Pathfinder steering!

[Mykerpathfinder]

My 2001 nissan pathfinder sounds horrible when turning corners, sounds like its groaning and moaning when I turn what could be the problem? not sure where my power steering levels should be, but its not hard to go around corners just sounds really bad, HELP!

[WPGQX4]

Could be your power steering pump. If you've ever been around hydraulics, then that sound of a pump under strain is very obvious.

[Mykerpathfinder]

yeah im not to sure what it could be, haven't been around hydraulics at all so im completely lost

[Empty V]

I had that issue when I first got my 01. My old mechanic told me it's not going to hurt anything if I don't fix it. He quoted me $800 and I never learned what it was. The noise has since disappeared.

[ARKQX33V6]

My 2001 nissan pathfinder sounds horrible when turning corners, sounds like its groaning and moaning when I turn what could be the problem? not sure where my power steering levels should be, but its not hard to go around corners just sounds really bad, HELP!

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Here is a list of could be, but a test for each is needed.
At approximately 80,000 km or 50,000 miles or more
The strut towers can be noisy especially the top mount and bearing .
The lower ball joint could be sloppy along with a sloppy tie rod end.
The links in the suspension cause clinks and clunks but no groans.
The power steering rack and pinion along with pump could be worn or low on fluid. Even if over full with fluid the return to tank can cause noise.DO NOT OVERFILL.

The groaning is telling you that wear is there. Raise the front off the road completely with stands. While up , engine off turn steering wheel lock to lock, any noise? Next grab the wheels and try to move them in out up down. Any movement? Should be none. Take a long bar place under wheels one at a time try to lift each wheel, have someone feel the strut tower at the 3 mounting bolts on each fender, any jerking or noise, springs will flex, ignore.

It is tough to feel tower bearings if you have no experience, of course the best way is to drop the Struts and put them in a vice and test them. If you do these tests get back with your results.

A truck with worn struts, joints, springs can still work it becomes harder for you to steer, stop, and go and in time it really pi$$es you off, then you will repair. Distance and age work together in grinding the front and rear suspension, let us know what your results are.