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Steering System - General Information: Other Jaguar XF I

Steering 1 illustration ~1212 words

Functional

SymptomPossible CausesAction
Steering wheel misalignmentSteering not correctly centeredCheck the steering alignment. Refer to Specifications information.
Excessive free play at steering wheel (refer to the Steering Linkage Inspection and Backlash (Free play) Check in this section)Steering wheel looseCheck and tighten the steering wheel retaining bolt as required. Refer to: Specifications .
Excess play in the steering linkageCheck and install new components as required
Steering gear not correctly adjusted (causing excessive backlash)CAUTION: DO NOT attempt to adjust the steering gear yoke. Failure to follow this instruction will invalidate the steering gear warranty Check and install a new steering gear as required, refer to the new module/component installation note at the top of the Symptom Charts
Lower steering column universal joint pinch bolts looseCheck and tighten the lower steering column pinch bolts as required. Refer to: Specifications .
Excessive wear in steering column universal jointsCheck and install a new steering column or steering column lower shaft as required, refer to the new module/component installation note at the top of the Symptom Charts
Steering gear mounting bolts loose or damagedCheck/tighten and install new steering gear mounting bolts as required. Refer to: Specifications .
Wear in steering gear tie-rod end ball jointsCheck and install new tie-rod ends as required, refer to the new module/component installation note at the top of the Symptom Charts
NOTE: Inner ball joint wear is rare. The steering gear installed to all Jaguar vehicles has a spring loaded pinion to ensure the correct level of engagement between the rack and pinion. This play is optimized with the steering gear in the central position and should not be confused with inner ball joint wear. Check for vertical motion in the inner ball joint with the steering gear in the central position. Wear in steering gear inner ball jointsCheck and install new steering gear as required, refer to the new module/component installation note at the top of the Symptom Charts
Wear in suspension ball joints/bushingsCheck and install new components as required
Veer under brakingSteering gear not correctly adjustedCAUTION: DO NOT attempt to adjust the steering gear yoke. Failure to follow this instruction will invalidate the steering gear warranty Check and install a new steering gear as required, refer to the new module/component installation note at the top of the Symptom Charts
Contamination of brake pads and discsCheck and rectify the source of the contamination and install new brake pads and discs as required, refer to the new module/component installation note at the top of the Symptom Charts
Seized front brake caliper slide pins or piston Damaged brake discsCheck and rectify sticking slide pins and install new calipers as required, refer to the new module/component installation note at the top of the Symptom Charts Check and install new brake discs as required, refer to the new module/component installation note at the top of the Symptom Charts
Vehicle pulls to one side when driving on a level surfaceUneven tire wear Incorrect tire pressureFor information on diagnosis of uneven tire wear. Refer to Suspension System information. Check and adjust tire pressures as required. Refer to Specifications information.
Incorrect geometry settingsNOTE: Dealerships must keep a copy of the BEFORE and AFTER geometry figures with job card for future reference Check and adjust geometry as required. Refer to Refer to Camber and Caster Adjustment and Refer to Front Toe Adjustment and Refer to Rear Toe Adjustment information.
Vehicle is unevenly loaded or overloadedNotify the customer of incorrect vehicle loading
Steering gear is not correctly adjustedCAUTION: DO NOT attempt to adjust the steering gear yoke. Failure to follow this instruction will invalidate the steering gear warranty Check and install a new steering gear as required, refer to the new module/component installation note at the top of the Symptom Charts
Loose, damaged or worn front suspension componentsCheck/tighten and install new front suspension components as required. Refer to Specifications information.
Loose, damaged or worn rear suspension componentsCheck/tighten and install new rear suspension components as required. Refer to Specifications information.
Incorrect brake operationFor information on diagnosis of the brake system. Refer to Brake System information.
Incorrect underbody alignmentSet underbody alignment referring to the Removal and Installation procedures in section 502-00 of the service information for instruction
Vehicle wanders from side to side when driven straight ahead and the steering wheel is held in a firm positionIncorrect tire pressure or tire sizeCheck and adjust the tire pressures as required. Refer to Specifications information. Check and install a new tire as required
Vehicle is unevenly or excessively loadedNotify the customer of incorrect vehicle loading
Incorrect toe adjustmentCheck and adjust as required. Refer to Refer to Camber and Caster Adjustment and Refer to Front Toe Adjustment and Refer to Rear Toe Adjustment information.
Loose or worn steering gear tie-rod end(s)Check/tighten and install a new tie-rod end as required. Refer to Refer to Specifications and Refer to Tie Rod End information.
Loose or worn suspension ball joint(s)Check/tighten and install a new suspension ball joint assembly as required. Refer to Specifications information.
Steering column universal joint pinch bolt looseCheck/tighten the steering column universal joint pinch bolt to the correct torque. Refer to: Specifications .
