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power steering can't keep up

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Old 07-07-2008, 05:10 AM
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yusoslo
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Default power steering can't keep up

I havent read this anywhere yet but it has become a pain in the butt in the slalom. Low rpm 2nd gear the car just dies when it comes to power steering. It can't keep up and even though I am a strong guy I have a hard time turning the wheel just to make the damn turn.


anyone else experience this?
Old 07-07-2008, 05:39 AM
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BloMyS14
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I have a power steering cooler now but before the cooler it would get boiling and overflow but never just stopped working.
Old 07-07-2008, 05:58 AM
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davids
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Maybe the power steering pump is going.
Old 07-07-2008, 07:08 AM
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yusoslo
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hmm at 35k miles?

I hope not but at quick lock to lock, low speeds, low revs, and I am running 265 front tires.
Old 07-07-2008, 09:28 AM
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DriveI65
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I used to notice this with the 2003. The feeling was that the steering couldn't keep up with the inputs. I don't experience it with my 2008. BTW, I'm running 285s Kuhmos all around.
Old 07-07-2008, 10:16 AM
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DavesZ#3
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Other autocrossers who have driven my Z have commented on how slow the steering seems to react to quick inputs. I don't really have anything else to compare it to so it's hard to say.

As DriveI65 points out - there is a difference between the steering on the 03-05 models and 06+. In 06 Nissan switched to a speed sensitive steering.
Old 07-07-2008, 10:33 AM
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davids
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Dave, are the parts out there to make the "upgrade" to an 03-05 model? I'm not entirely sure of what's involved but I'm curious to know.

Also, did the G35's get the change earlier or at the same time?
Old 07-07-2008, 11:34 AM
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DavesZ#3
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Not sure about the G's. I haven't seen anything on doing an upgrade either. I'll have to go compare part numbers on the PS pump, rack, etc. and see where the difference is.
Old 07-07-2008, 11:45 AM
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davids
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Originally Posted by DavesZ#3
Not sure about the G's. I haven't seen anything on doing an upgrade either. I'll have to go compare part numbers on the PS pump, rack, etc. and see where the difference is.
I think it would be very helpful to get something documented for it; especially if it's an inexpensive part to replace.

Thanks for looking into this!
Old 07-07-2008, 11:47 AM
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JasonZ-YA
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I have a power steering cooler and that helped ten fold......actually its not an issue anymore, boiling, steering response anything..........it kept it working great...

- J
Attached Thumbnails power steering can't keep up-img_0968.jpg   power steering can't keep up-img_0975.jpg   power steering can't keep up-img_4881.jpg   power steering can't keep up-img_4883.jpg   power steering can't keep up-img_0972.jpg  

Old 07-07-2008, 11:48 AM
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plumpzz
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Ive noticed it as well. The steering is slower than my sisters rsx. I thought i just needed a bigger radiatior for the PS fluid.
Old 07-07-2008, 11:49 AM
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JasonZ-YA
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last pic.

I drift and autoX my car and have Zero problems with response or temps...
-j
Attached Thumbnails power steering can't keep up-img_4873.jpg  
Old 07-07-2008, 12:02 PM
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I find it hard to believe that overheating is a problem in an autocross. I can see where a larger PS cooler will help on the track, but not in a 60 second autocross.
Old 07-07-2008, 12:57 PM
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I'm gonna have to look into this. I did 2 autocrosses this weekend, and on the first day I had 2 people driving my car, so It got a lot of use. At the end of the day I noticed that there was a thick red looking fluid sitting inside my front wheel. A few people looked at it, and decided that it was power steering fluid. Looks like I need to definately do this mod. Either that, or something else is broken...
Old 07-07-2008, 01:14 PM
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jasonz-ya did you do a DIY write up on that cooler with part numbers? I searched the DIY section with "power steering cooler" and didn't see it
Old 07-07-2008, 06:11 PM
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OPTIMO
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Originally Posted by DavesZ#3
I find it hard to believe that overheating is a problem in an autocross. I can see where a larger PS cooler will help on the track, but not in a 60 second autocross.
100% agreed.
Old 07-07-2008, 06:55 PM
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Originally Posted by OPTIMO
100% agreed.
I see a difference in the fluid state when I remove the front plate at "hot" events.

However, mine is able to keep up, but you need to keep the weight off the front of the car.
Old 07-07-2008, 06:57 PM
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yusoslo
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I am going to bleed the system, check the belt for tension before I go with the cooler.

also i was running 34psi on the fronts
Old 07-20-2008, 05:26 PM
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davids
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Guys, I wanted to dig this thread back up.
I have an 06 base, was running today in about 90 degree weather and experienced the sluggish power sterring bug.

I have to look into this now and find something to fix it. Fluids first I guess.
Old 07-20-2008, 06:39 PM
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Originally Posted by JasonZ-YA
I have a power steering cooler and that helped ten fold......actually its not an issue anymore, boiling, steering response anything..........it kept it working great...

- J
Please post a link to that cooler, i got the $30 summit one and still boil my fluid , time to upgrade again.


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