The issue: Steering the wheel is hard as hell when starting up the car in the morning (cold temp); however, steering gets easier/better when car is warmed up. Also, I’m leaking power steering fluid but can’t find the damn leak.

Has anyone else experienced this problem on their Max?

Please help!

 

You oil leak has a good chance of being the high pressure power steering hose. Happens to many people, unfortunately.

The hard steering could be a belt problem. Maybe adjusting the tension will fix you up, maybe you might have to replace it. Also, it might be getting oil on it from the leak which will just add to your problem.

By the way, I hope you are adding automatic transmission fluid to your power steering reservoir and NOT power steering fluid. That's the way Nissan made it.

 

check the power steering lines. Mine does the same thing. the pump is probably on its way out

 

The PS belt and tension is good.

I'm thinking that the fluid is not distributing properly? Could be PS pump?

Also, i'm having trouble locating this "high pressure steering hose" you speak of. Got any pics?

 

At the moment I agree with you that the pump is the issue related to the "hard steering".

HOLY S&^T! The pump is $382.17 at Courtesy.

 

yea stealership is expensive. you can deff get it cheaper than that

advance auto parts has one for $155.99 with a $30 core

 

Might seem silly but make sure you fluid level is good (since it leaks).. Isn't there a dye you could put in the power steering system to help you find the leak?

 

Unless another org. member can tell me their true experience with PS pumps, the aftermarket ones are no good. Keeps too much noise...only way is to go OEM which I am saving my money for.

 

Problem solved. It was the damn steering rack and pinion.

If anyone has this problem, replace the rack!