Loose or worn rear suspension componentsCheck/tighten and install new rear suspension components as required. Refer to Specifications information.
Poor self center action of the steeringIncorrect tire pressure, size or typeCheck/adjust the tire pressure and install correct tire as required. Refer to Specifications information.
Incorrect geometry adjustmentNOTE: Dealerships must keep a copy of the BEFORE and AFTER geometry figures with job card for future reference Check and adjust as required. Refer to Refer to Camber and Caster Adjustment and Refer to Front Toe Adjustment and Refer to Rear Toe Adjustment information.
Steering column/steering column lower shaft interferenceCheck the steering column and steering column lower shaft are free from interference from the engine harness, sound proofing and floor covering
Steering column shroud fouling on the steering wheelCorrectly install/align as necessary
Steering column universal joints binding or stiffCheck and install a new upper or lower steering column as required. Refer to Refer to Steering Column and Refer to Steering Column Flexible Coupling information.
Steering column lower shaft floor seal incorrectly installed, binding or damagedCorrectly install or install new lower shaft as required.
Binding or damaged steering gear tie-rod(s)Check and install a new tie-rod end as required. Refer to Steering Column Flexible Coupling information.
Loose, damaged or worn front suspension componentsCheck/tighten and install new front suspension components as required. Refer to Specifications information.
Excessive steering efforts required during low speed/rapid maneuvering and/or during parking maneuversLow power steering fluidCheck and rectify any fluid leakage. Fill to correct level. Refer to: Specifications .
Damaged Front End Accessory Drive (FEAD) belt tensionerCheck and install a new FEAD belt tensioner as required
Power steering hose or fluid cooler restrictionCheck hoses and cooler for restriction/damage and install new components as required
Power steering fluid aerationBleed the power steering system. Refer to: Power Steering System Bleeding .
Steering transducer not closed - no feed voltage or cable faultRefer to the electrical circuit diagrams and test power steering solenoid circuit
NOTE: REFER to the power steering pressure check in this section. Power steering fluid delivery pressure or flow too low Internal steering gear leakageCheck and install a new power steering pump or steering gear as required
Steering operation is very heavy when VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AT LOW SPEED, but when stationary maneuvering is NORMALSteering transducer open earlyRefer to the electrical circuit diagrams and test steering transducer circuit
Speedometer signal errorCheck for vehicle speed related DTCs and refer to the relevant DTC Index
Steering operation is very light when VEHICLE IN MOTION AT HIGHER SPEED, but when stationary maneuvering is NORMALSteering transducer not open, (no power steering fluid flow)Refer to the electrical circuit diagrams and test steering transducer circuit
Speedometer signal errorCheck for vehicle speed related DTCs and refer to the relevant DTC Index
Power steering fluid low pressure pipe/hose restricted flowCheck for kinking or blockage of pipe/hose Ensure correct installation and install a new power steering fluid low pressure pipe/hose as necessary
Fluid reservoir filter blockedCheck and install a new reservoir, refill with fluid and bleed the system
Steering operation is heavy in one directionLower steering column interferenceCheck the steering column is free from interference from the engine harness, sound proofing or the floor covering
Incorrect steering geometryNOTE: Dealerships must keep a copy of the BEFORE and AFTER geometry figures with job card for future reference. Check and adjust the front wheel alignment. Refer to: Camber and Caster Adjustment and Refer to Front Toe Adjustment and Refer to Rear Toe Adjustment information.
Faulty rotary valve/sealNOTE: Refer to the power steering pressure check in this section If the power steering system pressure is low but the power steering pump maximum output pressure is correct install a new steering gear
Tire fouling on the wheel arch liner or suspension componentsCheck for correct installation or damage to wheel arch liner and suspension components. Correctly install and install new components as required Check tire for correct size, type and pressure
Damaged steering gear cylinder feed pipeCheck and install new components as required
Steering operation is heavy in both directionsLow power steering fluidCheck and rectify any fluid leaks. Refer to the fluid leakage symptom charts in this section Fill power steering system to correct level
Faulty rotary valve/sealNOTE: Refer to the power steering pressure check in this section If the power steering system pressure is low but the power steering pump maximum output pressure is correct, install a new steering gear
NOTE: Refer to the power steering pressure check in this section Power steering fluid delivery pressure or flow too low Internal steering gear leakageCheck and install a new power steering pump or steering gear as required
Fluid loss at the power steering pump shaft sealCheck and install a new power steering pump as required. Refer to: Power Steering Pump - 2.7L Diesel information. Refer to Power Steering Pump - 4.2L information.
Steering column universal joints binding or stiffCheck and install a new upper or lower steering column as required. Refer to: Steering Column and Refer to Steering Column Flexible Coupling information.
Seized front ball jointsCheck and install new components as required
Seized or worn steering gearCheck and install new steering gear as required
