Air in power steering system Q45

[angelo1369]

I'm having a really difficult time bleeding the power steering on my 99 Q45. I recently had to remove the steering gear to replace a failed starter motor. After reassembling the car I am unable to get the air out of the power steering system. I have tried lifting up the front and turning lock to lock, engine off. Followed by starting the car. I have also tried pulling a vacuum on the system with a mighty vac. No matter what I do, as soon as I kill the engine, the power steering reservoir erupts with foamy fluid. Am I missing something here??? Any suggestions will be greatly Appreciated.

[AZhitman]

It's getting air in the system. In the bottom of the fluid reservoir there is a filter screen that can get plugged up, starving the pump and causing it to suck air.

Stop running the wheels lock-to-lock - let the system settle first, and let the air dissipate. There's also a shaft seal on the power steering pump that may need replacing - that can pull air.

Lastly, the pressure relief valve may be stuck, causing the pressure to increase to the point of cavitation. The relief valve is accessed through the front of the pump. Remove the large bolt and the pressure spring will be easily pulled out and a magnet should easily pull the pressure plunger out. If the pressure plunger is seized it is most likely causing the foaming.

Pull the service manual at www.infinitiservicemanual.com for some help with that.

Welcome aboard, and let us know what you find!

[angelo1369]

I'm going to look into the reservoir first, I suspect that may be the problem.

[angelo1369]

I ordered a new resevior, I will update soon. I hope this fixes it. The car's too nice to spend summer on jack stands.

[maxnix]

Refill with the engine running, then start side to side. Fittings still good? It is good to flush the PS every 35K - 50K depending on use habits. Highly recommend Mobil1 ATF or BG or Redline. Something good and fully synthetic. There is no cooler (one can add a Z32 cooler) and urban driving is the worst case stress for the system. Or an endurance autocross, I suppose.

[angelo1369]

Well the reservoir is discontinued from Infiniti. So, we're going full custom. I will update with my progress.

[Trnqld]

Having a related problem with my 90 Q . Running the P/S fluid disappears, turn the car off, foams and over flows. Pump is groaning, I have not checked it out yet any suggestions ??? Of to pull a part, local one has a 92 & a 94.

[angelo1369]

I'm calling this one fixed. New reservoir did the trick. I got a reseviour from a late model grand caravan at my local Napa store. After re routing some new hoses my baby is back on the road again. Now I just need to figure out a custom bracket to mount it better.

[Jttoka]

Oh the fun we have, bottles of power steering fluid all over the garage floor.
Lol

[AZhitman]

I'm calling this one fixed. New reservoir did the trick. I got a reseviour from a late model grand caravan at my local Napa store. After re routing some new hoses my baby is back on the road again. Now I just need to figure out a custom bracket to mount it better.

Nicely done!!!

[eQlipse]

I'm calling this one fixed. New reservoir did the trick. I got a reseviour from a late model grand caravan at my local Napa store. After re routing some new hoses my baby is back on the road again. Now I just need to figure out a custom bracket to mount it better.

What year Grand Caravan did you use. I may have the same issue as you had. Whining noises from the rack. When I go to check the fluid it is full but foamy in appearance.

[Q451990]

The Caravan reservoirs are notorious for blocking up with debris and starving the pump... I replaced one on my mother in law's van and found out first hand.

[eQlipse]

I used trans-x as someone mention here. Seems to have worked. No frothing when I s*** the car down so far. Still need to replace my hose I believe though. This was done sorta in an emergency situation until I can dig deeper into it.