2002 XTerra steering issue

[flywatt]

This is the weirdest steering problem I have personally dealt with. I pray someone out there has a solution. I bought this truck a few years ago, and I absolutly love it. I moved it from Texas to Washington, and every since my arrival I've had steering problems.

The power steering seems to work fine when I'm taking a right turn. However, when I turn the wheel left, the power steering is gone! It'll still turn, just extreemly difficult. Most noticable at a complete stop or slow speeds.

I'd greatly appreciate any suggestions or solutions.

[Desert Rat]

Start with the obvious stuff. Have you checked the PS fluid and belt?

Look for leaks on the steering box as well. This sounds like either air in system, or a dying pump to me. The power assist when the truck is at low idle isn't much. Our Xterra and many others do this as well.

[flywatt]

Checked the fluid and belt, looks good. I'm not too sure how to check for air, I'll probably have to have a mechanic do it. Thanks for the suggestions. Greatly appreciated.

[NM50]

I have found the steering box on the late (w)D22's to do that.The suspect is the recirculation balls sticking. Although we have just replaced the boxes I suspect you could O/H the box.

[Big-Bird]

Flywatt, Give me an E-mail that can accept a 2MB file and can send you the electronic PDF file for the steering systems in a 2000-2004 Xterra.

Cheers!

[flywatt]

Done, thanks a bunch. Took the XTerra to a mechanic, and he had no idea what is causing it. Still no closure. Hope this helps. Thanks again.

[MartyC61]

supercharger issue and steering issue after 136,000 miles. Is my '02 xterra reaching it's lifespan?