Hi guys, this is my first post. I just bought my first Jaguar, a 1992 Jaguar XJS in all stock mint cosmetic condition. The only issue is it is leaking power steering fluid. I changed the tubes and hoses and the problem was reduced greatly, although it still leaks slightly. My mechanic friend said it was a problem with the Rack and Pinion, more specifically the seal ring. If anyone knows how to replace the seal ring, and would like to let me know how, that would be much appreciated. Or if anyone knows someone in the North New jersey area that has experience on these kind of Jaguars.

 

Firstly, welcome to the Forums.

When the leak settles a tad, please do an Intro in the New Members Area.

Also, which engine, V12, or 6 cyl. This is important for proper suggestions/help.

I have never opened a rack up, and the few I have had leaks from have responded well to fresh fluid, with a drop or 2 of Lucas Power Steer Fix.

It can take a few suck out of old, and refills with fresh fluid before results are noticed.

 

Thanks for your reply
It is a V12. I have already replaced the power steering fluid, I will replace again with a few drops of the steering fix.
If anyone has a seal ring for sale or knows someone who is selling one, please direct me there.

 

Check out the YouTube channel living with a classic. He just did one on the rack and pinion rebuild.

Chekc rockauto.com for parts.

 

I would not use the sealer....it can take you from bad to worse.

I am not intimately familiar with rebuilding steering racks, but I have read that it’s a lot of work, and if you gentle and precise. It’s something you won’t know if you did perfectly until you reinstall the rack and check for leaks.

To me, even if you were confident to do this yourself, I’d buy a remanufactured steering rack instead of trying to rebuild it on my own. I think replacing a steering rack with another one should be doable. Doing the rebuild on your own seems like a high risk low reward kind of project.

Adding the steering fix sealant might just expand your repair scope to the entire steering assembly,including recently replaced hoses and what not.

 

Where, exactly, is the leak coming from? Out of the rack ends or out of the rack tower?

 

It is leaking out of the end the racks through the seal ring. The ring is clearly damaged, and my mechanic and I both agree it just needs to be replaced. I will most likely have him do it, but i need to find the seal ring first.
If anyone knows where i could buy one for this specific car it would be greatly appreciated .
Thanks for all the replies

 

In the marketplace pull down list try the vendors. S G Barnatt for one and some of the other vendors will give you a discount as a Forum member if they have the seal you are looking for. Some of the vendors will also show exploded views of various systems such as the steering rack you are concerned with. Good luck.

 

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...cement-220023/

Hi - I have recently replaced the steering rack pinion seal... good video on the classic site as said, but the seal MUST not be driven in to far or it will be toast.
I ruined the first seal and made a driver for the second. No leaks now. But the seal can be driven in to far real easily.

The only dimensions that are important are the lip and diameters... everything else is just clearance etc.




cheers

 

If it is the end seals, it would be sensible, if funds allow, to have the rack rebuilt, rather than trying a quick fix. In the UK at least, rack rebuilds are pretty fairly priced.

 

Thank you these photos help me quite a bit.
cheers

 

I have decide to get the rack rebuilt a while ago. The only issue is that my mechanic cannot find the proper seal ring. That is why I have been searching the marketplace as recommended to me by a member of the forums.

 

Normally a rack rebuild kit includes every necessary seal. Rebuild kits are still available for Adwest and ZF racks.