Steering operation varies from heavy to light when driving at constant speedLower steering column interferenceCheck the steering column is free from interference from the engine harness, sound proofing and floor covering
Incorrect speedometer signalCheck for vehicle speed related DTCs and see the relevant DTC Index
Power steering solenoid circuit faultRefer to the electrical circuit diagrams and test power steering solenoid circuit
Steering column universal joint binding or stiffCheck and install a new upper or lower steering column as required. Refer to: Steering Column and Refer to Steering Column Flexible Coupling information.
Uncharacteristic effort/speed relationshipPower steering solenoid circuit faultRefer to the electrical circuit diagrams and test power steering solenoid circuit
Excessive kick-back through steering wheelIncorrect tire pressure, size or typeCheck and adjust the tire pressure and install correct tire as required. Refer to Specifications information.
NOTE: Inner ball joint wear is rare. The steering gear installed to all Jaguar vehicles have a spring loaded pinion to ensure the correct level of engagement between the rack and pinion. This play is optimized with the steering gear in the central position and should not be confused with inner ball joint wear. Check for vertical motion in the inner ball joint with the steering gear in the central position. Badly worn steering gear/linkageCheck and install new steering gear and tie-rod ends as required
Loose or worn front suspension components/bushingsTighten and install new front suspension components as required. Refer to: Specifications .
Column will not adjust Column will not move to memory positionElectrical/electronic failureCheck steering column movement datalogger signal using the manufacturer approved diagnostic system Check fuses/relays Check instrument cluster for column movement/memory related DTCs and refer to DTC Index. Refer to Instrument Cluster information. If DTCs B1C3314, B1C3514 are stored, and the column inches when the switch is activated and there is no memory recall function, there will be an existing fault with the circuit, if the column function is OK the fault is intermittent If DTCs B1C3277, B1C3477 are stored, these should be ignored in this case Check condition of wiring and connectors Carry out column calibration application using the manufacturer approved diagnostic system. The BAR code information is located in the right hand luggage compartment floor area below the carpet Check seat control memory module
Motor locked/jammedCheck to see if mechanism has reached hard end stops Free mechanism Replace motor with appropriate service kit
Column easy entry/exit does not functionElectrical/electronic failureTurn column adjust switch to AUTO position, check that 'Column Adjust AUTO' text is displayed in the instrument cluster message center Check steering column movement datalogger signal using the manufacturer approved diagnostic system Check fuses/relays Check instrument cluster for column movement/memory related DTCs and refer to DTC Index. Refer to Instrument Cluster information. If DTCs B1C3314, B1C3514 are stored, and the column inches when the switch is activated and there is no memory recall function, there will be an existing fault with the circuit, if the column function is OK the fault is intermittent If DTCs B1C3277, B1C3477 are stored, these should be ignored in this case Check condition of wiring and connectors Carry out column calibration application using the manufacturer approved diagnostic system. The BAR code information is located in the right hand luggage compartment floor area below the carpet Check seat control memory module for DTCs and refer to DTC Index
Electromechanical Steering column lock will not operateInternal lock failureRefer to the electrical circuit diagrams and test steering column lock circuit Install a new steering column lock as required
CAUTION
DO NOT attempt to adjust the steering gear yoke. Failure to follow this instruction will invalidate the steering gear warranty
NOTE
Inner ball joint wear is rare. The steering gear installed to all Jaguar vehicles has a spring loaded pinion to ensure the correct level of engagement between the rack and pinion. This play is optimized with the steering gear in the central position and should not be confused with inner ball joint wear. Check for vertical motion in the inner ball joint with the steering gear in the central position.
CAUTION
DO NOT attempt to adjust the steering gear yoke. Failure to follow this instruction will invalidate the steering gear warranty
NOTE
Dealerships must keep a copy of the BEFORE and AFTER geometry figures with job card for future reference
CAUTION
DO NOT attempt to adjust the steering gear yoke. Failure to follow this instruction will invalidate the steering gear warranty
NOTE
Dealerships must keep a copy of the BEFORE and AFTER geometry figures with job card for future reference
NOTE
REFER to the power steering pressure check in this section.
NOTE
Dealerships must keep a copy of the BEFORE and AFTER geometry figures with job card for future reference.
NOTE
Refer to the power steering pressure check in this section
NOTE
Refer to the power steering pressure check in this section
NOTE
Refer to the power steering pressure check in this section
NOTE
Inner ball joint wear is rare. The steering gear installed to all Jaguar vehicles have a spring loaded pinion to ensure the correct level of engagement between the rack and pinion. This play is optimized with the steering gear in the central position and should not be confused with inner ball joint wear. Check for vertical motion in the inner ball joint with the steering gear in the central position.

