Power steering pump

[fabbio25]

Man being a new Z owner is killing me. I took my car to a local Nissan dealer because of an oil leak and i was told its the rear main seal. They also said there was a leak coming from the power sterring pump. They told me to fix it I would need a new power steering pump. The power steering works fine could it just be a hose thats leaking that could be replaced. I think this dealer is trying to HOSE me!

$1320 + tax to fix power steering pump
$1150 + tax to fix rear main seal

[CrazedZ32Owner]

thats actually funny b.c to do the rear main you have to drop the transmission.... to do the power steering idk if u have to pull the motor....

i say if you are mechanically savy just DIY or do you know anyone who is that you can help them do it b/c that is rediculous.....

[fabbio25]

I actually think the power steering is more b/c the part is $600-$800. Gonna see if my cousin could help me do it.

[evildky]

do yourself a favor and call Z1 and ask about a used pump, be sure to get new copper washers with the "new" pump, then get the fsm and start reading and do it yourself, it's a pita but not too bad

the rear main requires removing the trans, which makes it a good time to replace the clutch, it's actually pretty simple once the trans is out

these cars are a PITA to work on, parts tend to be high as they use so many chassis specific parts and labor is retarded because these things were nto designed wiht future service in mind, this si the pain of owning a Z32

[fabbio25]

do yourself a favor and call Z1 and ask about a used pump, be sure to get new copper washers with the "new" pump, then get the fsm and start reading and do it yourself, it's a pita but not too bad

the rear main requires removing the trans, which makes it a good time to replace the clutch, it's actually pretty simple once the trans is out

these cars are a PITA to work on, parts tend to be high as they use so many chassis specific parts and labor is retarded because these things were nto designed wiht future service in mind, this si the pain of owning a Z32

You seem to know alot about these cars so i'll ask you. Is it safe to drive my Z with these issues. I mean other than the leaks the car runs great.

[BigTDogg (MA)]

You seem to know alot about these cars so i'll ask you. Is it safe to drive my Z with these issues. I mean other than the leaks the car runs great.

I'll preface my comments by saying that if you're not mechanically inclined, or you're learning to work on cars with the Z32, then ignore my "not terribly difficult" comments

As long as it's a slight leak/drip from the rear main, you're fine. Any more than a CD size oil area after a week of parking and I'd be concerned. Keep an eye on your oil level (checked on level ground, about 5 minutes after the engine has been shut off). As evildky mentioned, do the RMS when you do the clutch. Another job that's not terribly difficult, but rather time consuming.

You probably need a new hose for your power steering. The high pressure PS line which goes to the rack is notorious for leaking. And when it leaks, it leaks on the alternator, causing that part to fail.

I have a 1991 (same as 1990) power steering pump for sale. Worked great in my car. I might even have two pumps, a 1990 and 1991. Both with about 100k miles on them, but no leaks. A new pump is $430 from Nissan. I'm selling mine for $55 shipped in the USA. PM or email me if you're interested.

R&R isn't super difficult, just time consuming. It helps to have some specialty tools on hand as well. Flare nut wrenches and metric wrenches up to 21 or 22mm help.

[evildky]

BigTDogg pretty much ocvered it,a nd even has good used parts for sale

I'd like to add, are you sure you need a PS pump? the leaking high pressure line makes quite a mess and makes ti tought o locate the leak, so if fluid is all over the place then you likley only need the high pressure hose, if you have a wobbleing or noisy pump then you need a pump

as for driving the car, liek BTD said if the rear main leak is minor and not loosing a significant amount of oil then yeah keep driving

the PS issue however these cars are a buggar to steer without power steering, if our PS still works and you can maintain enough fluid in the system for whatever drives you have sure go ahead

and be sure to use dextron type ATF only in the ps system, regular PS fluis is too thin and will cause leaks where there aren't any

[fabbio25]

Does the pump come with all the hoses and washers or would i need to but them seperatly

[fabbio25]

A friend off mine told me about a product called "Bar Leak's" to stop leaking rear main seal. Does anybody know about this product or used it before.

Thanks

[BigTDogg (MA)]

Does the pump come with all the hoses and washers or would i need to but them seperatly

I don't have any hoses, but I may have a few crush washers. Best to buy those new though.

Like evildky said, I'm willing to bet it's your high pressure power steering hose which has failed.

If you have a spare car, you can remove the hose from the Z and bring it to a brake line/hose shop and they can make a new one for you reusing the end fittings. That's your cheapest fix.

Otherwise I've heard of people being satisfied with the Z1 rebuilds, but I've never tried them. I got a new Nissan OEM last time, because it's a part to be replaced so (hopefully) infrequently.

[BigTDogg (MA)]

A friend off mine told me about a product called "Bar Leak's" to stop leaking rear main seal. Does anybody know about this product or used it before.

Thanks

IMHO, oil additives, especially leak stoppers, have no place in a turbo car. Just asking for trouble.

This is based on gut engineering feel, not any empirical data.

[evildky]

A friend off mine told me about a product called "Bar Leak's" to stop leaking rear main seal. Does anybody know about this product or used it before.

Thanks

do not ever put any of this stop leak garbage in any car ever!

[ky300zx]

$1320 + tax to fix power steering pump
them that the rip off....
i got my as brand new and the guy have to order it over sea for $350.00
it came with 3 pieces i think the horse and the pump all go together....and now i have no problem with it ....