about three weeks ago I replaced my power steering pump. but due to heat exhaustion I forgot to put the o ring on and it was leaking. when I drove real quick the car immediately lost all power steering. the fluid came leaked right out. I noticed some smoke coming from the steering pump too.

I took everything out and put the o ring on. placed everything back together and no leaking. I turned the car on and bleed the system. but still no power steering. this is a rebuilt pump from auto zone. is the pump no good or can it be something else? this is like the 4th time changing this damn thing and its not a quick job.

 

The pump is belt driven so if you drive it and the fluids leak out, it seizes up, that's probably what happened and why smoke was coming from it. As far as you replacing them a lot i would get one from somewhere else if this is like the 4th one from the same store. Don't run it dry and make sure the lines are hooked up correctly and not leaking also.

 

thanks for confirming what I thought.

I'm going to a different auto zone. thank goodness for lifetime warranties.

another question about bleeding the system. Do those power steering vacuum adapters fit. something like this

http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemDi...e&kw=MITMVA660

This method seems a lot better for making sure air is completely bleed.

 

i have never used anything special to bleed a power steering system. just fill up the system and fill it to the full line of the reservoir, start the car, slowly turn the steering wheel all the way to the left, then all the way to the right, top off the reservoir a bit, and thats it. maybe in a week double check the level incase a bit of air came out

 

I've never had to change one on any of my Maximas ('84, '98, '03) but that is also the process I have used on several cars and trucks over the years.

 

Thanks everyone. Hopefully I fix this issue. Car's been sitting for a month now.

 

So i changed the power steering pump again. while the car was off and the car was in the air, i turned the wheel three times to lock on both sides. the cap was off the reservoir as well. let it stand for about 3 minutes. then turned the car on and turned the wheel again. the same amount of times. each time pouring more fluid in. i did this a few times then went for a drive. immediately i felt the steering was still stiff. i have very little turning ability with obey hand. if i try a full turn i need to use two hands. feel like i have power steering, but turning it all the way feels like im going to breaking the steering column.

took it for a test drive and when i got back the fluid was down 1/2 inch. put more in went for another ride. had a little more movement but still very tough to turn. still need to use two hands to turn the wheel all the way.
Now either i still have air or the rack and pinion needs to be replaced.

i want to put a vacuum on it to assist in bleeding before i go spend more money. c

ar has 150

 

Car has 250k miles.

 

sounds like the rack may be bad

 

I think so too. Just in denial. Going to buy the vacuum adapter and see if I can suck out whatever air is in the system. If that doesn't work then its looks like I'm changing the rack.

Not looking forward to this job.

But I'm a master of changing power steering pumps. Changed the pump today in 3 hours.

 

After reading various threads it looks like the rack is done. Going to spend the next few weeks buying everything.

So far I need:
1. Rack and Pinion
2. Rack Bushings
3. sway bar bushings
4. Patience

 

if you want to make sure your rack is going, you can poke a small hole in the boots of the rack. if PS fluid drips out the rack is gone

 

thanks for the tip.