Hello, I have a '98 XJR and today it started making a groan when I turn the wheel, and it feels stiff. I'm pretty sure it's power steering fluid problem since the same thing happened to my XJ6. I never got a service manual with my car so I don't know if it requires a special kind of fluid, does anyone know? Also, if someone can tell me exactly where the reservoir for the fluid is that would be great. I think I found it, but I cannot tell since it isn't labeled. Any help is appreciated, thanks.

 

It's on the driver's side of the engine bay. Black reservoir. You can use Auto. trans fluid or power steering fluid. It's a red fluid.

 

Thank you, that's where I thought it was, and yeah the little bit of fluid that's left in there is red. Thanks again.

 

Also, check the system for leaks. All hoses, pump, and rack.

 

I dont know about Jaguar racks, but steering rack sealsare common to go bad on many cars after so many years.My Audi neededa new rack after about7 years and less-than-average miles. Take a peek under the car and see if you see any hanging drips from the rack boots (or if you have any spots on the garage floor [:@])

 

OK, one more question. I just want to make sureI don't put somthing harmful in that can damage the seals, so does it matter which type of power steering fluid I use? I have some Valvoline stuff but it's obviously not the same type that was in there since it's clear and not red. I would just like some reassurance or a reccomendation on what I should use, thanks.

 

Per Jaguar Vehicle Care manual... Check fluid level when the engine is cold and car is on a flat level surface.... Top off with DEXRON III fluid (Be careful not to get any foreign particles into the reservoir, so be sure to wipe down the cap and bottle prior to removing the cap.)

 

OK, I got some Penzoil Auto Trans Fluid with DEXRON III last night and put it in. I drove around a bit and it worked great. This morning I drove to work without a problem, but when I left work the problem was back same as before. I checked the reservoir and it didn't look like any had leaked out but it feels like it's empty again. Anyone know what's up with it? I guess I'll just have to take it in for service

 

Pump could be going bad.

 

That's what I thought at first also. Last night I went to move the car and the wheel wouldn't turn at all. I checked the reservoir and it was empty and the fluid at leaked out all over the ground. I refilled it to move it and within a few hours it was completly empty again. Anyone know what would cause a leak of that magnitude, I want some info before I take it in Monday, I don't trust mechanics.

 

Usually, the leak is at the rubber hoses coming off the steering rack.

If you can jack up your car, check the condition of the rubber hoses coming off the steering rack.

 

Also, squeeze the rack boots. The end seals on the rack can fail and fill the boots with fluid. The boots hold it, so it seems as though the fluid just evaporates. (Don't lay directly under boot when squeezing!)

 

is it possible to replace the seals at the ends of the rack without taking the whole darn thing out?

 

its 5 bolts.. and 2 nuts.. and two lines..

 

I had a power steering fluid leak. Had a 1m long hose replaced with steel pipe and unions as couldn't get replacement hose. Now when turning the wheel when parked or driving very slowly I get a groan noise from engine bay. Can anyone advise?
Jaguar XJ40 4.0 Sport 1994