Power Steering pump failed all of a sudden
Thread Starter
Max40
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 181
From: New Jersey
Power Steering pump failed all of a sudden
My power steering pump just failed on me on the Garden State Parkway in NJ. Replaced it last in March 2007. Is this normal for power steering pumps to go all of a sudden? Had my 3 year old in the car so I was glad I was in the right lane and was able to pull off to a gas station. I had power steering fluid bottles in my car but knew something was very wrong when the reservoir would not retain any liquid. Went though two bottles and finally the third kept some liquid. There were no major leaks around the car and only had a few drips in the garage but very small. Anyone had this issue and if you think it could be another cause I would appreciate the feedback.
It sounds like there is a leak only when the power steering pump is running and pressurizing the oil.
Are you certain it is the power steering pump? I could also be the rack and pinion leaking.
You say you had bottles of "power steering fluid" with you. That tells me that you were aware that you had a leak. An oil seal that leaks will only get worse until it blows out and becomes a big leak.
But those bottles of power steering "fluid" - what was the "fluid"? Nissan does not use the standard power steering fluid that other cars do. Nissan uses automatic transmission oil (ATF). the DEXRON type. Using regular power steering fluid could possibly be the reason you have the leak.
When you get it fixed, make sure you use DEXRON ATF.
Are you certain it is the power steering pump? I could also be the rack and pinion leaking.
You say you had bottles of "power steering fluid" with you. That tells me that you were aware that you had a leak. An oil seal that leaks will only get worse until it blows out and becomes a big leak.
But those bottles of power steering "fluid" - what was the "fluid"? Nissan does not use the standard power steering fluid that other cars do. Nissan uses automatic transmission oil (ATF). the DEXRON type. Using regular power steering fluid could possibly be the reason you have the leak.
When you get it fixed, make sure you use DEXRON ATF.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2,974
From: Portland, Oregon
Seems like your car gave you plenty of warning thst the power steering system was leaking, and that you should have fixed the problem at your convenience. Rather than now, after the power steering quit.
Im going to guess thst one of your power steering hoses is leaking. Find the leak, fix the problem.
Im going to guess thst one of your power steering hoses is leaking. Find the leak, fix the problem.
Thread Starter
Max40
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 181
From: New Jersey
Thanks for the feedback. I keep power steering fluid, water, motor oil, etc, in my trunk just in case. There was no noise before the pump failed and I only had 3 dime size drips on my garage floor in the span of two weeks. Once i had to use two hands to turn into the garage knew power steering was gone. Replaced rack and pinion in 2014. Thanks for tip on the Dexron will keep that in my trunk from now on.