Well it has been coming on for about a week or two but today my steering column groans pretty loud when i put the key and and it sets itself. The noise does sound like it needs to be greased but where to do that and can i do that. It is when the wheel is going down.. not up or front or back.

Any help is appreciated.

Also, i been hearing a CHIRPING sound after I drive for about 20 min. It starts only when I turn the wheel to the left??? But sometimes it would chirp when i get on the brakes?? I would think that it would be something that is moving and rubbing but it has also happened when just driving down the road. When it happens I do seem to get it to stop for a bit by reaching way under the dash on the back of the steering column and hit that with my hand. ( Not good to do at 90!!! Just a consumer safety tip) I wonder if they are related???

Thanks to the forums!!!!

 

could be the steering rack, notice any leaks from beneath the car? Another xk8 owner just replaced theirs with a rebuilt unit from coventry.

Check your power steering fluid, make sure its full and its bright red (not brown). I had a leak, didn't know it, and almost ran my power steering pump dry...it would groan on startup at first, then it would groan more frequently when driving. Found the leak, fixed it, filled the pump, and all is well. Those pumps are well built.

 

No leaks... and checked the power steering fluid.. looks okay ( might need a smidge ).

Are talking about the groan or the chirp??? Hell, or both?

 

my groan was the pump running dry...yours, not really sure. Have someone start the car while you find a comfy spot atop the engine bay

 

Mine is defiantly the power tilt steering wheel. It is bad when it lowers into position and seems likes it needs greased.