car has been mine from day one and I know it's service record, which has been flawless. It Has been my daily driver and has "just" 102,000 sane miles on it. I'm willing to spring for any required fixes, but would like to ask the forum if anyone here has experienced steering component wear or failure? What were the symptoms, and what was done to fix it?

 

Wheel bearing could be the wheel problem. Steering linkage if bought new could be that much. Steering isn't the best in these cars anyway. If it steers fine no funny tire wear I wouldn't worry too much.