New Jag Driver

[MisterB]

I posted this previously in "Steering, etc", but have since realised that I might get a better response from a wider audience, so if you can put me on the right track I will be grateful:

I recently acquired my first Jaguar - XK8 Coupe - in over 40 years' motoring, MY 1997 (Jan), 73800 miles. A search revealed that the steering rack had been replaced under warranty in Sep 1997. Prior to buyng the car I had a dealer inspection carried out; this identified a small seeping propshaft seal and one boot lamp not working.

After about 250 miles of subsequent driving (mixed motorway and Dorset lanes), a demented pipe band started playing under the bonnet - related to steering input. A quick check showed that the power steering reservoir was down about 300cc and tell tale oil spots on the ground under the rack.

On taking the car to the nearest dealer, it transpired that a high pressure pipe had been chafing against the supporting cross member (presumably since the fitting in Sep '97) to the point of a small split and an ever increasing rate of leakage.

I therefore had a new (reconditioned) rack fitted and brought the car home yesterday.

I may have developed a degree of paranoia or heightened sensitivity to the steering characteristics, but it seems to me that at slow speeds the steering is quite heavy, becoming increasingly lighter and jiggly with increased speed. I would expect the opposite effects. On questioning the dealership service manager, he assured me that this was normal as the belt-driven power steering pump produed hgher pressure with increased engine rpm; I'm no engineer, but this does not sound convincing

Can anyone give me some guidance as to what the feel of the steering should be at low and high speed?

Ta, Harry

[Nick580]

Hi Harry!

I'm no expert, nor an engineer, but I don't notice an appreciable difference in steering resistance or effort regardless of speed on my 97 XK8 Convertible. If anything, it does become a bit "stiffer" at higher speeds, but I had to think about it in response to your question, as I had never really noticed it. It is certainly not jiggly at motorway speeds!

I have always been pleasantly impressed with the ease with which the steering operates at low speeds, important as I have an injured right arm that causes pain if stressed too much. I'd be interested in others' experiences, but it might be an idea to get a local independent specialist to give you a second opinion if you are not convinced with the dealer's explanation.

Good luck - let the board know how you get on!
Nick

[MisterB]

Nick and all others who responded:

The Master Technician at the dealership took the car for a drive and immediately took it into the workshop. The explanation was that the speed sensor terminal block had "backed out" after fitting of the replacement steering rack. Plug refitted, problem solved.

Regards

Harry