Hi all,

my XJ is slowly getting it's repairs done and a new job seems to want to be done now on the spot.

I noticed a few drops of ATF (red fluid can only be ATF) on my driveway and thought "kitty stuff, normal". Nope, it has gotten worse. It seems to be dripping down the front subframe on BOTH sides. It isn't from the transmission as the hoses are prestine and there is no ATF on them. So it leaves the power steering stuff...

The PAS pump is a bit "damp" (it seems to be leaking). Luckily it is a standard TRW part (JPR805) it shouldn't be hard getting one (especially since the Suzuki Swift uses the same one ). But I don't want to replace something for no reason.

What makes me wonder most, is how come ATF is leaking on BOTH sides...!? There isn't much that can leak ATF... I know that there is a pipe connecting the steering rack with the cooler but why should that pipe leak at the same time as the other side!?

Regards

Damien

 

Are you sure it is the pump and not the rack?


Having said that, it is pretty rare for both sides of a rack to go at the same time.


Liquids can do some strange things when it comes to leaks, as often where the leak is noticed, is nowhere near where the leak is actually occurring.


All you can do is clean/ dry off where you suspect the leak is occurring and see if it becomes wet again.

 

I'm sure it's not the rack. The rack is bone dry... Not a drop of ATF on it... It is dripping down the front subframe infront of the rack, about 3-4 inches before the rack even starts...

 

Check all the PS hoses including those that go to the cooler under the radiator. PS fluid can get everywhere very easily - the stuff really likes to travel. I suspect that the wind is blowing around the PS fluid while you are driving.

I know the connector on the right side of my XJR going to the cooler is damp, and will likely need attention.

Just to be complete, depending on the year, red fluid from X308s can be coolant. The Jaguar "orange" can look red and may look like XTF at first blush.

-Mike

 

I thought about coolant, but that is yellow on my 3.2l. I'll be checking the PAS hoses ASAP. Same as the radiator/cooler. It really did just come all of a sudden - like on my XJ-S...

 

I experienced exactly the same issue a couple of months ago. I thoroughly checked all the lines from both the transmission and power steering but they were fine.
Check the engine mountings. They are filled with a fluid similar to ATF and are likely to leak when the rubber deteriorates. They often fail at the same time causing visual leaks on both sides.

 

I have had power steering leaks from similar locations. My suction hose from the reservoir to the pump, got backed to the point it split lengthwise and the metal return hose ware it joins the cooler soft line has a slow leak. The return line leak would visually be very close to the passenger side motor mount as they join in that location. I am fairly sure on both the xj8 and xjr the trans cooler lines are both on drivers side (left hand drive cars) so any ATF looking leak on the right side would most likely be from the power steering system.

return line connection is 13 and 7
Steering Reservoir and Hoses - Parts For XJ Series from (V)812317 to (V)F59525 (X308) | Jaguar Heritage Parts UK