POWER STEERING PROBLEM

[fz1max]

I HAVE A 97 Q45 WITH 207,000 MILES. BEEN A GREAT CAR. IM HAVING STEERING PROBLEMS. THE STEERING IS MAKING NOISE AND GETTING HARD TO TURN THE WHEEL. I SAW FLUID ON THE GROUND AN I NOTICED THAT WHEN I SHUT THE ENGINE OFF THE THE FLUID WAS BEING FORCED OUT THE RESERVOIR THROUGH THE CAP WITH LOTS OF BACK PRESSURE. COULD THE BE THE RACK GOING OUT OR THE PUMP? THANKS FOR ANY HELP, JAY

[OwnerCS]

Jay - Welcome to NICO.

I wish had more information to offer as I do not purport to be any type of expert on Q45 power steering issues on the 97 model. I have had some experience with other types of cars and another Nissan many years ago. Power Steering pumps in general are fairly simple devices. I've seen pumps get noisy and loose pumping capability as they get old -- especially when the fluid hasn't been changed. Changing power steering fluid helps extend the life of the pump. In my situation, I change fluid once a year..

I had symptoms similar to yours that was due to a failed pump many years ago. Back in those days, no dealer or mechanic had ever suggested that I change power steering fluid at any interval. So my neglect, shortened the life of the PS pump.

If in fact your pump is bad, are you planning to change it yourself?

[fz1max]

maybe, found out my rack pinon is under warranty so i am having it checked first. if it is the pump i am going to try and do it my self. found a machine shop who will rebuild it for $95.00

[OwnerCS]

Pulling the pump on my 91 was one of the easier tasks involving belts. I've used rebuilt PS pumps in the past. If I get a rebuilt part, I try to get one with a lifetime warranty from a company that I believe will be in business for many years to come...

Recently when I changed the alternator, I used one that is a Nissan rebuilt part. The reason for a Nissan part is in that changing the alternator is not a small job. I wanted to reduce risk of future part failure over immediate cost savings because of the labor involved and I aim to own the car for many years..

[fz1max]

ok never changed a ps pump before glad to know it might not be too hard. I changed the alternator not too long a go and it was pretty easy.

[JOHNQ]

make sure hose under reservoir is not clogged, then while u turn the wheel back and forth from lock left to right have someone pour lucas power steering stop leak white bottle and fill the reservoir until all the air bubbles are out of the system. i did this on my 99qt and it worked for over 2yrs., about a month ago i noticed the noise and saw the reservoir low and i filled it with lucas again and have been full since but im keeping my fingers crossed.

[Infinitiguy19]

Have you ever seen a clogged hose on a Power Steering (PS) System?

I once used Lucas Power Steering stop leak on one of my cars. But the Lucas product never worked because the leak too big to be filled but small enough to have to top the reservoir off. The way I see it is if their is a leak you might as well replace the leaking line rather than fiddle around with miracles in a bottle.

No offence meant.

[maxnix]

Well no maintenance history nor comment on the condition of the fluid, I'd say your rack seals are shot, at the very least.

[fz1max]

Thanks for replies. have a new rack but found a leak in the line. replacing the line and the pump, all found in salvage yard for $40 dollars! hopefully all will be good for awhile.