Well, just got the 1988 XJ-S and joined the forum and I am already stumped. I am hoping someone has the answer to this question. Seems the "leak" in the power steering is not from a hose after all, it is from the drain plug in the steering rack - it seems to have gone missing. I have not been able to find the specs for this plug anywhere. As far as I can tell it is 5/16" but it is not a Thread I can identify. I tried NC and NF and neither seem to be right. So, anyone out there know what the specification for this plug is? A part number perhaps?

Thanks
Marty..................

 

Can you identify the part here?

Genuine Jaguar Parts and Jaguar Accessories for Classic Jaguars

 

There is no drain plug. Maybe a photograph?

 

Unfortunately no, the illustrations are all from the front. The plug is on the back side of the main body right next to the adjuster plug.

Thanks
Marty...................

 

Well, it may not be a "drain" plug but fluid is certainly "draining" out of that hole. I was able to take a picture of it, sorry about the bad focus. Interestingly enough, the illustration, on page 275, in my Haynes manual (manual 478) clearly shows the plug but does NOT identify it.

 

That hole, I am pretty sure, is the access hole that allows a rack-centring probe to be inserted, the probe will go into a hole in the rack itself. The rack hole hole is found by moving the rack back and forth until the probe (being lightly pushed inwards) clicks into it, thereby locking the rack. This is to ensure the rack is centred before setting up the toe each side.

If I am right, and it looks just like the access hole on my rack, the hole is normally covered by a rubber bung to keep grot out. If fluid is leaking from it, it means the internal rack seals are shot and a recon rack is needed.

Greg

 

That kinda makes sense. Not really what I wanted to find out though...

 

It might be worth putting some leak stop in there before you go to the huge expense of replacing the rack.
I'm not sure where you are located but check the link for one product (I haven't used this particular one myself though).
Lucas Oil Products (UK) - Heavy Duty & High Performance Lubricants
Steve

 

That stuff thickens the oil so much that it can burst a hose in sub-zero weather. It's like molasses coming out of the bottle.

 

Well, having gotten back to the car I was able to spend more time checking it out and found that fluid is actually pouring out the passenger (right-hand) end of the rack. So it is now time to track down the best deal on a reman'ed rack. Oh well, such is life.....:-(

Marty.......................

 

If you have the tools and skills:

Steering Rack Service Kit - ACC3642 | Jaguar XJS | Jaguar | British Parts UK

 

I have the skills and $$$, what I don't have is the time or special tools. I just ordered a reman from RockAuto.com.

Thanks
Marty..................

 

I got the remain'ed rack and got it installed. Now I just have to go back and tighten the fittings since one still leaks (grrrrrr). The remand rack came with a "set screw" like plug in that hole I was asking about originally. The plug is 10 mm and a course metric thread (don't recall the actual thread count.) Dropped it off at a local alignment shop to get the toe-in set. Car drives wonderfully, except for that pesky new leak.

Marty..............