About a month ago I replace the hose coming off the Power steering switch. I am still getting a whine from the pump while driving. I put in almost a full bottle of LUCAS oil and the problem is not solved. I believe there is still air in the system. I have done everything to try to get it out. Today, when I turned the wheel hard right, I saw my nearly full reservoir suck the fluid down, indicating compresssion. I held it there for about 90-120 seconds, and then it started to flow back on me, and I stared to get smoke and a burning smell from the area where the belts are (hope it's a belt, and not the pump). I've been smelling that burning smell for a couple of days now, and couldn't find the source. What do I do?

 

Wish I could help but I doubt that its air...once you take the power steering res. cap off and turn your wheel to the left and right (all the way...) all air should be out. I might be slightly off in the procedure but not much....hope that helps.

 

The smoke you saw was most likely your own fault. When I first bled my steering lines, I read in the manual that you should never hold the wheel close to or at full lock in either direction for more than 15 seconds. You held it there for a full two minutes . It's probably best that you have the fluid in the power steering system replaced, in case you burned the fluid that was in there. Reccomened fluid is dexron automatic transmission fluid. Whining can also be other problems, not only air.



edit: My math sucks, 120 seconds is 2 minutes, not 3

 

So what can I do to solve the problem? And I've heard you say several times that the PS system needs ATF, but I've yet to see a source of reference for this unconventional knowledge. I asked someone that I know who used to be a service manager for a Nissan dealership (he worked his way up), and he had no knowledge of this.

 

Well, sir as it would turn out, according to ALLDATA you are absolutely, positively CORRECT. I had my PS system flushed and refilled w/ AFT. Hopefully, I haven't damaged the steering system w/ the burning P/S fluid. My pump is still making noise, but the smoke is gone. If it continues to whine, I guess I will add the 1.4 bottle of Lucas I have left, hoping it will quiet.

 

It's not unconventional at all. Very common place knowledge. If you look at the factory service manual, it says there in black and white, the reccomended fluid is Dexron ATF.
Lets see if the noise goes away, if it doesn't then I can consult the manual for you.

 

The noise is getting louder now, and the smell is beginning to return. I MUST have an airleak somewhere, but I can't see any evidence of fluid spillage. Please consult that manual for me. Thanks.

 

Trying to bleed system again, I raised the front of car, and with engine off this time, I turned wheel back and forth for about 10 minutes, lightly hitting the stops. During this process I saw the fluid bubble! Afterward, I checked the level, and some of it overflowed when the air? came from underneath. I then turned the engine on, and did same thing for about 2-3 mins. I saw some bubbling, but less. I let car run about 5 mins. After driving, I didn't hear much whine, but after getting home from the shop, The noise had returned. Again, no signs of fluid leakage.
Only thing I can think of, is when reveiwing my Haynes, it specified a specific torque for the bottom banjo bolt. Is it possible that it was overtightened, causing the noise? If so, how would I get a torque wrench into the cramped space to torque it properly? And if I change the torque spec. I want to replace the copper washers. How would I find out the proper size washers to buy?

 

I am hearing the same humming or whining sound right after I had the main pws hose replaced (the one with the banjo fittings). I told them to put ATF Dexron in it but maybe they put something else in. I am also in need of suggestions or tips, this sound doesnt seem normal since it didnt do it before.

Thanks

 

Hi, i got your pm..I'll check the manual and let you know what it says.

 

Just a question? Why are you using Lucas oil? Is this a replacement for Dexron III / ATF fluid? I am about to replace my hose and the service manual says to use Dexron III ATF fluid.

I am hoping to not have any issues since my pump is only about a year old. After looking at the mechanics work, I noticed that he changed the pump w/o replacing the hose(lazy mechanic). I am just glad I noticed the leak before I lost another pump....

 

Stick with what the manual calls for. I only tried the Lucas cause someone on the board said that's how he got rid of his noise. Let us know how it goes when you change the hose. BTW, Advance autoparts has the hose complete with the copper washers. Do NOT buy the hose from Autozone, like I did as well as many other members. Be sure you get new copper washers.

 

Shoot, too late. Were you able to find the copper washers anywhere? That really sucks because there's an Advance about 1 mile from my house. I wonder if I can go by Autozone and return something from the web? So did the new hose resolve all your problems?

 

Nope. Only problem it solved was of adding fluid 2-3 times/ month. Now I have the annoyance of pump whine. But, I now think it may be my belt is worn. I'll have to check it out later. Try to return it. The one from advance is a bit more, but the washers are important. It'll cost you a little less than $10.00 to get washers from the dealer. You'll need 4. The one from advance has 5 or 6.

 

I went to autozone online and it looks like it's the exact same part number as the one at advance. They do have 2 pressure hoses at both autozone and advance. The beck / arnley is the same part number at both places. This is the part I purchased. Do you remember if your hose was a beck / arnley?

 

Don't think so. Price was about $32.00 at Autozone and came to $40.00 w/ tax at Advance.

 

I guess I'll wait and see what I get.

 

any of you that have replaced this hose...
how much have you paid?
and where can i find the cheapest online price?
the autozone in my area wants 70$ for the hose..
the dealership wanted over 150$

 

I bought mine online at autozone for around $48 shipped... but I am not sure I am getting the right part...

 

im not sure the part they quoted me on was right either...
i asked for a high presure p/s hose.
is that the correct part?
mine is leaking at the top part.
the fluid rushes out everytime i turn the wheel

 

You guys def. have the wrong part. While it is true that the dealer part is 3 digits, the Retail part should be no more than $40.00 pretax.

 

ok, thatnx for the clarification.
ill make sure they order the right part

 

just for more info, I am in the process of replacing the high pressure power steering hose on my 93SE
I just got back from PepBoys and they had the part in stock. It cost $41.99 and includes copper washers. They didn't have any options, just one thing but it looks like the hose I'm looking for (from the pump to the bracket just behind the pass. side strut tower)
PepBoys part 0-30999-66079
on the box it says "ProSteer" PS16226 it includes the hose with the aluminum foil looking heatshield on the middle and 4 copper washers

 

Sounds good to me. Recommend you clean your undercarriage before starting work. (And make sure it's dry too)

 

Hi, i have a similar problem. When turning my wheel, i hear a whine noise and i SEE a leak. its a very small leak, i dont see it but i see some wetness on a hose below the power steering fluid reservoir. I just filled up the fluid a good 2 weeks ago and it looks like it went down a little but its still at the line and looks like its in good shape to last a while. I have no problems with steering or anything but want to solve this problem before it gets worst...

those of u that have bought this 'hose', whats the part number, waht was the actual price and did it fix the problem?

 

Since your cars a 97, I'm thinking the part numbers might be different but I paid $48 for it at autozone.com. Just enter your car info and then look for power steering pressure hose.

As far as stopping the leak, yes it stopped it. As far as getting rid of the whining noise, no it didn't. I have a bad feeling that I let my leak go a little too long and ruined the power steering pump.

I foresee a new power steering pump in my future(as well as a new clutch).....but it is 10 ten years old and it's my first power steering pump and second clutch.

As for replacing it, the sooner the better and it's a pretty easy install. Just make sure you get all the air out of the system by turning the wheels to the left and right. Also, make sure you clean any fluid that gets on the engine or exhaust. I'm still smelling the fluid 2 months later........

 

all that is listed previously in the thread

and like SmithAtlanta said, it'd probably be different for 4th gens