I just took delivery on a second XK8. I think I have lost my mind but I guess I can't help myself. The good news is, I get to know you guys better. So far this has been a great experience.

About the power steering issue: When I took delivery from the shipper this cat was hard to steer (no power steering). When I parked it in my garage the next day I found a nice big pool of power steering fluid on the floor. So yesterday I filled it with fluid and worked the wheel back and forth to try bleed the system. It is very noisy and when I shut it off power steering fluid bleed out the breather hole on the cap. I think that is where the original pool came from. Is there a check valve in the system that may be stuck or something. I also notice the passenger side boot on the rack is now leaking form what looks like pressure forcing it out of the seal at the tie rod end. Any advice on how to diagnose this and resolve the no power steering problem is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance. Great forum!

Jeff

 

It sound like you have air in the system and the rack boot should not leak fluid.

The JTIS bleeding procedure is:

1. fill reservoir with fluid to bottom of filler neck and wait for air to escape - when air bubbles are no longer present.
2. top-up fluid to bottom of filler neck if necessary.
3. raise front of vehicle and support on stands.
4. do not start engine, turn steering from lock-to-lock three times.
5. start the engine. Immediately top up with fluid as air is expelled.
6. turn the steering lock-to-lock three times.
7. switch engine off.
8. lower vehicle.
9. top-up fluid level to maximum mark on dip-stick.
10. fit reservoir filler cap.

Graham

 

Graham - Thanks for the speedy reply. Problem is: I already did it the wrong way per my original post. I think what I will do is try your method with the fluid that is in there. It sat over night so hopefully I can sort it out. Thanks again. Next time I will be sure to go here first before forging ahead.

regards,
Jeff

 

If you are losing power steering fluid then by definition you have a leak, which from your description sounds like it is coming from the hydraulic seal on the end of the rack - you need to get the rack rebuilt which will include new seals throughout. Don't run the car without fluid in the system - power steering pumps do not like being run dry- high risk of further damage.Have a look at the fluid which is in there at the moment - if it shows traces of fine metal filings chances are the pump is damaged. If you run a new or rebuilt rack with contamination in the system it may well fail again.

 

Even if it is damaged the Power Steering pump is relatively cheap. $150 at my local Autozone.

 

Here is an update. I bled the system and I now have power steering. It is noisy and is leaking out of the boot still so looks like a seal is bad. I will tak a good look at the fluid for signs of contamination. Thanks for all the input. Looks like the rack needs a rebuild.

 

Bluexk8ragtop provided this info when he was repairing his car. Maybe it will be of use:

Steering Rack Seal Kit - XK13574 | Jaguar XK8 - XKR | Jaguar | British Parts UK

 

Thanks for all the input here. I read some different threads and it looks like rebuilding a rack can be hit or miss depending on the condition of the sealing surfaces and access to tooling to resurface them. Would a safer bet be to replace the rack with a rebuilt unit from the guys that know what they are doing? Does any one have a recommended vendor for a rebuilt steering rack? Thanks again.

 

+1 on that - more years ago than I care to remember I used to sell rebuilt racks supplied by a sub contractor and I saw first hand the rebuild area.There is specialist knowledge involved in the rebuild and subsequent set up plus acceptable tolerances etc.etc. IMHO.. I'm not saying it can't be done just that you really should have prior knowledge of hydraulics at the very least, plus a suitably equipped workshop. I can't recommend a rebuild service this side of the pond - my working experience was all in the good old U.K. but I'm sure someone on this forum will have a contact.

 

Does anyone know if the above mentioned repair kit is a doable fix for an experienced mechanic?

 

I visited Coventry West a few months ago and was introduced to their extensive rebuild facility. They claim that a significant percentage of steering racks cannot be rebuilt due to wear of the shafts, etc. It might be better to buy a rebuilt rack from a reputable supplier.

 

My car has only 41k miles and is firm in the steering, but I just blew a seal or a gasket the other day. I believe a re-manufactured rack might be a step down compared to the one on the car.

 

Unlikely as I think you would need specialised tools to get access to the internal seals.

 

I had the same problem with fluid leaking from the boots, I took a gamble on a cheap second hand unit which cost about £70 and swapped them over.


See here https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...-video-117243/

 

Figured out my problem today, it isn't the steeringrack, it a pipe/hose from the rack to the pump.