Flexo

Have a 2003 Maxima GLE

Went under the car for routine oil change and noticed a fluid leak of some sort. Talking with a co-worker it was narrowed down to possibly rack and pinion issue. I checked my steering fluid and saw it was indeed low.

The hose the arrow is pointing at was completely saturated and the assembly to the left was covered in gunk. Turned the car on and turned the wheel. Saw fluid actively coming out.

Conducted a search on forums and read some posts regarding this hose commonly breaking. Does my description fit in line with a new hose or a rack and pinion replacement? Anything else I should check out?

(side question)Heated passenger seat went out about a year ago, common? (Loose wire? Fuse?)

Any cost saving measures are appreciated.

maxiiiboy

It looks like you need to replace your Power Steering hose. This thread https://maxima.org/forums/5th-genera...hose-02-a.html should help.

Max_5gen

iTrader: (2)

New hose ASAP, please don't run your steering pump dry for long- add PS fluid. It's rather urgent if you want to avoid PS pump damage from running dry.

nestorlugo

iTrader: (11)

/\/\/\ this! But don't add ps fluid add tranny fluid dexronlll

Flexo

Thanks for the responses. I have been driving another vehicle since I noticed the leak. The tank is about half empty, should be OK?

a33_ridah

iTrader: (10)

Seems to be the year of power steering hose failures...handful of people i know with the same issues recently. Replace the hose.
Transmission dexron fluid in there is new to me tho as suggested few posts above..

Max_5gen

iTrader: (2)

should be and put ATF fluid in there as suggested above. You'll drain practically all your PS fluid during hose replacement so ATF would be a good upgrade.

Child_uv_KoRn

iTrader: (7)

pro tip: This is actually a fairly easy job despite people's hardships. When installing the bracket use long needle nose pliers to squeeze it together with your right hand and thread the bolt with your left. Using a longer bolt can definitely help as mentioned before. The bracket bends easily if you need a little more room.

I bought a hose off ebay that said it was a Gates (51 bucks). Looks like good quality and there's no whining whatsoever like many have reported.

nestorlugo

iTrader: (11)

If you want piece of mind buy the return hose while you at it ,mine was leaking a drop even after hp hose was replaced now they're both bone dry but my ps pump still saturated with fluid

Flexo

Thanks for all the help guys, replaced the hose today and everything seems okay.

Preciate it

D.Stillwell

^^ Congrats on the fix.

I've got the same job sitting on the back burner right now, have to get this done in next few days. I'm doing both the high pressure hose and return hose, because like nestorlugo said above ^^ the return hose often keeps leaking when you replace the HP hose.

All Nissan hoses for me, because the aftermarket hoses don't work the same. Mine just started seeping, no big leaks yet, but have to get this done asap.

And yes, ATF and PS fluid is basically the same thing minus a few additives.