I know this is not very specific but I would really appreciate some advice. I bought this car recently and noticed shortly after that it was leaking clear fluid from the steering rack. I figured I would notice a noise in the steering and re0fill. Than the top started having problems closing and now now I hear intermittent noise behind me (I thought it was a pump in the trunk). Sounds grinding and awful! Any thoughts?
Thank you!

 

Check your parking brake shoe.
Figure out which side of the car the noise is coming from and remove that wheel, then rotate the brake drum if it screeches, the problem will be in the parking brake shoe.

The parking brake is behind the rotors on the rear wheels, there are parts that break and then the parking brake shoes rubs against the rotor.

Good luck and

Happy Motoring...

 

Does the noise in the "trunk" happen only when you are trying to open or close the top? If yes, that noise you are describing is very likely to be that of the pump not having enough hydraulic fluid in it. Are you getting hydraulic fluid dripping through the upper console mesh over the rear view mirror?

 

Welcome to the forum kresho.kurtin,

Sorry to hear about the issues with your XK8.

The power steering fluid in all my Jaguars is red. Possibly yours has been refilled with an alternative fluid or the leak is actually coming from somewhere else.

It can often be extremely difficult to pinpoint the source of a leak but a clear fluid leak would have me checking the brake fluid reservoir to make sure it's not losing fluid from there.

You'll have to be a little more specific on the grinding noise. Is it from the convertible top pump inside the luggage compartment or from the rear suspension?

Grinding suggests worn brake pads, a bearing or a UJ.

When you get a minute, 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 info 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

 

On every vehicle I have ever owned the power steering fluid was red except for on my XKR where it was clear (slightly golden) very much like regular motor oil. Just replaced the steering rack a couple of weeks ago (3 times as each of two rebuilt units leaked worse than the one I was replacing).

 

Thank you! I will enter more info. And, the noise is intermittent, coming from the trunk and sounds like from the conv. top pump. How and what kind of fluid is needed? last time I looked I it appeared full and I didn't see where to add the fluid.
Thanks!

 

Thanks. The noise is intermittent (3-5 seconds) while driving every 10min. or so. Sounds like a pump in the trunk.
Thanks!

 

The top pump will only operate when you raise or lower the top, so it's going to be brakes or drive train related.

 

I have a 2001 XK8. Getting a strange noise from somewhere in the rear. It does not occur until the card has been driven for about 20 minutes. Then it is very repeatable at about 45 mph. Changeing the throttle setting will make it go away as will jerking the steering left or right. Sounds like a tire might sound on a black top road that is full of cracks and is breaking up. Also, the RPMs drop about 200 when the noise occurs. Any ideas? thanks