Hi, is there anyone in jag forum world that has replaced the steering fluid in their XK8?
Mine has gone a graphite grey colour and I think it should be a cherry red? There is no problem with the steering I'm just on a bit of a crusade after having my car service by the professionals for the last 10 years and after retiring started to find the time to look at the Jag which I revealed a number of items I would have thought they would advise on or complete! So I'm doing what I can

 

I have removed the fluid from the reservoir a couple of times and replaced with new. Eventually this will do the job.

 

How did you syphon out the fluid, a turkey baster or something else?

 

I use an old hypodermic syringe body (needle removed) to suck any old fluids out of our vehicles. I have several left over from the years when one of our aging dogs required occasional injections to relieve her arthritis. This is also my tool of choice for topping up the water levels in our car battery cells....

 

I do this too, about once every year or so, I will use a turkey baster to remove all the fluid in the reservoir and fill it with Mobil 1 ATF Synthetic.

 

more efficient method:

empty reservoir

undo return hose leading to reservoir

extend hose with more hose and lower into a container

plug reservoir inlet with dead AA battery and tape

fill reservoir

with engine off and key in position 1 to unlock steering wheel,
crank wheel full lock left and right while keeping reservoir full

when fluid comes out clear, put hose back on and refill reservoir

hint: driving the front wheels over glossy magazines or a couple of trash bags makes
turning the steering wheel easier.

 

I assume you have the engine running while you do this?

 

Nope.

see post edit