Initially, the amount of steering wheel fluid loss was minimal and wasn't readily noticeable until realizing the squeaking sound that goes along with turns. In hindsight, any leakage may have burned off from the heat of the engine

In topping off of fluid, squeaking and any reduction of turning went away until fluids needed refilling.

However, most recently, the leaking of fluids has become substantial as evident by that which is left below the vehicle on the pavement, driveway, and garage. Suffice to say, the vehicle is not practical to drive and looking to understand the extent of the repair need.

Again, as long as fluids are topped off, the steering limitations and noise are not an issue but going to the station and asking to fill up the steering fluid and check the gas is not the obvious way to go.

Thanks

 

Welcome to the forum 20Adam1,

I've moved your question from S-Type to XK8/XKR forum. This is the place to post technical questions about your model.

Please follow this link New Member Area - Intro a MUST - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum to the New Member Area - Intro a MUST forum and post some information about yourself and your vehicle for all members to see. In return you'll get a proper welcome and some useful advice about posting to the forum.

Graham

 

The most common source of a power steering fluid leak in these vehicles occurs at the metal tube-to-rubber hose coupler joint located just below the air filter box and next to the alternator. Some of us who have suffered this leak have opted to cut the leaking coupler out of the system, connect an appropriately-sized rubber fuel line or rubber transmission line hose section to the lower metal tube portion, and then use an appropriately-sized brass hose barb connector to attach the new rubber hose section to the existing rubber hose section above it. The cost of this repair is typically under $10 if you do it yourself, and the required parts can be purchased at most auto parts stores such as NAPA. Wayne (cjd777) and I performed this repair on my wife's 2006 XK8 back in February, and not a drop of power steering fluid has leaked since. Search the XK8 section of the forum using the phrase "power steering fluid leak repair" and you will find multiple threads describing various ways to accomplish this repair (assuming of course that you discover that your coupler joint is indeed the source of your leak)….

 

I had the same issue with my 2001 XKR. I kept topping off the steering fluid, thinking that I could live with it. WRONG. So one day I asked my wife to help. In the garage, she sat behind the wheel. Started the car. I got down to look under the engine. When she turned the steering wheel to the left or right, I could see exactly where the fluid was leaking. (I'm a trusting sole to get in front of the car with my wife at the controls). Anyhow, this repair was beyond my capability. Took the car to my local mechanic. He ordered a used steeping pump and new high pressure steering lines. Cost out the door was $640, and well-worth it. Car again steers (and tracks) just like when it was new.

 

Look up Lubeguard (not sure of spelling) on Amazon then take a look at the reviews. You may find it interesting.

Here you go. Scroll towards the foot of the page for the reviews. I do not work for them.