power steering issue

[TShep704]

I replaced the ps fluid with atf a couple months ago, and got what looked to be most of the ps fluid out... That being said all was good til a couple weeks ago. Started to slightly grind/whine when turning and has now turned into what feels like no power steering. Weird part is it wants to stick a quarter turn either way... Fluid levels good and no major leaks on any hoses, just a little seeping. Any thoughts??

[Towncivilian]

What brand/type of ATF did you use? What is the fluid condition currently? Does it smell burnt? Where is it seeping from specifically?

[TShep704]

To be honest I don't remember... It was whatever everyone on here suggested. Fluid looks and smells just like it did when I put it in. And both hoses connecting to the the resavoir seem to have some seeping. Looks pretty normal/minimal though.

[Tungsten]

Either the pump or the rack might be on its way out and knowing Nissan it's most likely the pump. Are you sure you don't have air in the system?

[TShep704]

No clue... How do you bleed it?

[Tungsten]

Jack up the front wheels, open the reservoir, turn the wheels left and right about 20 times. Then start the engine and turn them left and right again. Then lower the front wheels back on the pavement, check the fluid level in the reservoir and top it off as needed. Then close the reservoir and turn the wheels again and see if that made any difference. Easy as pie.

Edited August 3, 2012 by Tungsten

[TShep704]

Cool. Thank you very much, going to do that right now, ill let you know how it turns out

[TShep704]

Steerings a lot easier and smoother but its wanting to stick at a quarter turn either way

[Tungsten]

Did you turn the wheels to full stop when you did this?

 

If it wants to stick that generally is a sign of the rack failing. Does the pump whine?