Boom

Rhythmic sound like a drum roll or distant thunder. May cause pressure on the ear drum.

Buzz

Low-pitched sound, like a bee. Usually associated with vibrations.

Chatter

Rapidly repeating metallic sound.

Chuckle

Rapid noise that sounds like a stick against the spokes of a spinning bicycle wheel.

Chirp

High pitched rapidly repeating sound, like chirping birds.

Click

Light sound, like a ball point pen being clicked.

Click/Thump

Heavy metal-to-metal sound, like a hammer striking steel.

Grind

Abrasive sound, like a grinding wheel or sandpaper rubbing against wood.

Groan/Moan

Continuous, low-pitched humming sound.

Groan/Howl

Low, guttural sound, like an angry dog.

Hiss

Continuous sound like air escaping from a tire valve.

Knock

Heavy, loud repeating sound like a knock on a door.

Ping

Similar to knock, except at higher frequency.

Roar

Deep, long, prolonged sound like an animal, or winds and ocean waves.

Rumble

Low, heavy continuous sound like that made by wagons or thunder.

Scrape

Grating noise like one hard plastic part rubbing against another.

Squeal

Continuous, high-pitched sound like running finger nails across a chalkboard.

Tap

Light, hammering sound like tapping pencil on edge of table. May be rhythmic or intermittent.

Whirr/Whine

High-pitched buzzing sound, like an electric motor or drill.

Whistle

Sharp, shrill sound, like wind passing a small opening.

Belt Squeal

Belt squeal is a high frequency air-borne noise generated by slippage of the ribbed Vee belt on the power steering pump pulley. Squeal increases with system loading and at full lock.

Clonk

Clonk is a structure-borne noise heard as a loose-sounding rattle or vibration coming from the steering column. Clonk can be identified by driving and turning over cobblestones, rough roads, or high frequency bumps such as 25-50 mm tall tar strips. Clonk requires a tie-rod load impact.

Column Knock

Column knock is a loose-sounding rattle or vibration generated by the steering column shaft contacting other portions of the column assembly. The noise is both audible and tactile. Column knock is generated by driving over cobblestones or rough pavement. It is not necessary to turn the steering wheel to create this noise.

Grinding/Scrape

Grinding is a low frequency noise in the column when the steering wheel is turned. It is generally caused by interference between moving components such as the steering wheel to steering column shroud.

Grunt (Squawk/Whoop)

Grunt is a 'honking' sound elicited when coming off one of the steering stops. Grunt is generally excited during parking maneuvers with a low to medium speed steering input.

