Good morning to all!

I've got a 1997 XK8 convertible with 134K on it. All was fine yesterday but this morning upon startup and backing out of the driveway, I heard the groaning of low power steering fluid. Checked the reservoir and found it to be practically empty. Filled it with fluid and drove about a mile. Parked it and when I came out found a puddle under the driver-side front of the engine. The reservoir was empty. Drove home and parked it.

Does this sound like the PS pump? If not, what else should I look for? I haven't had a chance to crawl under it yet.
Is it OK to drive 2 miles to my mechanic?

I look forward to your answers as this needs to be taken care of ASAP

Nick

 

More than likely, it is the plumbing. Check all the lines and fittings. You should be able to follow the lines from the pump with a flashlight and see if there is any evidence of a leak. Those lines go to the rack, so you might have to continue your investigation from under the car. Double check all the interfaces (metal/rubber, etc.).

There is a worse case: if there is an internal rack leak, the fluid can end in the bellow and leak from there.

Best of luck, keep us posted.

 

Thank you, sir, for the advise!

I looked at all the plumbing components and the pressure hose leading to the PS pump was coated in fluid. Couldn't trace back any obvious leaks, although, when I filled the reservoir, there was a drip drip drip under the care with the engine off. Got it to my indy who took a quick look and felt it was a hose issue. Let's keep our fingers crossed...I'm sick of throwing money at this car.
I'll keep you posted

Nick

 

20 year old cars tend to need repairs.

 

Yeah, but when they purr it is all worth it...

 

5 minutes after driving mine off the PO driveway , I put it into sports mode and floored it, just to see, you know what I mean! Then the steering went heavy and I drove like that until the next services. Found the reservoir empty and ps fluid everywhere. It appears that the PO probably never got the engine above 2000 rpm so the fluid pressure in the ps system was relatively low and the pressure relief valve stuck shut through lack of use. Then I came along, booted it and the ps pump just exploded due to the high pressure, and I drove it like that for 200 miles. If it is the pump then it will need changing and driving it wont change that. However it may seize and take the belt out, its your choice, I was lucky, you may not be.

 

Yeah, turned out to be the pump. Getting it replaced as we speak.

Nick