When I do a slow tight turn (into driveway, parking space, u-turn...) I hear a repeating scrunching sound from the front passenger side wheel well. It varies with speed, and goes away as I straighten out the steering wheel. Any ideas what it could be, before I take it to a garage and am at the mercy of a mechanic? tia

 

Don't know that I would describe it as a "scrunching" sound but there is a faint knuckle popping or linkage sound at very low speed turns on XK. I thought it was more so on XKR. Took my 11' to dealer and shop foreman said it's the brake pads moving. Said if there is no change to brakes then you won't hear it. Sure enough he was right.

But that doesn't make it right... I asked another 11' owner and he hears it too. Not sure if this is the same sound you have.

 

There are two TSBs related to front brakes. Both relate to noises on slow turns or light brake pressure. Neither is a safety issue (otherwise it would be a recall). The TSBs relate to pre-2010 models, as Jaguar sorted out the brakes with a partial redesign in 2010.

I'm sorry that I don't have the TSB number (the Jaguar # is XK206001NASF), but the first fix relates to a squeaking/squealing/cracking sound. (On my car, this was loud enough that pedestrians would turn and look.) The noise occurs regardless of whether you are turning the wheel, but it was worse when turning the wheel and braking. It sounds serious, but this is a VERY simple fix with a special grease that Jaguar designed (Part # C2C33568). Make sure that the correct grease is ordered - this is special grease, not normal brake grease. I recently had this work done, and the fix works 100% perfectly. This is a half-hour job that cost me a total of US$70.

The second TSB relates to a soft "clicking." This is a lighter, quieter noise that sounds almost as if the brake line is lightly snapping against something. (It's not.) This usually only happens when you are turning the wheel. It's just soft chatter from the caliper/pad and front rotor, and it gets worse as the brakes wear down. The only way to fix this is by replacing the front pads and rotors, which can cost as much as $600 (according to my dealer quote.) You will receive the post-2010 design pads and rotors, and this will fix your "clicking" noise.

The trick is to figure out whether you have a "clicking" noise or a "creaking" noise. (You might have both.) Be careful: My dealer wanted to do the front brake replacement, but I demanded that they do the first TSB (grease) first. I was correct. Saved me money.

 

Yes! It's a squeaking noise. That better describes it. I'll call the nearest dealership and order the grease. Thanks so much.