Hi, I have searched threads for help with this unsuccessfully, so apologies for what is surely a repeat question. I have a major power steering leak in two places, and I have been told that I will need a new steering pump and also new rack and pinion. I put my car on a lift and found the Jaguar part number MNA3891AB on my current rack and pinion, however when I go to buy a compatible part, I see that there are different kinds, one being specific to cars with something called a Servotronic. How do I know which replacement part to buy? I have attached photos of the current setup. Thanks in advance for any help!

 

I believe all the x300 models have servotronic. I have a 97 jaguar xj6 and just replaced the rack with a servotronic unit. I believe if you have this box on the front (Directly opposite where the lines connect under the input shaft) where an electric connector plugs in attaching a picture.

 

Many thanks!

 

From my understanding for all readers involved in later reading , not all X300 models have variable steering force servotronic

An example would be the cheaper sport or executive models with the 3.2 liter engine

If you have servotronic you will have a controller by your left foot on the left front seat

This will be under the small cover just like the ECU on the far right side

See page 19 of the attached LWB pdf below it would be item # 3 if installed

The least intrusive thing to do on power steering leaks is to cut 1 inch of hose off the bottom of the steering resivour to get a better hose seal

Fully change the power steering fluid to refresh the seals in the pump and rack

Changing the fluid is a way of resolving steering fluid cavitation noise

The red arrow is the servotronic servo devise

It is important to line up a index mark before installing the steering column spline shaft

The index mark is in your first pic as the round devise

See the first 2 attached file below

See page 35

 

G’day Tcherek,

Are you having to top up your power steering fluid often? If not then what you may have is an engine oil leak which drips onto the steering rack. Usually leaking engine oil oil is black and leaking power steering fluid is reddish.

Can you tell if your leaking oil is the same colour as the oil in your steering reservoir?

If it isn’t I’d have the whole area degreased/cleaned and then you should be able to determine where the leak is coming from. Very difficult to tell what is actually leaking if everything is covered in oil.

Cheers,
Jeff.

 

if the leak is on the pressure side of the rack, starting car and letting it run while inspecting the pressure side hoses and the input shaft from the steering axle might reveal the leak location quite easily

 

My apologies for the misinformation. I thought I read that somewhere while on my own search for a rack.

Im assuming if you have that servo box on the front of the rack it would mean you have servotronic? Or should you look for the controller by the left seat?