Hey Guys

My maxima's power steering feels very rough when i try to turn the wheel when i'm not on the gas. It also kind of makes a nasty belt squeaking noise.

I checked the fluids and they are a little bit below the min when cool line, but not by much.

I want to fill it up before I take it into a shop, what kind of fluid should I buy? I have never changed or added anything since I bought the car 3 years ago.

Any other suggestions? Thanks!

 

Ive never had issues with my PS before, but maybe the PS belt is slipping? If it sounds like a belt slipping...thats probably what it is...

Check the condition of it, if its all cracked replace it....might as well do your other belt since you gota take that one off to get to the PS belt anyways...

 

To clarify, I did actually change all the belts 1.5 years ago because of a constant squeaky belt noise. I have never changed or added more PS fluid.

 

Maybe your belts are loose? I know this happened to me before, i didnt put enough tension on them and they started kinda slipin a bit later down the road...just tightened them up and it was fixed..

Other than that...the only think i can c making noise is your rack and pinion or your PS pump...lack of fluid could be a culprit but maybe ur R and P is just going out? (major sucks)

Just top it off and c if it the sound subsides any...

 

It doesnt sound like he is gonna try to troubleshoot himself tho

Any PS fluid will do... jus take it to the shop and let them take care of it...belts arent expensive.

SO you see any leaks or puddles under the car??

 

ATF dexron 3 or equivalent I believe. Our cars don't use Power Steering Fluid.

If your belt is squeaking and its relatively new, either it is loose, or if the tension is adequate, it could be slipping due to grease on the belt/pulley. Use a mild degreaser and wash off the pulley. If it is 'moaning' - then it is the pump asking for fluid, and you may have a leak. It sounds like you simply have a 'slipping' belt, though.

 

Check the Fluids and Lubricant subforum for more information on PS fluid.

Sounds like the belts were misaligned or needs more tension.