92Q power steering

[awrightaz]

Dealer quotes a pump, control valve and hose assy installed $1800.

The pump looks DIY, but what about the control valve?

Is the Control valve available aftermarket?

Thanks.

awrightaz

[90Q45blue]

I feel like I should get a kickback for referencing this site so much but check out: http://www.car-part.com

They have used P/S pumps and control valves for good prices. I got a P/S pump from that site back in December for around 70 bucks. The hose assembly you'll want to get from Joe at Infiniti of Scottsdale 1-888-216-5328. He'll have the best prices around. Tell him you're from NICO.

As far as do-ability, the P/S pump is DIY and the control valve and hoses too. They do take quite a bit of time though. Also, keep in mind that this particular job is one that any knowledgealbe mechanic shop can tackle. Much cheaper labor rate then the dealer.

Nick

[Q451990]

What are your symptons? Miles?

I recently had a problem where "Q1" was difficult to steer for a while after start-up and it turned out to only be the $58 u-joint that connects the steering column and rack (it was frozen on one side). This u-joint is about two inches from the left pre-cat and I guess it got cooked in 13 years and 196K.

Very rare to see a pump failure... Is the control valve the control solenoid? If so, it looks easy to get to - you may have to remove the sway bar to get easy access. I'd be concerned about getting a "this ought to cover it" diagnosis from a tech who throws parts at problems.

Heath

[90Q45blue]

I'd be concerned about getting a "this ought to cover it" diagnosis from a tech who throws parts at problems.

Good point Heath. The dealer told me I needed a new pump and hose assembly when all I needed was a new pump. It didn't occur to me until Heath said something but the dealer just basically wants to replace your P/S SYSTEM. I doubt you need that. I'd get it checked out by a good mechanic independent of the dealer.

Nick

[awrightaz]

Thanks guys. Miles, symptoms

138000

Practicing parallel parking with my son on a hot day, and after the dozenth try, noticed p/s fluid dripping on the ground and the beginning of pump groan.

parked the car and let things cool off. resevoir full.

from then on, pump groans and moans, doesn't loose appreciable fluid, but steering assist seems to come and go at a high frequency. 1 hz or so.

sounds a lot like a pump that is starved, but resevoir remains full.

is the control valve on the supply side of the pump?

thanks again.

[elwesso]

What color is the fluid...... If its a brown and icky smelling, replace it..... Its supposed to be ATF in there, and maybe some new stuff could clean things out.......