Hello Everyone. My 1997 xjr has produced a rough steering wheel feel. There are no fluid leaks, but I did notice there is some unusual sound coming from the engine. I can't tell if it's the supercharger, water pump or the power steering pump? It has 180k miles (mostly highway)

Any suggestions would be nice thank you and Happy Holidays.

 

My lowly 3.2ltr had similar, as did the daughters XJ40.

I simply syringed the fluid out of the container, refreshed with Syrnthetic Trans Fluid.

Better, so did them again, and again.

After about 4 episodes, over a a 3 day period, QUIET. The steer fluid in these cars is now changed every year, same as the rest of the fleet.

The fluid is probably VERY old and stale.

Of course the alloy pump (XJ40 is cast iron) may be toast, but a simple, minimal $, fluid refresh may just put the smile back on your face????.

 

Yeah I'll give it a try since the brakes need to be flushed out as well I will do both at the same time.

 

I still need to figure out what the sound is from the engine compartment. I can't tell if it's the supercharger or water pump.

 

Or one of the idler pulleys.

A $7.00 mechanics stethoscope comes in very handy in case like this.

Or, take belts off spin each accessory by hand. You'll usually be able to hear and feel which one is making the noise

Cheers
DD

 

Thank you. I decided to change my water pump, idler pulley, belt, flush the power steering system, flush cooling system with new coolant, and flush the brake system since it's very contaminated. Hopefully all this will make the car happier by next week.

 

Or, it could be like me where you open the timing compartment and find pieces falling out. Best not to wait if it's any type of chain related noise.

 

Now you're starting to scare me! I replaced the valve cover gasket a few weeks ago and I didn't see anything unusual or broken. You mean the timing compartment as in the front cover where all the accessories bolt on?