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Steering System - General Information: NVH Jaguar XF I

Steering ~189 words

Noise

SymptomPossible CausesAction
Continuous noiseLow power steering fluid levelCheck for leaks and rectify as required. For further information refer to the symptom charts for leakage in this section. Fill power steering fluid reservoir to correct level
NOTE: Look for small air bubbles visible in the fluid, air may also get trapped in the hydraulic system Air in hydraulic systemBleed the power steering system. Refer to: Power Steering System Bleeding .
Power steering pipe/hose in contact with the vehicle bodyCheck and reposition, or install new IF damaged/deformed, power steering pipe/hose
Power steering pipe/hose restricted or twistedCheck and clear restriction to pipe/hose Reposition power steering pipe/hose. Install new pipe/hose IF permanently damaged/deformed
Power steering pump mounting bolts looseTighten the power steering pump mounting bolts to the correct torque. Refer to: Specifications .
Noise gets worse when system is loadedNOTE: Refer to the power steering pressure check in this section Low power steering fluid level Aerated fluid Low power steering pump pressureCheck and fill power steering fluid reservoir to correct level Bleed the power steering system. Refer to: Power Steering System Bleeding . Check power steering pump pressure. If the pump pressure is low, install a new power steering pump
Front End Accessory Drive (FEAD) belt squealFEAD belt incorrectly tensioned or glazedCheck FEAD belt tension Check FEAD belt condition and install a new belt as required
Chirp noise from the steering pump when a load is appliedLoose or worn FEAD beltCheck FEAD belt tension Check FEAD belt condition and install a new belt as required
Scrape/grind noise from behind steering wheel while steeringSteering column shroud foul condition or clockspringCorrectly install the steering column shroud to eliminate the foul condition Install a new clockspring as required
Foreign objectsRemove foreign objects from between steering column shroud and steering wheel/steering column rotating components
ClickClockspring or steering column multifunction switch LHCorrectly install and install new components as required
Loose universal joint pinch boltInstall a new universal joint pinch bolt and tighten to correct specification. Refer to: Specifications .
SqueakSteering column shroud jointsApply Krytox spray to steering column shroud joints
ClockspringInstall new clockspring as required
KnockLoose fixings (universal joint pinch bolt and steering column fixings)Tighten fixings to correct specification. Refer to: Specifications .
RattleForeign objectsRemove foreign objects from between steering column shroud and steering wheel/steering column rotating components
Loose fixingsTighten steering column fixings to correct specification. Refer to: Specifications .
Noise while adjusting columnElectric motor/solenoidNOTE: Before carrying out repairs/replacement, assess column adjustment noise levels against other vehicles of the same model Install new components as required
Motor spindle/lead screwLubricate lead screw
NOTE
Look for small air bubbles visible in the fluid, air may also get trapped in the hydraulic system
NOTE
Refer to the power steering pressure check in this section
NOTE
Before carrying out repairs/replacement, assess column adjustment noise levels against other vehicles of the same model

Vibration

SymptomPossible CausesAction
Wheel Fight (Kick Back) - condition where roughness is felt in the steering wheel by the driver when the vehicle is driven over rough surfacesLoose or worn steering components/bushingsCAUTION: DO NOT attempt to adjust the steering gear yoke. Failure to follow this instruction will invalidate the steering gear warranty. Tighten and install new steering components/bushings as required
Loose or worn suspension components/bushingsTighten and install new suspension components/bushings as required
Nibble (Shimmy) - condition where oscillation of the steering wheel occurs (not vertical which is Shake). This is driven by road wheel imbalanceRoad wheel and tire conditionCheck for wheel and tire damage. Install new components as required Check for tire uniformity. Install new tire(s) as required
Road wheel imbalanceCheck and adjust road wheel balance as required
Shake - condition where vertical vibration of the steering wheel/column occurs (not oscillation which is Nibble)NOTE: Vibration smooths out after several miles of driving Road wheel imbalance due to tire flat-spottingEnsure tires installed are to Jaguar specification. Install new tires as required Check and adjust tire pressures to correct specification
CAUTION
DO NOT attempt to adjust the steering gear yoke. Failure to follow this instruction will invalidate the steering gear warranty.
NOTE
Vibration smooths out after several miles of driving

Hum

Continuous sound of varying frequencies, like a wire humming in the wind.

Rattle

A sound suggesting looseness, such as marbles rolling around in a can.

Squeak

High-pitched sound like rubbing a clean window.

Column Rattle

Column rattle is a metallic sounding noise created when applying a highly impulsive force to the steering wheel. Column rattle is often used to combine the more general group of column noises including clonk and column knock. Column rattle noises can be caused by clonk, knock, loose column components, bonus parts etc. A series of parked, straight-line driving, and cornering tests should be carried out to isolate the source/sources.

Rattles

Rattles are noises caused by knocking or hitting of components in the steering system. Steering rattles can occur in the engine compartment, the suspension, or the passenger compartment. Rattles can be caused by loose components, movable and flexible components, and improper clearances.

Squeaks/Scrapes

Squeaks/Scrapes are noises due to friction or component rubbing anywhere in the steering system. Squeaks/Scrapes have appeared in steering linkages and joints, in column components and in column and steering wheel trim.