With just over 200k on the clock my power steering pump has developed a pretty nasty leak. I don't have to add fluid but maybe once every few weeks but it's bad enough to be dripping on my exhaust and man does that stink. If i have the heat on and at idle it's pretty bad on the inside.

I was just wondering if anyone else has had this similar problem and if so how much trouble was it to fix?

 

Check the power steering lines/ hoses but first wipe off the fluid from where its leaking from but if its not leaking from any of the lines check the pump, have some one turn the steering wheel all the way left or right,while thats being done look under the car where the pump is see if the fluid leaks its ***** to get it out!!

 

2 options. use the seafoam transtune to flush the PS system and put in some new ATF (works like a charm and helps with tough steering).

or

flush with new ATF and add some of the PS sealer made by Lucas. (works but not as well as the first method).

either way, make sure it is a proper flush and not the "turkey baster" garbage method.

 

Thanks im gonna check it out tues. when i change the oil. Thanx guys

 

Check all the drain/cooler hoses and hose clamps. Over time the rubber will relax and the clamps will no longer be holding it tight. You can reposition and retighten the clamps but IME that doesn't work for very long. I think replacing these lines is the only real answer.

If the fluid is leaking from the pump itself it needs replaced.

Dave

 

High pressure hose to the rack is a fairly common problem.

 

yeah, my ****s leaking too. horible smell i might say. im thikning its the hoses. Im gonna tighten them tomarrow and see if it helps.. Ill tune in to this thread aswell since we have the same common problem from what i understand.

 

my wife's 96 had the same problem a year ago. we used the ps with conditioner, like others suggested here, to stop the leak. it really works. since then, we haven't added a drop of ps fluid. replacing the pump is expensive. try the low-cost remedy first. as a side note, we also replaced the right front O2 sensor because it was contaminated with ps fluid and tripped the cel. or maybe it was just about time to replace the original sensor.

 

the main seal on my 96 went out. the seal that is around the pulley shaft. was leaking like a B****. had to have the pump replaced. car has 157K

 

I'm having the same problem. Hope it's the hose and not the pump

 

I had the same problem. Just went an bought a new and the took care of the problem

 

My 96 had a small PS leak that was resolved by replacing the low pressure PS line.

 

Is it bad for any of the power steering components if you totally bypass the cooler piping that sits in front of the rad? I had a very bad leak so I just took the two rubber lines comming from under the reservoir and mated them.

 

Some trims didn't even have the PS cooler (just a hose connecting the two pipes), so it should be okay.

So you ran a hose from the hard line that comes back from the rack, and connected it to the reservoir?

Even on stock models where there was no PS cooler, the fluid traveling through the hard lines all the way up front and back to the reservoir provides some cooling, but you probably won't notice a difference.

 

That is exactly what I did more or less. There are two metal lines that run along the frame rail toward the front of the car. I disconnected those to lines right at the reservoir, and linked them together with hose clamps, and small piece of metal tubing. I wish i took a pic.

 

I took mine in because the fluid ruined a boot. They tightned all the lines and it stopped . 182k on my "96" Max. I'm goona try flushing lines too. Thanks.

Anyone know where I might get a bug shield for my "96" maxima?

 

http://www.google.com/products?hl=en...-8&sa=N&tab=wf

Not to mention http://www.letmegooglethatforyou.com...+nissan+maxima

 

Thanks, got it ......

 

Wow it's powersteering month!!!

Mine just got bad too, have to top it up every 2 or 3 days, more when its cold. I have an entire exhaust to deal with first......

Anyone wanna lend me some money???