93 Altima Power Steering foam

[pstrjeff]

My power steering was making some noise after i would start it. After a turn or two of the steering wheel it would stop. Today I started the engine, the power steering whined. I stopped the car to add fluid to the pump and when I took the cap off the reservoir was overflowing with foam and air bubbles. Would you say my pump is toast or that I have a blockage in the line, or both?

[blackd21vg30de]

I would let the foam settle, add til full, then start the car back up and steer bump stop to bumpstop and look for leaks, the foam is what happens when air enters the system from leak, or just getting low, check your rack and pinion for leaks, the pump is a vane style, look it up on google, easy to replace bearing and seal, unless its pitted or has broke vanes, if all looks good inside, just replace bearing and seal they should be cheap, a lot better than 140 for a new one like it is here, if its shot, check out ebay or local yards, the trucks and cars share the pump just not the bracket.. hope this helps

[pstrjeff]

Thanks, this is really helpful. The leak is coming from the connection of the high pressure hose to the power steering unit. I replaced the copper washers but couldn't find "crush"? washers that size so just used regular copper washers. I guess I'll start with replacing the high pressure hose unless you have another idea.

[blackd21vg30de]

do you have a napa or carquest in your area, they may have those washers, a soft copper or maybe aluminum would work. if its just leaking from the washer area no need to replace a 80 dollar hose... make sure that you have a washer on both sides of the banjo fitting, one on the side thats connecting, and one under the head of the bolt..