hi guys, i've had my 99 xk8 for 3 years and since that time the steering has slowly got stiffer at slow speeds.is it valved in the pump or is there a fuse involved,and if so where?...steve.

 

I am going to assume that you checked the power steering fluid already and topped it up if needed.

The fuse for the speed sensitive steering controller is #12, 10A, in the driver side fuse box. This fused circuit is shared with the climate system, so if that is working normally, it is likely not a fuse problem.

 

Just for Reference, if the wiring to the Rack Mounted Solenoid is Disconnected, The Steering will be set to Minimum Boost (More Effort from Driver required).

 

Which leads to my question. Is it possible to adjust the steering at baseline for slow speeds to deliberately have a bit more resistance? My 2000 XK8 is great to drive, but the power steering at slow speeds is so low on resistance (easier than my 2004 Honda Accord V6) that it doesn't feel... well... sporty. I'd like less "over"-powered steering. I was told that such things are intrinsic to the car but...

 

The Mapping lives inside the Variable Steering Control Module and is probably Hard Wired and not easily changeable.

Actually, in my case I like the Max Boost (Low Effort) at ALL Speeds.

Accordingly, I disconnected the Pulse Signal from the Speedometer to the Variable Steering Module.

The Module thinks that the Car is always going Zero mph and always sends voltage to the Rack Solenoid calling for Max Boost.

 

A few people have added a switch to disconnect the steering controller so the system can operate normally or at maximum resistance as a crude means of control or permanently disconnected it as Paul did.

If you visit the planned product section of by website (below) you will see I have a product in development that will allow full control of your steering force preferences. I plan to have a choice of variable steering effort programs to suit your preferences, or allow the driver to dynamically change the steering effort to a fixed level at will.

LIke all of my products it will be a seamless integation and will be easy to install. It will use the existing dashboard display and steering wheel buttons.

Look for this towards the end of 2012.

 

thanks guys,it was not the fuse,an i miss it at slow speeds....steve.

 

The fluid reservoir has an integral filter that can clog and cause fluid flow problems.
The pump can be worn and not provide flow at low speeds.

bob gauff

 

Jaguar does have a test for the fault.

bob gauff

 

Too bad it doesn't have the same effect on radar

 

thanks motorcarman,the clogged filter makes sense.i'll have to find time to look at it this week,meanwhile i had a r/f tire blowout on friday.tires have less then 4000 miles and i got them from tire-rack,and am sure i got road hazard with them,as sone as i dig up the paper work i'll know.whats weird is their is a hole in the middle of the tred the size of a 22 cal.round...steve.