After replacing the head gaskets on both banks, my steering is hard to turn. fluid level is full and clean, pump is working normally. ABS control module was just rebuilt. I know the steering is speed sensitive, and the sensor is built into the rack. The repair shop denies any responsibility, stating that they weren't able to drive the car beforehand and it was like this from their first start up after repairs were completed. Any ideas as to what may be going on?

 

Maybe the wiring or connector for the boost controller is loose or broken.

 

I really hope someone can give you an answer, I would really like to get my car back.............

 

How hard is the steering? Is it like no power at all or is there some assist?

 

Muddybear, Thanks for your response. The garage said it was the sensor in the steering rack which could not be bought seperate and the rack had to be replaced. They replaced it and it is working fine. Terrible that Jag would put a sensor inside the rack that you cant buy seperate from the entire rack! Thanks!
Clev

 

Nowt to do with Jaguar, they use a ZF designed - supplied rack.

The rack is controlled by a logic relay tucked behind the passenger kick panel.

I'm sure the relay takes the wheel speed signal and alters the voltage to the rack, altering the amount of assistance relative to speed.

I'd be most interested in 'the sensor' your supposed trustworthy techs are jabbering about. Yes I think you got your *** welded. If the rack is unplugged its default is no assistance. They probably plugged it back in, lol.

 

So there is not a sensor in the steering rack itself? He showed me the sensor, it was about the size of a quarter and an inch or so thick.
Clev

 

Yea, If it was working before, it should be working after the headgasket job. They must have left it unplugged or damaged it somehow during the repair.

 

Hi
I started a new Power Steering System tread today.

I created a PDF file with the power steering description and operation section I extracted from the JTIS21 software.

Here is the weblink to the thread:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...rmation-71766/

I could not any mention of a power steering sensor in any of the JTIS information.

Here another power steering issue thread (has in TSB on power steering in post# 6 - its in PDF file format)

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...se-help-64076/

Here is a thread that has Power Steering Module issues (see posts 4 and 5)

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...-problem-9967/

Jim Lombardi

 

Yes Jim, it's the valve, not a sensor.

 

Did all XJ's come with the variable pressure assisted steering?

 

X308's? yes. 98' - 03'.

 

What about x350's?

 

X350s come with variable assistance racks. However my 2003.5 Jaguar technical notes says that the hydraulic pressure switches have been removed from the high-pressure hoses, (presumably on previous models), and the functionality has been integrated into the FEM.

The system is called "Servotronic Power Steering", so if this is what the X308s have it will be the same system. The system varies the assistance based on speed of the vehicle. Inside the rack is a solenoid that controls the hydraulic reaction of the rotary valve. Note also that the rack is a variable ratio design to give steering precision at high speed, plus ease of manoeuvrability at parking speeds