hey guys
im a power steering newb but my power steering rack is leaking on the passenger side and it makes all kinds of noise, can this be fixed? or do i have to replace the whole rack?
also any one have a service manual they can e-mail over?(going to search for one now)

 

yes it can be fixed by a person that knows how to fix power steering properly.

 

I'm having the same exact problem. I noticed some liquid under my car yesterday when leaving work, and went to start my car this morning, and noticed this grinding noise. I went to turn my steering wheel, and the grinding noise intensified. I then turned the car off immediately. I looked under the hood and noticed my power steering fluid was low.

Thanks for your reply Z04. I was wondering if you or anyone else knew how much it'd cost to repair this problem?

 

i have a feeling for me its gonna be better to just replace the whole thing providing it doesnt take more than a few hours from what i have found is abit under $200 for a used one and about $350 for a refurb

 

Is it the rack or a hose, you should probably figure that out first.

 

Same problem here. How can you see whats leaking? Should I take the bumper off or the engine shield beneath the car to see where the leak comes from?

 

You'll have to bring it to a dealer or some good mechanic that knows what they're doing. Then, get a quote from them.

 

probably your rack-a-pinion. Fairly expensive.

If your power steering just cuts out and comes back like its nothing then thats probably your problem. Cost is fairly $$$$ ($1000)

 

Honda is correct. Rack and pinion is very likely. I've replaced a cpl dozen on diff. makes and models. Get a high quality rebuilt (it'll have a lifetime warranty).

We used to buy ours from NAPA(carquest in my city), I never had a single one come back needing replacement....

First step is locate where its leaking from...if its coming out of the boot that covers the inner tierod...your screwed...need a rack.

I suggest against the rebuilding of racks yourself. The labor is horrendous...typically cheaper to just get a rebuilt unit and swap it out. you will have to put your outer tie rods on it and get the Toe set...but based on the general lack of suspension knowledge on this site, you need an alignment anyways.

HOW TO FIND:
REMOVE the engine shield, clean everything off. turn car on, turn wheel right and left....leak should show its face.


PLEASE MAKE SURE THE REFURB UNIT IS OF GOOD QUALITY< OR YOU"LL BE REDOING THIS REPLACEMENT>


RE: NOISE - does it still have PS fluid in the reservoir? Make sure the quantity is sufficient. Don't let it run out, unless you want to replace the pump. describing the noise might be a good idea at this point.

 

Power steering cannot be repaired. You must trade the car in for a new one. It's Nissan's biggest secret.

 

The fluid level just keeps dropping so there is a leak somewhere. I'll remove the engine shield and see if there is any bad hoses or loose clamps etc. The noise comes from the pump when fluid level drops too much. Thanks for assistance!

 

I found a hole in the PS fluid "cooler" and fixed it by pulling one hose further into the cooler. I'll have to replace it later, but it worked as a temporary fix. The part costs around 260€. Thanks for the assistance.

 

check salvage yards. hopefully there's a Z that got rear ended.

 

I was able to get my car on a lift, and confirmed that I need a rack. I see PS fluid coming from the boot. Thanks for the help finding that.

I went to Napa's Website, and saw a rack & pinion for $479.00 w/ a $111.00 core charge. Are there any good places you recommend to get a refurb?

 

duct tape... LOTS of it.

 

not a problem, i personally dont care for refabricated set ups, but from lack of experience i could not give you accurate experience record.

Over and above, new is always better, indeed a lifetime warranty is a good deal, but that usally means they know how to fix them like clock work and it is less of a problem for them to fix then it is for you to uninstall and reinstall. (labor costs, time without a vehicle)

 

Wow, I'm a happy camper! My steering rack is covered under warranty. I just saved 1200 bucks!

Thanks again for the help fellas!