I recently acquired a base V6 coupe (it does have a 6-speed manual if that matters). The car runs great but I do feel something isn't right with the steering.  Intermittently there is some stickiness to the steering when I turn left. When turning to the right (at any speed) it is smooth and linear. When I turn to the left, however, the steering seems hard and stiff momentarily when turning in off center.  After that it does seem to come back to normal, but it is disconcerting.

I checked the normal basics like tire pressures, PS fluid (clean and full), and tire wear is even so it doesn't appear to be an alignment issue. I read somewhere that turning the steering wheel from lock to lock a few times in accessory mode can reset the steering position sensor. That wasn't easy since the car doesn't have power steering in acc mode, but I did it on a gravel road for less friction.  However, there was no change.

Does anyone have any other thoughts about what could be causing this? Is it normal? Do I have an impending expensive repair to worry about?

Thanks!

Hi Steve, unless there is a fault developing in the steering rack, which is unlikely, I would jack up the front end and undertake the lock to lock reset with nil load on the front end to see if that makes any difference.

If the steering position sensor goes, then the input feeling is very different. The turn in feels light and there is no self centring return, i.e. you need to manually rotate the steering wheel back to the straight ahead position.

Whilst the front end is off the ground, check the play in bearings and bushes just to be sure.

Otherwise, enjoy the wonderful world of Jaguar motoring.

N6 JMX

Great suggestion, thanks!

 

The manual steering sensor reset didn't appear to help so I have it going to an import specialist tomorrow.  Unfortunately (or maybe not), the nearest Jaguar dealer is nearly 3 hours away so I'll try this first.