Power steering problems

[Antfdzusaf]

Well let me start from the beginning. I bought my z about 2-3 months ago. I bought it knowing that the p/s was bad. Took it to Firestone for a look over, only 10 bucks. Was told my rack was bad. Both boots where torn, and one of the inner tie rods or w.e they are called was bent. And speedo doesn't work.

Ok I know that was a lot but stay with me lol I swapped the rack today. Turned the car on while on the rack. One of the lines I guess wasn't tightened all the way and it started leaking p/s fluid. So I know the pump was working. And i felt it too. Tightened it all up and put it on the ground. Tried turning the wheels again,and it wasn't working. I have a new pump ready to put in but i dont want to replace a perfectly fine part. I know ours are speed assisted and my speedo is working, I tried swapping the gauge cluster and that didnt work. So I'm thinking of returning the pump and getting the speed sensor.

Do I seem like I'm on the right track here? I don't want to through money away.
Thanks

[t.mcginley.jr]

First and foremost, NEVER PUT REGULAR POWER STEERING FLUID IN ANY NISSAN. They take ATF, and only ATF as their p/s fluid.

Unless your pump is leaking, its probably fine. You should be on the right track with the speed sensor though... so your thinking the speed sensor itself is working but it doesn't move the needle on the cluster? Not sure if I read that right.

[Antfdzusaf]

Correct, the needle on the gauge doesn't move. Also I got the check engine light code, forgot what number, that says speedo circuit broken or w.e. I need to drain my P/S fluid ASAP? Now I look like a rook -.- and what is ATF? Sorry for the noobie question

[itsa300zx]

ATF= automatic trans fluid

[Antfdzusaf]

Ok that's what I tought. Just returned the P/S pump and ordered the speed sensor. Should be here Saturday. Now ganna go drain the P/S fluid out. I'll post what happens once I replace the sensor. Thanks for the help!

[t.mcginley.jr]

Good idea draining it out. It shouldn't have hurt too much since its a new rack, but after enough time running regular P/S fluid everything will start to leak and the steering won't feel right. It's a Nissan thing..

Hopefully the speed sensor is the problem and not the wiring. Let us know how it works out!

[Antfdzusaf]

So I replaced the speed sensor. And nothing.
No power steering and the gauge still out too. I'm at a dead end now. Any ideas?

I replace the sensor on the transmission, that was the right one right?
Help!!!!!

[Antfdzusaf]

Do I have to reset the ECU? I read a trouble shooting thing that basically stated to reset ECU after doing anything. Should I go ahead a do that? Just doesn't seem like it would have an effect. Then again I'm new to these vehicles.

[itsa300zx]

The PS system is 100% mechanical with the pump to assist, nothing to do with the ecu. Can you turn the wheels lock to lock with the engine NOT running. If yes, internal pump seals need to be looked at.

[Antfdzusaf]

On the P/S pump?

[Antfdzusaf]

And I'm not to sure what u mean by that. With the keys set to on I can turn it to full left and full right. But the keys out it locks. Not too sure if that's what ur asking.

[itsa300zx]

And I'm not to sure what u mean by that. With the keys set to on I can turn it to full left and full right.

^^^that was what I meant. The PS pump it self might not be producing enough pressure to assist while the pump is running. That's why I think it's the pump seals inside the pump leaking internally.

[Antfdzusaf]

It takes some effort to do so, Im not sure what its suppose to feel like. How can I check that? What about my speedo? I feel like that's the root cause is that. But like I said, I'm new

[itsa300zx]

Start with this diagnostic to eliminate some of the sensors

http://www.300zx-twinturbo.com/cgi-bin/ ... t&total=98

[Antfdzusaf]

Thanks guys. I live on an Air Force base and the auto hobby shop is closed on Sundays and that the only access I have to a lift, specially since I lowered my Z. So I'll try the sensor trouble shooting Monday and let u guys know what I come up with. Thanks
I'll keep you posted