'98 power steering advice needed

[renoron]

Weird situation going on with power steering. Started out as a "groaning" noise upon start, but did not get louder when turning. Checked ps fluid level - all OK. Checked belts - all OK. Since I'm 100 miles from nearest Infinity dealer (Sacramento), scheduled a next-day visit to local shop. On the way to the shop, the power steering "failed" as if there was no assist, but the groaning stopped.

The local guys tried everything they can think of to isolate the problem, including called Infinity for guidance. The consensus is there is a air bubble or some other kind of blockage in the system, but there are no noticeable leaks from which air and/or fluid are escaping.

Another anomaly is that the ps reservoir has fluid in the top half, but nothing in the bottom half! And when I turned the car off, ps fluid boiled over (my term) from the blew ps fluid all over the frame from the reservoir cap. As I understand it, this a gravity fed system, so I am befuddled as to how I could have fluid in the top, but not the bottom. Hence the air bubble theory.

Hoses have been checked, the system bled and nothing seems to isolate the problem/blockage. Infinity says in 90% of the time the ps pump is the culprit. I'm willing to do what needs to be done, but I don't just want to start throwing parts at it.

Any suggestions/tips would be appreciated.

Thanks

Ron in Reno

[maxnix]

Any PS maintenance history? Ever had a BG or similar mechanical fluid extraction and refill?

Sounds really odd.

Don't go to an "Infinity" dealer or you may be looking at loud speakers.

[renoron]

Not to my knowledge. When I lived in Houston I took it back to the dealer for regular maint, but I don't recall any fluid flush/refill, or any PS work of any kind.

[maxnix]

Surprised seals haven't cratered.

What is conditon of fluid?

Going lock to lock a couple of times and holding for ten seconds should evacuate all air if reservoir is kept full.

Might consider a BG power steering service.

http://www.bgfindashop.com

[bullittandy]

I had the exact same problem on a 97 I own. However, its a parts car and I didn't investigate the problem. It does seem like fluid is not circulating but I'm not sure how that would happen.

If you need any parts let me [email protected]

[Solini]

I noticied my ps is making a groaning noise upon start up also. It goes away after about 5min... Going to Infiniti today, I'm hoping I don't have to get a new ps rack like my friend just did