97 gle seems there is a ps leak, not sure if it's the hoses or the pump itself but i know that it was soaked in fluid and dripping onto the o2 sensor and y pipe. The leak explains the burning smell ive noticed, but could the ps leak onto the o2 sensor cause it to go bad? The o2 sensor had some fluid on it so i don't want to replace it yet if the continual leak is going to just cause the new sensor to go bad.

 

Why do you think the O2 is bad ? Do you have O2 CEL code? 1) With engine OFF, wipe away ALL the PS fluid, everywhere you can see it. 2) check CEL codes for O2 and whatever else is there. 3) Start engine and turn steering wheel a few times lock to lock, then look for PS leaks; or if you have a buddy handy, have him turn the wheel while you watch all around the PS pump and hoses ... keep back a bit in case it sprays ! 4) Fix PS and also whatever codes you found! Search both org and YouTube for 'how-to's ; Pmohr has several vids on YouTube on repairs, as well as other persons.

 

^ yeah i forgot to mention the code is on for the front right bank o2 sensor, that's why i'm asking if the leaking fluid could somehow affect the sensor. but yes i will try that as soon as possible. right now i'm only worried about the o2 sensor as it is affecting mileage but will also tend to the ps pump in time.
thanks

 

I just repaired a p/s leak, same mess at the front. It's likely the cooler pipes connections that run in front of the a/c radiator. Look on the passenger side where the 2 aluminum pipes come from the pump and make a turn.At the turn it's rubber hose with 4 clamps. Tighten them. (Depending where the screws ended up you can get them from underneath or as I had to, remove the grill,which gives you room from above.

 

Front RIGHT sensor is at the firewall, below the pump and lines. Yes PS fluid or oil will kill a sensor. Sensors have a double-wall exterior construction, and need to breathe in order to function.

I had a leaky rear valve cover that killed my O2 sensor. Make sure its not oil running down and getting your lines wet.

 

yeah the sensor by the firewall. thanks for confirming, i do believe it is ps fluid because its not thick like oil and the pump is soaked in fluid. it ran down the o2 wires and on to the sensor itself. there's some residue on the sensor from where it burned off. hope i dont have to change the pump

 

I have a question. My powersteering fluid is leaking too. I think its coming from the resivior though. But im not for sure bc one of the hoses stay wet from the fluid.

 

Keep in mind that if power steering fluid is leaking enough to drip then the fluid level in the reservoir will slowly go down. If it is not, then the rear valve cover is another potential leak in that area, as asand1 pointed out.

 

which simptoms make's your maxima with the o2 sensor dead?????
your car shutdown or fails or something?
my maxima have the o2 sensor after catalyzer dead and the motor shakes and in the stops this shut down and when i start it again star well and sometimes fails the iddle because does not iddle correctly

 

The after cat sensor WILL NOT AFFECT THE ENGINE!!! It only monitors the cat efficiency. You have other issues. Don't worry about after cat sensor.
His sensor was BEFORE cat.