Does anyone notice on a 2003ish S-Type R that the steering wheel slightly squeaks when steering. You can usually only hear it when the radio is off. I will pay close attention next time and try to better describe the squeak. But thought I might not have to if it turns out to be a common problem. Maybe the assembly needs grease??

 

Common issue use the search feature. It can be easily solved in most cases by visiting your jaguar delear and picking up a bottle of a power steering lubricant they offer for this very issue.

I just started developing the same little annoying whine. It's barely perceptible.

 

+1 on ChristSTR.....check out the power steering additive
Good luck

 

Correct me if I'm wrong here but I think he is talking about a the actual steering mechanism and not the power steering pump whine. Is this correct? Anywho I have the same annoying sqeak like the bearing or bushing needs to be lubed.

 

The bush can be a cause of a squeak but usually it is the pump. The additive is very cheap and generally works so is usually the first thing to try. There's a TSB about the bush, too, I think but basically you replace it if the problem turns out not to be the pump. I guess lubrication will work but you'll probably have to keep redoing it.

 

Yes, I'd be surprised if it was the pump, but I'm no mechanic. I've heard noisy pumps before while steering. But this is more like a squeaky Windex cleaning noise coming from the steering wheel or column. Like leather on leather, or perhaps a rubber seal. Maybe I can post a video.

But it probably wouldn't hurt to try the additive.

 

Well..... it's not the pump, it's a seal (or several) - as Search and the FAQs would tell you - but you just use the additive. It's cheap and easy. Otherwise it's the bush and you replace it but I bet it's a lot more work and may cost more too.

 

Either way, the important thing is, once you have fixed the issue, return here and post what it was for future members

 

My 06 was having the exact same symptoms....can only hear it with radio off.

The Jaguar dealer sells a 50 ml bottle of "stuff" that is an additive for the power steering system. The local Jag dealer is 2 hours away, so he shipped it to me...cost $12 for the "stuff" and $8 shipping....got it the next day.

There is a long an elaborate procedure associated with the TSB for this issue....I did not do all of that.

I sucked out as much power steering fluid as I could with a turkey baster, re-filled it with Mobil Synthetic Multivehicle ATF (Dexron an required according to the owners manual). Drove it for two days, and re-did the same thing....two more times. This was an attempt to swap out as much old fluid as possible.

The last time I sucked out the fluid, I first added the Jaguar "stuff" and filled it up with the Mobil ATF....

Then I started the engine and let it idle for a few minutes. Then I turned the steering wheel lock-to-lock 4 times.

Drove the car about ten miles, and no more noise...that was about 4 weeks ago. I was especially concerned about the really cold weather setting in, but absolutely no issues so far.

So, pretty eash fix....give it a try for $12....the dealer wanted $300 to do the job?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

 

The noise is not the pump. It's from a seal in the rack and it's transmitted up the steering column. I have attached the TSB with the correct part number for the additive. The Lincoln LS also suffers from this and Ford has a similar additive. I still wonder if they are the same magic juice??
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That is PRECISELY what the pump seal sounds like. Try the additive.

 

It's a seal in the rack NOT a seal in the pump. The pump is not the problem but it does sound like it is.
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the p/s additive will fix this problem 90% of the time

 

I like the steering wheel squeak. It adds character to the car.

 

It does but I was just so happy to have a fix this simple and cheap!!
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Mine squeaks too occasionally. Its the clock spring for the air bag on mine. We are so used to it we don't hear it.

I added the fluid and it has been quiet for a year now..
It was not the clock spring and I was very leery on using "magic" additives.
I have egg on my face now!!

 

I did the additive TSB myself in late March 2010. The steering wheel has been silent as a tomb ever since. As inexpensive as this D-I-Y step is, everyone with a squeaking steering mechanism should try this first....

 

In addition to the additive, I periodically spray lithium white grease (CRC I think) on the steering column u-joints. That seems to quiet any resisual noise. I also use this on the brake pedal mechanism, the door jambs and locks. The S-Type seems to have been assembled "dry" in that the various mechanisms don't have the lubrication other cars seem to have.

Mike

 

Yes, exactly what my wife said. We had a Lincoln LS before and she said that made the same noise. Thanks. I'm gonna go buy that magic juice as soon as I can find it this weekend. Two problems down, unknown more to go. This forum is saving me millions.

 

If you need the Lincoln LS part number for the magic juice it's in this TSB I have attached. The Jaguar version is in the first TSB I posted.
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