I noticed a few days ago that there was a "scratching" sound coming from the steering wheel when making turns. I recognized this sound from my X350, which used to make this sound all the time. I didn't think anything of it until today, when the power steering pump really started making some horrible whirring sounds. I shut off the engine, and checked the power steering fluid reservoir. There was fluid in there, but it was about 1" or so below the tip of the dipstick. I topped it off and all seems to be well, although I've only driven it about 10 miles since then.

I don't smell power steering/ATF anyhwere, and I don't see any drips on the ground where it is parked every day. Any idea where all that power steering fluid went? Should I be concerned? I'll keep an eye on the fluid level--what is a normal amount to lose? (I imagine I shouldn't lose any!)

 

Hmmm... I did notice what appeared to be a few drips on the floor in my parking space. I'm not exactly sure if it's power steering fluid, though. I touched it and smelled it but it didn't have much of an odor. I will have to do some more investigating.

This will be the third Jag I've had (out of 3!) that had power steering issues.

 

My VDP needed power steering fluid a couple of times over the years. I couldn't see anything either. Mechanic never noticed either...

 

Isn't your car still under Select Edition warranty? Might be best to have it in to be looked over. No fluid should be leaking and small leaks don't go away, they just get bigger.......this coming from my years of owning Porshces although if they didn't leak I thought something was wrong!

 

chakka, yes it is under Select Edition warranty. However, I want to avoid the dealer until I can identify exactly what is going on and what I want them to do about it (i.e., replace a leaking steering rack).

The scratching sounds when turning the wheel have returned, but there is no loss of fluid. I think what happened was I didn't tighten the PS reservoir cap fully, as there was quite a bit of PS fluid leaking around the cap. I took the cap off, cleaned it off carefully (and the reservoir) and put it back on.

I think what the car needs is a power steering fluid drain/refill/flush. I might take it to an indie shop (Jag specialty) and have this done (or use the turkey baster method over several weeks) as the power steering fluid looks really murky and dark.

 

Any idea of Mobil 1 Dexron ATF is suitable for the power steering system? It says it meets Dexron IIIH.

 

Also, any ideas on how to bleed the system?

 

Doing a bleed every two years isn't a bad idea since its pretty much like brake fluid but I doubt it will solve your scratching noise.

The scratching is most likely from dust build up at the base of your steering column. Regreasing the linkage way down at the base should solve the noise.

 

A power steering system bleeds itself, because the fluid reservoir is the highest point in the system.