Steering

Post by **RagingPanda** » Sat Mar 20, 2004 6:36 pm

I've asked several ppl including mechanics and they have no idea what is the matter exactly. Whenever i counter steer quickly my wheel locks up or gets so stiff that it seems lock. I put in new power steering fluid and it's still the same. someone said it might be the steering fluid pump. I have no idea where to start. Thanks

Post by **ka-J** » Sat Mar 20, 2004 6:36 pm

I have the exact same problem. (89 240sx fb 12 vavle) Sometimes during qiuck manuvers it will lock up on me, mainly it just gets really hard to steer. I have almost recked a couple of times. I have a tough time through the slolom at the Auto x's. It's almost like the power steering system has to can't keep up with fast steering actions. I just bought some nismo rack and pinion bushings, and a hicas rack & pinion (quicker steering ratio). If that does not fix the problem then I will buy a used pump to get me by until I swap in the 16 vavle.

Post by **sleepyRPS13** » Sat Mar 20, 2004 6:36 pm

i have 12v is the hicas rack&pinion bolt on? or does it need tinkering to fit?

Post by **Beau** » Sat Mar 20, 2004 6:36 pm

I've been told before that there is a spring somewhere on the rack that controls the pressure in the system and when it weakens with age that symptoms such as what you describe can occure. That or the pump is just so old that it can't keep up with your demands anymore, but having taken apart a PS pump before I find it hard for such a simple pump to work poorly with age. Maybe somebody else will have more solid information.

Post by **MikeMurphy** » Sat Mar 20, 2004 6:36 pm

are you running a header?

Post by **LiU** » Sat Mar 20, 2004 6:36 pm

no he's stock.

maybe some1 should move it to the nissan online mechanic section

Post by **extheflow** » Sat Mar 20, 2004 6:36 pm

i had something like that happen, but it was a beer bottle jammed in my LCA, it would rattle around in there and twice it got wedged in with the tierod and made it impossible to turn,almost caused me to wreck.the third time it happened i heard the bottle break.i found some glass in my suspension and lots in the street.thats how i figured it out.friggen crazy.

Post by **RagingPanda** » Sat Mar 20, 2004 6:36 pm

I will take it to a mechanic i work with tomorrow to see what's the deal. THis is a serious problem...to me anyway becuase you CAN"T steer!

Post by **navysnail** » Sat Mar 20, 2004 6:36 pm

i heard the thing about that spring too, have the mechanic check it out.

Post by **RagingPanda** » Sat Mar 20, 2004 6:36 pm

He said that it's the power steering problem. I'm thinking it's the pump...anyone know how mcuh does the pump cpst? He told me to take out the power steering since it will reduce my weight and it's only purpose is to help you during low speed turn....really low speed.

Post by **ka-J** » Sat Mar 20, 2004 6:36 pm

Don't take it out, Trust me, you need power steering. Take it to a dealership. They can check all of the TSB's for your car, maybe this is a common problem.

Post by **Beau** » Sat Mar 20, 2004 6:36 pm

Yeah, don't take out the PS. Get a second opinion on this problem from a different shop before you do anything. I've taken apart a PS pump before and it's such an incredibly simple pump that I can't imagine that it would be the problem. It either works, doesn't, or some seal is broken, that's it. I really think the rack is to blame personally.

Check the classifieds on here or other forums for somebody parting out their car. As soon as I have money for a new rack for my car, that is what I'll be doing. Much cheaper than a rebuilt rack from an auto parts store. No guarantee you won't be replacing it again in a couple months, but you'll have a fatter wallet.

Post by **RagingPanda** » Sat Mar 20, 2004 6:36 pm

Tell me what is so important about power steering that you cannot live without. I know it's also use for water pump but that can be settled. If the pump is cheap den sure I dun mind changin it but if it's not and even if I changed it and still have problem...out it goes. So inform me wise NICO ppl.

Post by **Beau** » Sat Mar 20, 2004 6:36 pm

After my SR swap I went w/o PS for a few days and it just required more effort at low speeds and for quick handling maneuvers at speed than I liked.

Website · Post by **s13sr20chris** » Sat Mar 20, 2004 6:36 pm

nissan p/s pumps do not go out very often. i would suggest a new rack. if the pump was messing up you would prob hear it screaming.

Post by **RagingPanda** » Sat Mar 20, 2004 6:36 pm

screaming? Is that only at cold start up or constanly? and if so then how loud it is? Becuase whenever to start my car fromt he cold there's a loud sound but i figure it's just my chains...not rattling sound but a loud sound. Damn it, i can't describe it. As far as PS removal, if those were the only reason not to remove it(more muscles at low speed) then out it will go. I'm thinking it's the rack. IF so, do regular auto store carries them or only from dealers?thanks you guys

Post by **Beau** » Sat Mar 20, 2004 6:36 pm

If it is the PS pump making the noise it will get louder if you turn the wheel all the way to lock. If you are only hearing it at cold start up, I'm going to guess that is just your belts.

