Series 3 Power Steering Reservoir

[gpf1973]

Hello,

I'm trying to locate the power steering reservoir in a '82 XJ12 Series 3 but can't see it anywhere. I am of course assuming that the steering is power assisted and the steering certainly feels light enough for it to be so, but am happy to be corrected if it's not.

The Haynes manual illustrates a location for the reservoir near to where I've circled on the attached image of my engine, but I can't find it. I would be grateful if anyone could help as the steering is making a slight noise that on other cars I've owned is attributable to low fluid levels.

Best regards,

Glyn

[oldtimer]

Hi Glyn,
Power steering is common to all XJ's
The power steering reservoir is integral with the pump. This pump is common to Series 1 2 &3 cars and used on many other BL cars of the day. It is an American Sagenoir (spelling, something like that) pump. There are no noises from the power steering except on full lock when the relief valve sings. I always back off a tad to avoid that noise.

The reservoir is deep down within the circle you highlighted. Reach down between the header tank cap and top hose. You will feel a round cap, turn I/4 turn anti- clockwise and remove, you find a four inch dip stick attached to the inside of the cap.

You can see it with a torch!

Make sure you use the correct oil.

Come back if you need more info

Oldtimer

[gpf1973]

Thank you very much, Oldtimer, greatly appreciated. The car is stored in a garage located away from me so I'll check over the next couple of days and let you know how I get on. I must admit I didn't delve deeper than surface level, as I'd (perhaps stupidly given it's a 30+-yr old Jag) expect these things to be at surface level along with every other dipstick. That said, I did have a good look but still couldn't find it.

Hopefully the reservoir will be low as there's some noise from the steering when cold. It's a slight knocking / grinding when turning the wheel, so I'd like to discount low fluid level as the cause, as well as check the fluid level as part of normal routine servicing. The car only gets driven once every 2 weeks or so it may be that this is normal, but as I've owned the car for only 2 months I've yet to discover its particular foibles.

Thank you again for replying and best wishes,

Glyn

[oldtimer]

Glyn,
I am pleased to tell you that XJ's don't make knocking /grinding noises when in good order, so no, it is not normal. From your description there clearly is a defect.

Interpreting the sounds you have described into a course of action will be difficult.

Will you be trying to rectify this your self or are you trying to gather evidence with a view to somebody else to fix it?

Oldtimer

[gpf1973]

Thank you again for getting in touch, much appreciated. I checked the car this morning on the way to work and located the reservoir where you said it would be. Once I'd managed to weave my hand through a mass of piping, I checked the fluid level and to my 'relief' found the reservoir empty (see attached pic) and the dipstick dry.

I'll have to wait until another time when I can drive the car to top it up as I need a funnel and would prefer to drive it rather than just start it and move the wheel, but fingers crossed this'll will cure the noise. I have another car with a weeping power steering hose and it makes the exact same noise as the XJ12 when it too is low on fluid. I'll let you know how I get on.

As for your other point about self-rectification or getting someone else to fix it, I know my limitations in this field so I'd have to choose the latter. I can cover a fair few jobs but given I couldn't even find the reservoir, perhaps it's a job best left to others!

Thanks again and I'll update soonest.

Glyn

[gpf1973]

Hello Oldtimer, one thing I forgot to ask from your first post was what fluid you would recommend? My plan was to use a modern fluid and conditioner such as Comma's PSF, which it suggests is suitable for most systems and has seen good service in my XJ6 and XJS.
However, the Haynes manual suggests Dexron IID is the one to use. Is Dexron a standard that's exceeded / superceded by modern fluids, or is it something that in your view is something worth seeking out? Grateful for any advice and if possible a trusted brand.

Best wishes

Glyn.