The power steering system on my 1995 xjr makes noise when i turn the wheel in either direction. It sounds as if there is no power steering fluid in the system, but its completely full. Not too sure what it could possibly be.
Any suggestions?
Thanks.

 

I would do the following..
1. Check Fluid? which you already did.
2. Check for leaks? pump or rack?
3. What type of sound? squeek ? whine? any vibration? and where and when the sound is produced? ( for example when steering wheel is turned all the way to left or right)

you need more info to be able to properly diagnostic the problem.

Jacky

 

Hi there:


Hope this isn't too simplistic, but, could it be something as simple as the power steering pump belt possibly too loose, or maybe needing replacement?


Please keep us informed as to what the cure is when found.


... Grant ...

 

Hi, it just dawned on me, I don't think this model Jag has a power steering pump belt does it? Hmmmmmmm, shows how much I really don't know.


... Grant ...

 

No idea of whether your pump is belt driven or not.

In any case, one thing you can try is bleeding.

Make sure your reservoir is topped up, start engine, then turn slowly lock to lock,
holding lightly at each lock for a couple of seconds, three times.

Check level again when done.

If you like, you can drive your front tires over some floor tiles or plastic bags
to make turning easier.

 

For the record, all X300 series power steering pump are gear type/mechanical and never did have any belt what so ever.

 

Ill check for leaks as soon as i can.
The sound is more like a whine and slight vibration. The power steering itself works fine but the noise is produced when the steering wheel is moved even the slightest amount.

 

Thanks for the suggestion, I've tried that multiple times and can't get rid of that annoying buzz when turning the wheels. Its strange because the power steering works fine. Im just curious to find what is making the noise.

 

Putting an additive in the steering system worked well for a while but it came back a bit. Not as annoying though. The dealers normally stock the additive.

 

I also put an additive in the power steering of my 1976 Xk6. Quietened it down nicely!

 

Firstly I would ask.....when was the last time you changed the power steering fluid?
how long have you owned the car, if only in the last year or two was it changed by the previous owner?
The power steering fluid has a life span and should be changed at recommended intervals.


I've also seen and read many times over many different forum model sections about the power steering fluid additive, so something to consider too

 

The fluid is the key here.

It should/must be syringed out annually, and fresh Synthetic ATF used.

If the age of the fluid is an unknown, suck the fluid out of the container, refill with fresh fluid, start your engine, turn the wheel lock to lock 3 times, stop your engine, suck it out again, and refill, start your engine, do the lock to lock again. Do this suck and refill process 6 times, and I reckon it will all be sweet. Should not take any longer than 30 minutes

The X300 is an Alloy pump and prone to some noise.

I tried some of the snake oil in mine, and made more nosie, so plain fluid was the go. The older Saginaw pumps on the earlier cars love the snake oil.it

Mine had lousy fluid when I picked it up, so 6 suck and refills later, quiet as I wanted.

 

Thanks Grant, I will for sure keep this in mind, i will be storing the car before the weather gets bad. If i have the opportunity to do it before i store it i will let you know how it goes. If not i will be doing this first thing in the spring.
Thanks again

 

Maaaaaate.

Make the time to do this at least twice before storing. The possible "water" content in that fluid can cause rust whilst stored.

Then you will be grumpy.

 

which type of ATF would you say is the best to put in once the fluid is changed out? Ill be making time this weekend to do so.
Thanks.

 

Whatever is on special at the nearest store.

Full Synthetic if you can spring for it, but "standard" Mineral is just fine.

 

The possibility of water in the fluid is worth thinking about. The power steering fluid is routed through a cooler in the right hand side tank of the radiator. The couplings can fail such that water can enter the power steering system (ask me how I know this...).
PAS fluid turns milky pink rather than clear cherry red.
If your fluid looks at all pink, it would definitely be worth fixing before winter lay up.