I have the typical power steering "cooing" sound in my '03 STR but I also have another problem. The power steering is fine when I first start the car but after about 10 mins of driving the power steering becomes very noisy when turning the wheel. It's quiet on-center but the slightest turn of the wheel produces a loud groaning noise which sounds something like an '80s-'90s Ford. I can also feel the groan through the steering wheel.
I'm going to get the friction modifier for the cooing, is this also supposed to fix the groaning issue or does that sound like something completely different? Is the groaning also a common issue on these cars? I did already check and the power steering fluid level is OK.

 

I think you are correct. Get the P/S additive done first. It completely cured the noise in my 2005 S Type R. If that does not fix it then I would look at outer tie rod ends and/or lower ball joints.
Let the list know if you get it solved!!
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I also have a weird noise coming from my steering.. Its a clunking noise come from the wheel whenever I tried over bumps or gravel. The wheel shakes back and forth and makes a clicking/clunking noise every time it shakes. Anyone else experience this?

 

I also have some clunking at low speeds over bumpy roads but I don't think that would be the power steering, more likely worn bushings or something.

Last week I opened the resevoir cap while the engine was running (and my driveway is on a very steep incline), that is when the noise started. I think some air got in so yesterday I bled the system by turning the wheel lock to lock several times and the it's much quieter now. Still a little loud but now I noticed the fluid level is low, so hopefully topping off the fluid and using the friction modifier will fix the rest of it.

 

Welcome to my world whiteSTR. Bushings, ball joints, tie rods, could be any of these. Visual inspection and testing of the components worked on finding my culprit.

 

If the noise is related to going over bumps. I would change the front sway bar bushings first. They are a lot cheaper than the lower ball joints!!
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have heard also that straight line bumps/knocks could be lower shock bushing...they take a beating

 

Saw this TSB on the steering issue:

TSB Number:21104NHTSA Number:10012365TSB Date:February 1, 2006Date Added to File:February 28, 2005Failing Component:
Steering:Electric Power Assist SystemSummary:
Squeaking noise may be apparent from the power assisted steering system when the steering wheel is rotated in either direction.

If any of your cars are still under warranty you may want to have it checked out.

Mike

 

Mike:
Can you post the entire TSB? I am trying to get copies of all the TSB's I can. The site that did carry a lot of them now has all broken links!!
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tbird6:

That was all the info I was able to get from the site I found. I can do some research to see what additional info I can come up with but it may take me a day or two. Here is the url for the site I found:

http://www.aboutautomobile.com/

They also have a TSB search link so you can search by TSB or NHSTA number but I couldn't bring up any additional information.

Mike

 

I got the Friction Modifier from the dealership. The first parts counter people had no clue what I was talking about, luckily the Manager knew what it was. I'll post the part # so that anybody who reads this knows what to ask for.

Now I need to top off my power steering fluid.
Can someone clarify what I need to use? Seems like I've read different things on this forum. The auto parts store wasn't able to cross-reference the Jaguar specifications.

 

I believe you have the ZF steering rack. I don't know it's name/part # etc but the PAS oil is probably Jag's JLM 21703. I have a note that it's Mobil ATF trans oil but I don't know WHICH Mobil ATF or the part # (but I'd like to!).

 

I found a TSB that has part #JLM21703 but the description just says "Mobil ATF" but when I go to the Mobil website they have 5 different ATFs listed:
ATF 3309, Multi-Vehicle ATF, ATF D/M, Dexron-VI ATF, and Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF. Not sure which can safely be used as power steering fluid?
I also thought the PS fluid in my car was clear? These are all ATFs and are colored red.

 

The Friction Modifier fluid part # is C2S48887. You get a small bottle of fluid and a little sticker with the part # that you put on the power steering reservoir so that others know the car has already received the additive.
I know this because my car already has the sticker! Luckily I noticed before I added what would have been a second dose. I wish I had known this before I made a trip to the dealer and paid $12 to get something I can't use. Plus it has the environmental warning so I can’t just throw it away.

 

Why not consider giving it a second dose since you already have the fluid? What harm could it do? Jaguar techs, here's your cue to jump in and enlighten us....

 

The stuff has gunk on the bottom, looks kind of like stop-leak additive. I can see how adding double amount could cause problems either making the fluid too thick or causing to much friction.
I have thought about just flushing the system and starting over using synthetic plus the additive.
I'm wondering now if air somehow is getting in the system. The groaning noise goes away but after driving for awhile comes back.

 

Turns out that the groaning noise was being caused by a bad fitting on the low pressure line. It was just loose enought to let in a little bit of air. Replaced the fitting and the noise hasn't come back for about 100 miles so far.

 

thanks for following up DTB, good man!

 

I have a 2003 3.0 with a manual transmission. I had a squeek that sounded like it was from the steering column. I tried light lubricant on the column with no success. I bought the Jaguar power steering fluid additive ($9) and it solved the problem. Don't know what it would do for louder/groaning sounds, but for $9, not a bad gamble. The service manager told me to install the fluid (2-3oz) at operating temperatures and then move the steering wheel from lock to lock and hold it at lock for 5 seconds. If you use this additive, be sure to remove the power steering fluid filter when you use the additive as this will catch the suspended particles in the additive.

 

Was this recommended by your jag dealer?