Power Steering failure

[davidr]

How well did you bleed the PAS system after you fitted the pump? Maybe there was still air in there that forced some fluid past the cap as it burped out?

[Brakebuster]

too much fluid will pump its self out of the cap as its a vented cap

the ' dip stick ' is a little confusing, as its just a round moulded plastic section built into the cap and has a few ' steps ' indicating the depth of the fluid

mop up the spill , and monitor the amount of fluid , if you want you can turn over the engine and give the steering some lock to lock , that will get rid of any remaining excess fluid

BB

[PTR200Jag]

Thanks for the info davidr and BB and not forgetting Orkney who took the time and trouble to go and look at the setup of the reservoir/dipstick/cap, on his car, filling in a few holes in my knowledge... okay, gaping big gaps really

It looks like the reservoir was too full, I have no dipstick and relied on the fact the fluid was at this level when I took it apart for the pump problem... now was that related too? I don't want to even go there.....
I just hope this episode is fluid from the reservoir cap and not from the pump which also seems to have a lot on it...but then so do the surrounding areas of the reservoir..... don't fancy doing another pump anytime soon.

[PTR200Jag]

Well another job sorted, after a HARD run and a bit of a blat with a mate with his very modified GT6 (!!!) everything appears to be dry on the fluids front both from the power steering side and the coolant tower!

[painter]

Hello PTR,
same problem with my '96 coupe but different source. Pool of red liquid under the car, (near the offside front). Guessing from your description that this was power steering fluid, I walked away in disgust and let it bleed for a week just to teach it a lesson.
Looking at the description of the work involved and the limited clearances I decided to go the whole hog and buy a pump, cooler plus some pipe, (for somebody else to fit, somebody with three hands and fingers like ET).
The problem however turned out to be the pipe between the steering rack and the cooler! This is no longer available from Jaguar (not for '96 - and then modified). So now I have to wait for a second hand one or find a 'pipe maker'.

[J44EAG]

I often have to have hydraulic pipes made for marine applications ie gear boxes and coolers. Pirteck are very helpful and will often make a pipe up while you wait. Just take all the detritus with you. Frequently they can salvage some of the fittings which helps keep the cost down.

Also worth trying to find a small plant business that deals with hydraulic parts. Sorting this type of thing out is second nature to them and prices can be surprisingly modest.

Mike K

[painter]

Hello Mike,
sorted I think, as you say there are venues capable of repairing these items and fortunately found one nearby. The pipe was in good condition other than worn (holed) in one spot by contact with the chassis. After cleaning up it will be brazed over with brass - refitted. This repair is used apparently to repair hydraulic pipes on tractors using 1600 psi, whereas the Jag. (I think) would only use about 600 psi.
I think the end connectors (cooler to steering box) on this item may be difficult to find now, so making a new one may present problems?

[PTR200Jag]

Hello PTR,
same problem with my '96 coupe but different source. Pool of red liquid under the car, (near the offside front). Guessing from your description that this was power steering fluid, I walked away in disgust and let it bleed for a week just to teach it a lesson.
Looking at the description of the work involved and the limited clearances I decided to go the whole hog and buy a pump, cooler plus some pipe, (for somebody else to fit, somebody with three hands and fingers like ET).
The problem however turned out to be the pipe between the steering rack and the cooler! This is no longer available from Jaguar (not for '96 - and then modified). So now I have to wait for a second hand one or find a 'pipe maker'.

That's a nuisance ! getting all the gear and then finding its something else... offside front is not near the pump and reservoir which is on the nearside front...
Still, at least you have the stuff in stock when it does let go !