Hey all I'm new to this forum, I am having a problem with my 2000 Jaguar S type. 3.0 Engine in it. When it turn the wheel I get some resistance at a quarter turn each way. I've bled the system with a vacuum pump for about 3 minutes several times with the wheel straight, I am thinking there's either a leak or air getting back into the system somehow, any thoughts?

 

What is the condition of the serpentine belt? Are there any leaks from the system? Was there any damage to the steering rack and other parts due to an accident or hitting a kerb?

 

I haven't really dug into it that deep yet. I'll check the belt though. It seemed like it got better after I bled the system a few times last weekend but it sat for a week and it got shitty again leading me to believe there is either a leak somewhere or maybe changing out the reservoir. No accidents or hitting curbs though that I know of it was my wife's dad's car he passed so I'm trying to get it in working order. Does this year require the engine lifted up a few inches if the pump is bad?

 

If the power steering pump needs to be replaced, it can be done with the engine in situ.

 

Be aware that the pump, hose and rack for MY 2000 is different (Ford Rack) from the 2001/02 MY (ZF Rack) X200.

The High Pressure fittings use a TEFLON seal.

bob

 

Before replacing the pump I would get a good power steering pump cleaning fluid and follow the directions and see if it fixes the problem. I did it to my 2000 SType and I did see improvements. See this attached youtube.

Link

 

Thank you everyone for the responses. I'm going to dig into this more. Also the fluid does not get low if that uncovers any other possibilities

 

So I Dug into the issue a little more today. I jacked the car up and noticed the right wheel bearing is a little loose. I dont think that would make my steering harder though would it. Also I bled the system again and let the vacuum sit on it for about 10 minutes and after 10 minutes could still see small bubbles.

 

I didnt really see any leaks is the power steering pump towards the top of the engine on this car?

 

On the 2000 MY you need to vacuum bleed the PS system using a special adapter on the reservoir and a vacuum pump.

You shouldn't be drawing fluid into the clear tube.

 

I just used a rubber stopper. And it was weird....in the past it never ducked fluid up but this time it did..