86 Maxima Laundry List....

[ShadeTree240]

Howdy!

First time poster, long time "lurker" here.

My friend has just bought an 86 maxima with a few issues. I've already repaired the water pump and thermostat (lower timing cover was a friggin' BEAR to get off...too many hidden bolts!), and while i was down there i discovered some problems with his steering system. The car was VERY hard to steer so i figured something had to be wrong. Anyway, i've discovered the pump is leaking badly at the "union" bolt, and that the reservoir was cracked. These two problems don't seem that hard to fix, but in addition to this, the ENTIRE boot is missing off one side of the steering gear. I have no way of telling how long the boot has been damaged/missing, or what kind of damage could have been done to the gear. What i want to know is if any of you think the whole gear will need to be replaced? Or just the boot? Or should i just fix the pump and reservoir, replace the boot, run the car and see what happens? I've never tackled anything having to do with the steering system before and it's kind of daunting. Thanks Much!

[s13sr20chris]

i strongly reccomend just fixing the pump, resevoir, and boot. then recheck the whole deal. the rack will probably leak but thats ok they did that from day one. also if you try to take it out it will SUCK. its a major pain and i fix nissans for a living. sorry, i just need to tell you i dont like working on u11 maximas. j30 on up is ok with me though. so, just fix and forget is my reccomendation but if you want to pull the rack and stuff i will work with you on that.

and...

WELCOME TO NICO!!!

[ShadeTree240]

Thanks much! That's what i was hoping to hear. To be honest i didn't want to mess with taking the rack off, too much stuff could get fubar'd. I'll just fix the pump and res. and then replace the boot.

I assume to replace the boot i simply disconnect the tie rod end and slide the boot on over the gear?

[s13sr20chris]

yup, then use a zip tie to reinstall. i dont bother with the metal things you get with the boot kit(oem) because they suck. it just keeps out dirt right? so i think a zip tie is fine.