Steering column on '03 Jag S-Type whines and groans when turning steering wheel. Jag dealer says this is common and is not a serious, accident-causing problem. Said if I replaced the lubricant in the column reservoir the problem would be fixed only 20% of the time. To lube each joint in the column will cost over $1200US. Should I be concerned about this noise and problem? Or, is there another fix?

A squeak or a whining noise? If it is a squeak then it is something mechanical from your steering column down. Could be anything from rack and pinion to the tie rods and ball joints. If it is a whining noise the you need to check your power steering fluid and power steering pump. If the fluid is low then you have a leak in the power steering system somewhere and needs to be fixed before you ruin the pump.

Groaning in the column itself could be the column bearings, or perhaps the horn contacts, although they make more of a scraping sound. A little lube sprayed between the steering wheel and column may help that. If you're referring to noise in the steering itself, sometimes the front upper control arm bushings groan when they're worn out. Or power steering fluid loss due to leakage from rotted power steering lines under the van. Trying to address all that I can think of, but your question is rather vague.

You will have to remove the lock and then make sure the steering wheel lock is permanently disengaged before putting the column back together without the lock cylinder. While you are there, you can also remove the ignition switch and reconnect it external to the column so you can use it. Here is the procedure: Except 240 Series
See Figures 1 and 2

WARNING
Before working the steering system, read the SRS service precautions in Chassis Electrical .

1. Place the front wheels in straight-ahead position.
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable AND TAPE the cable end.
3. Remove the air bag assembly.
4. Remove the steering wheel.
5. Remove the contact reel assembly.
6. Remove the combination switch.
7. Remove the steering column rake adjustment lever using a 0.12 in. (3mm) hex wrench.
8. Remove the parking plate around the steering tube (4 screws).
9. Disconnect the ignition lock connector.
10. Turn the ignition switch to position I .
11. Take a 0.079 inch (2mm) drift and press down the tumblers in the cylinder.
12. Remove the lock assembly.

To install:

1. Install the steering lock assembly.
2. Turn the ignition switch to position I and press down the tumblers with a suitable drift
3. Install the lock assembly.
4. Install the combination switch assembly.
5. Install the contact reel.
6. Install the steering wheel.
7. Install the air bag assembly.

CAUTION
When connecting the battery, make sure that no one is in the vehicle in case of an SRS malfunction causing accidental air bag deployment.

1. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Check the vehicle operation and SRS system for fault codes.

It sounds like the steering column bearings are loose or worn out, a full tear-down and inspection is required before any parts are replaced, it may be easier to just buy a good used steering column.

hi thomas.
this link might help you find out why.
2003 Jaguar Type Steering column rubbing sound Google Search

the whining noise you are experiencing are coming from under the bonnet and you need to have the belt serviced. look for any oil leaks and correct them first. if not inspect the condition of the belt and and whether or not you can read it normally. if not it should be turned around. sounds absolutely crazy i know. it has worked for me for about 10 years. it could be just worn and excessively glazed and cracked. simple fix bloke. cheers.

i am a saturn tech and ive never heard of this concern,the columns do go bad but they just set a ses light and cut out power,the column could be bad,it could also be the intermediate shaft u joint binding,,,i rec take to dealer, could be serious

The whine is most likely your power steering pump. Check the fluid in the pump. If you are low on power steering fluid you may have a leaking hose or fitting or the seals in the pump may have began leaaking. If you continue to run the auto without power steering fluid you will burn up the power steering pump very quickly.

sounds more like the rack and pinion unit has an internal problem

Jiggle the steering wheel straight then proceed to turn key the steering column gets locked and immobile try that guys/ Please rate my response thank you very much