[xj40] 1988 with sticky power steering when cold

The power steering on my 88 Sovereign is very lazy in the mornings,
the colder the weather the lazier it is. There is no power
assistance until about the same time as the coolant is warm enough
for the heater blowers to operate on 'Auto’and full heat. It was
interesting in the recent ice as there is no warning when the power
steering would decide to work…mid corner with biceps bulging it
will suddenly kick in. Needs quick reactions not to oversteer.

In the summer it’s fine with power at all times. It has got worse
over the past 2 years and I think it may fail the MOT at the end of
January (not known for warm weather in the UK).

Could this be a valve, pump or rack problem?–
fj12
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In reply to a message from fj12 sent Sun 9 Jan 2011:

Mine was like this for ages - stiff in the cold - then it
got very bad indeed, and I found the fluid reservoir to be
nearly dry. A second-hand rack cured it. In the meantime -
you might check your fluid level.–
babu: 1990 RHD Jaguar Sovereign 4.0L
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In reply to a message from fj12 sent Sun 9 Jan 2011:

OUCH…No power steering when it’s cold, now that’s a bit dangerous!

I don’t think could weather is your real problem. I see you live
in the U.K. and It just dosen’t get THAT COLD there. Power
steering fluid in general is not affected by lower temperatures and
unless it’s ‘‘REALLY’’ cold the seals in your pump and rack shouldn’t
be affected either.

First check you power steering fluid level, if it’s low that could
result in some decreased assist. Next, I’d advise that you flush
the system and change the fluid. Finally be REALLY careful driving
until you get this problem resolved, we need all the posters we can
get!–
Groove
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In reply to a message from fj12 sent Sun 9 Jan 2011:

The seals have all hardened in the steering rack, and they
soften up after a bit of use. I drove mine like that for
years and it gradually got worse (but I live in a warm
climate). I finally bit the bullet and replaced the steering
rack. I don’t think there’s any other cure.–
84 XJS, 89 XJS, 89 XJ40
Santa Barbara, CA, United States
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In reply to a message from WayneC sent Sun 9 Jan 2011:

While hard seals might result in a little resistance in the power
steering assist operation, I don’t think it would account for this
problem.

More than likely hardened or deteriorated seals would result in
severe leaks. Have you noticed any power steering puddles? If not
have you checked to see if the power steering fluid is low (fluid
may have leaked into the rack boots)?–
Groove
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In reply to a message from Grooveman sent Mon 10 Jan 2011:

Thanks for the suggestions.
There is some leakage from the power steering pipes, not enough to
cause a pool or even decent drip under the car. The fluid level is
correct and requires little topping up. The system was flushed and
new fluid added last year, made little difference.

I will check the boots soonish. Anyone have a good second hand rack?–
The original message included these comments:

While hard seals might result in a little resistance in the power
steering assist operation, I don’t think it would account for this
problem.
More than likely hardened or deteriorated seals would result in
severe leaks. Have you noticed any power steering puddles? If not
have you checked to see if the power steering fluid is low (fluid


fj12
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