Hiss (Swish)

Hiss or Valve Hiss is a high-frequency sound coming from the steering gear when the system is loaded. It is a rushing or 'swish' noise that doesn't change frequency with RPM. Hiss is the general noise generated by the flow of hydraulic fluid through restrictions in the steering system. Restrictions include the rotary steering valve, power steering tubes, connectors, tuning orifices, etc. Hiss can be air-borne and structure-borne, but the structure-borne path through the steering intermediate shaft is usually dominant.

Moan (Groan)

Moan is the general structure-borne noise of the steering system. Moan is primarily transmitted to the driver via the body structure through the pump mount, engine mounts, power steering lines and power steering brackets. On some vehicles, moan is a loud humming noise, often present when the wheel is turned and the system is loaded. It may change frequency with engine RPM and if the system is loaded or unloaded.

Steering Gear Knock (Steering Gear Slap)

CAUTIONDO NOT attempt to adjust the steering gear yoke. Failure to follow this instruction will invalidate the steering gear warranty.

Steering gear knock is a rattle sound and steering wheel vibration caused by separation of the steering gear and pinion while driving over bumps. It is a structure-borne noise transmitted through the intermediate shaft and column. Steering gear knock can also be heard as a 'thump' or impact noise that occurs with the vehicle stationary when the steering wheel is released from a loaded position and allowed to return to rest. Noise occurs with the engine on or off.

Weep

Weep is an air-borne noise, occasionally generated when turning the steering across lock at a constant rate. When present on a vehicle the noise, once initiated can often be maintained across a large proportion of the available steering movement.

Whistle is similar to hiss but is louder and of a higher frequency. It is also more of a pure tone noise than hiss. Whistle is air-borne and is generated by a high flow rate of hydraulic fluid through a small restriction.

Zip

Zip noise is the air-borne noise generated by power steering pump cavitation when power steering fluid does not flow freely through the suction hose from the reservoir to the pump. Zip primarily occurs during cold weather at start-up.

Buzz is a tactile rotary vibration felt in the steering wheel when steering inputs are slow. Buzz can also be called a grinding feel and it is closely related to grunt and is caused by high system gain with low damping. Buzz is generally excited during parking maneuvers with low to medium speed steering input.

Buzz (Electrical)

A different steering buzz can be caused by pulse width modulated (PWM) electric actuators used in variable assist steering systems. This buzz is felt by turning the ignition key to run without starting the engine and holding onto the steering wheel. In extreme cases, the buzz can be felt with the engine running also.

Column/Steering Wheel Shake

Column shake is a low frequency vertical vibration excited by primary engine vibrations.

Nibble (Shimmy)

Steering nibble is a rotary oscillation or vibration of the steering wheel, which can be excited at a specific vehicle speed. Nibble is driven by wheel and tire imbalance exciting a suspension recession mode, which then translates into steering gear travel and finally steering wheel nibble.

Shudder (Judder)

Shudder is a low frequency oscillation of the entire steering system (tire, wheels, steering gear and linkage, etc.) when the vehicle is steered during static-park or at low speeds. Shudder is very dependent on road surface.

Wheel Fight (Kick Back)

Wheel fight is excess feedback of sudden road forces through the steering system and back to the driver. It is evaluated at all vehicle speeds over cobblestones, rough roads, and potholes. The tires, wheels, and suspension generate forces into the steering systems. Steering friction, hydraulic damping, hydraulic compliance, mechanical compliance, steering ratio, and assist gain all affect how much is transmitted to the driver.

POWER STEERING SYSTEM BLEEDING

Note. Some variation in the illustrations may occur, but the essential information is always correct.

Scheme 15

Scheme 15: POWER STEERING SYSTEM BLEEDING
  1. Clean power steering fluid reservoir around the filler cap and fluid indicator. Check the power steering fluid, if aerated, wait until fluid is free from bubbles then top-up reservoir to UPPER level mark with recommended fluid.
  2. Remove the filler cap and fill to the MAX level mark. Install the reservoir filler cap.
  3. Start the engine and allow to run for 10 seconds, stop the engine. Check the power steering fluid, if aerated, wait until fluid is free from bubbles then top-up reservoir to UPPER level mark with recommended fluid.
  4. Start the engine and turn steering fully lock to lock, stop the engine. Check and top-up power steering fluid level.
  5. Start and run the engine for 2 minutes, turn the steering fully lock to lock. Check and top-up power steering fluid level.