Lately the power steering on my '99 XJR started seizing momentarily while turning. Also after completing a 90 degree turn it would seize while straightening out, it feels like intermittent loss of power steering. The belt is intact and the fluid level is Ok, can somebody please help it is frightening whenever it happens.

 

Seize ... sounds more like the rack.

Without power the steering will move throughout it's range while the car is moving -- it's difficult while stationary.

Not something you can mess around with --

 

Lucas makes a product called power steering stop leak which renews worn power steering. Smoothed up my XJ8 and my granddaughter's Altima ps.

Worth a try before investing in a rebuilt rack with tie rods ~$600 plus labor and alignment.

 

It could also be something in the front suspension that isn't working smoothly - upper or lower balljoints. If you are very lucky, it might even be a tie rod end.

 

Thanks for the suggestions guys, I am scared to drive it now, I will jack up the front end this weekend and look, I hope it won't need an expensive fix !

 

Maybe.

I had it in another car for about a month in cold weather.

It got so thick that it blew a hose on startup one fine
morning.

Called the distributor, they paid for a new pump and
hoses no questions asked. The lack of a fight suggests
to me that it is a known problem they would rather not
publicise.

 

I think I would disconnect the tie rod ends from the knuckles.. Then you can rotate the tie rods, and both steering knuckles, independently. You can also move the steering rack.

 

Our Jaguars call for a low temp fluid -- it's dexron low temp fluid. Most of the additives will do just the opposite of what the system requires.

A mechanic should be able to tell if it's a power problem or if the rack is binding -- your wise to be careful. If it is the rack binding up --- it could just stick and that would be very dangerous.