Post by **RagingPanda** » Sat Mar 20, 2004 6:36 pm

It's my belt...100% sure. IF that's the case then it's not my pump; the rak is the only solution. Time to replace new rack and belt i guess. I have a 90 240sx. Doesn't the model for that yr has a seperate belt for the power steering pump. If so, couldn't I just remove the belt and whenever I want to have power steering again I just put it back on?

Website · Post by **s13sr20chris** » Sat Mar 20, 2004 6:36 pm

Beau wrote:If it is the PS pump making the noise it will get louder if you turn the wheel all the way to lock. If you are only hearing it at cold start up, I'm going to guess that is just your belts.

bingo.aftermarket stores should carry it as well. try driving with out p/s for a while. you may like the additional feedback. racecars(most, not nascar) dont have p/s.

Post by **den240** » Sat Mar 20, 2004 6:36 pm

RP, if you really have a problem with the rack, taking away power (removing best) will not help your "lock-up" problem at all...

If the problem is just that you really don't have any power-assist at those times, and you are calling that a lock-up, you won't be making it any less stiff, but since it won't be a sudden change from assisted to no assist, should feel much better.

I've gone without PS on my 92 vert for a while now, and after getting used to it for a while, doesn't bother me except when parking. My PS pump was screaming so I just cut its belt... Easy "fix".

RagingPanda wrote: Whenever i counter steer quickly my wheel locks up or gets so stiff that it seems lock.

Post by **RagingPanda** » Sat Mar 20, 2004 6:36 pm

I drive a truck at work w/o power steering so i'm used to it...I dun see why ppl think it's a major problem if you take it out. But I plan to take it out and if that doesn't help or I've turned into a puss-*** den I can put it back on.

Post by **RagingPanda** » Sat Mar 20, 2004 6:36 pm

Alrite..I just romved the top right pulley to remove the belt to see how it is first...so I can safely but it back. I'm not surprise that the steering was difficult at a dead stop but i'msurprised that is also difficult at high speed! I was going 60mph and I had to steered the hell out of it to make it move a lil. WTF. Do i need to do somethin else? I know that it shouldn't be so tough at high speed.

Website · Post by **s13sr20chris** » Sat Mar 20, 2004 6:36 pm

if its hard to turn the steering wheel at 60mph then something mechanical is wrong with your car. the hydraulic circuit may have probs too, but this is a mechanical prob. our cars have a lot of positive caster making for great feedback and high steering effort. however, its not gonna be high at speed.

Website · Post by **s13sr20chris** » Sat Mar 20, 2004 6:36 pm

try unbolting the steering u joint and turn the wheel. CAUTION:make sure the front wheels are straightdont turn more than one full turnmake sure you hook it back up in the exact same spline as you took it off atif its still hard your prob is in the columnstep two is hook it back up and pull the tie rods out of the steering knucklesturn wheel and if it is difficult your prob is in the rackdo this and check back with me

Post by **RagingPanda** » Sat Mar 20, 2004 6:36 pm

I have no idea wat u just typed..I'm not mechanically inclined...I'll figure it out somehow ^_^ THANKS

Website · Post by **s13sr20chris** » Sat Mar 20, 2004 6:36 pm

oh, get someone who is to help you. that way you can avoid paying a mechanic to diagnose it for you.

Post by **karay240** » Sat Mar 20, 2004 6:36 pm

I don't think you can just remove the belt to know what no power steering feels like. . . you also have to drain the p/s fluid b/c the fluid is what makes it even more difficult to turn (even at high speeds). Once you drain the fluid, it should lighten steering efforts. I know that's how you do it in some cars, but I'm not 100% sure on the 240. I haven't done it one any 240's, yet. I'd appreciate any imput, as I'm thinking about doing this myself later down the line.

Website · Post by **s13sr20chris** » Sat Mar 20, 2004 6:36 pm

if you drain the fluid be sure to seal the system back up.

Post by **RagingPanda** » Sat Mar 20, 2004 6:36 pm

drain the fluid? from where? The rack? Speaking of the rack...could it be the cause of my problem? If i replace the old rack with the new/working one you think it will solve it? Imma go and see anyone is sellin their rack cuz the dealer wants my entire saving for it. thanks guys

Post by **whoflungpoo** » Sat Mar 20, 2004 6:36 pm

:-/ hrmm... i'm having this problem too... The only thing i've seen is that my PS fluid seems to "boil"

BTW, yes i have a header on mine if that makes any difference.

Steering

Steering

Re: Steering

Nissan Forums

Infiniti Forums

Datsun Forums

Technical Forums

Classifieds / Marketplace

Nissan Motorsports

General Forums