Power Steering Issues with 2004 M45

[myother45isalesbaer]

My PS seems to sometimes stop working. Has anyone else had this issue? I looked the PS pump up and it sure doesn't look like any PS pump I've seen before. It looks like a shaft driven pressure pump. Anyone have an idea why my PS would sometimes stop working? Thanks.

[EdBwoy]

Not experienced, neither have I heard of a pump failing, but I know a lot of people with the q45s and Ms of the era end up replacing the steering rack assemblies. Could it be that?

What symptoms are you experiencing?

[myother45isalesbaer]

PS operates with normal assist then it begins to feel like it has manual no power assist. Then it goes away. Also feels like a front end componet is binding. All of this started when I hit a monster pot hole which I am surprised did not bend a rim or blow out a tire. It did seperate two parts of the exhaust pipe I had to have welded together. Also bent the heat shield in the tunnel. I have hit worse pot holes with no damage.

[Larz]

Sounds like you hit a bonafide London / NY pothole. Sorry to hear this. I agree with Ed. Even if you have hit worse holes with no trouble, it's possible that you have hit enough previous ones that this latest one was one too many and broke the camel's back so to speak. I would have them check the steering rack and also change your power steering fluid if it has been a while since the last change.
You can change it yourself instead of paying $200 for the dealer to do it. I use a turkey baster with a short rubber tube attached and remove / replace the contents of the PS tank with Nissan PS fluid every other day until the fluid is uniformly red and transparent. I do it every two years to keep the fluid from breaking down.

[myother45isalesbaer]

Just great! I think you are right. Something is not right. The power assist does not feel as strong as it used to. Both front tires at certain times, usually when going in a straight line seem to bind when trying to make very small steering corrections. Everything else in the front end is fine. No vibration, brake issues, bent rim, or anything else front-end related. My baby seems to have taken a hit from a stinking new england pot hole. Not happy. What does CT do with all the tax money they collect. Patching pot holes is not on their agenda or budget.

Thanks to all.

[jiggersplat]

The power steering system is speed sensitive. Have you noticed any correlation with how fast you are going?

[DS2009m35x]

I can feel vibration when turning right. I also hear a groan. 2009MX. Dealer identified leaking PS rack. approx $2200 to fix with the new PN including part, labor, and alignment. I had a very experienced serve guy tell me if it was his car, he would drive it the way it is until it gets worse. Of course he couldn't project how long that would be. It is a known weakpoint of the car hence the new rack PN.

[jiggersplat]

You can refill the power steering fluid. You can get a rebuilt steering rack for around $250 online and have an independent shop install it if you can find one that will install parts you bring them.

[DS2009m35x]

appreciate the feedback. I'll check for the rebuilt part. Fluid is topped-off and it still groans.

[jiggersplat]

You might have some air in the system. Try bleeding it. Turn the steering wheel back and forth lock to lock a bunch of times and watch for bubbles in the reservoir.