Should I get a "power steering flush" to resolve my PS pump turbo-like noise issue or wait a few months after using a turkey baster and emptying the resevoir to see if the noise goes away?

What does a "PS flush" actually entail if i bring it to a shop?

If I replace the whole pump, just the part itself costs hundreds it seems. I think I'm going to be sick...

 

Sounds like you have air in the PS system. Maybe take it to a shop and see what they say.

 

If it starts to make that noise, it might be too late. Just make sure you use ATF for the powersteering. Most other makes use powersteering fluid, but we use ATF.

 

you can try to bleed the system yourself. with the car running, turn the wheel to each end all the way. thats the instruction given in the haynes manual for PS system bleeding.

 

what is atf??? Is stand for Automatic Transmission Fluid?

 

yes, use that instead of power steering fluid.

 

Thanks for the help- hopefully it'll save me hundreds. I hope its not too late either, I figure its worth a shot to bleed and replace w/ ATF Dexron II. I haven't actually had any problem with the steering yet- it still seems to be pumping. I let you know if bleeding and replacement cures the issue.

 

Use Dextron III, NOT Dextron II - per the owner's manual and Haynes.

 

that's odd when I pulled the owner's manual out of the glove compartment it just said II or maybe it didn't say anything dextron...either way I'll stick with your choice over mine.

 

Interesting... rmurdoch is right and so are you 1996WhiteMaxima. I remember reading my owner's manual not too long ago about this and I believe it says Dexron II. I just checked the FSM I have (two different versions) and one says Dexron II and the other says Dexron III.

I think the ATF I used met both Dexron II and Dexron III standards... perhaps you could find a similar one. I can't remember which brand I used.

 

I found it: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...otive&n=507846

 

Dextron III superceeds Dextron II. I think you might have hard time finding Dexron II ATF anyway.

 

There is no T dammit... its deXron... aaagh... too much coffee...

 

If the pump is already making noise, a fluid change isn't going to help it.

Replace the pump.

 

REPLACE THE PUMP????? They cost hundreds...unless someone has a used one they can spare- Anyone???

Either way I've heard of this issue of the "swishy, turbo" noise, occuring on several maxima's on other forums, due to dirty, broken down ATF building up and putting stress on the pump. Two guys mentioned that they simply replaced the fluid over several weeks through the resevior and "viola" the ps pump issue was resolved not quickly- but eventually.