last winter i had this same problem, and it's doing it again this winter. for some reason, my power steering fluid is mysteriously disappearing. where to? i have no clue. twice in the past month, i've had to put fluid in to keep it back up to the proper level. it happened last winter just the same, but went away in the spring. also, i've checked all over and on the ground where my car will be parked for awhile, there's no sign of any leakage. has anyone had the same problem? help please?!

 

I also had this problem, I dont quite remember but look above your driver control arm and its probbaly soaked.

 

I had a similiar problem in my 97 and the dealer fixed it as a TSB. Here is the info on mine but there isn't one for the 98:
Make: NISSAN Model: MAXIMA Year: 1997

Service Bulletin Number: NTB98067 Bulletin Sequence Number: 190 Date of Bulletin: 07/98

NHTSA Item Number: SB601881
Component: STEERING:POWER ASSIST
Summary:
CONDITIONS WITH SOME VEHICLES EXPERIENCING POWER STEERING HOSE CLAMPS NOT PROPERLY TIGHTENED AT THE TIME OF PRODUCTION.
Maybe yours is just loose too??

 

i'm gonna go ahead and check that tsb out. thanks! i'm also gonna look over my driver control arm. one thing, as far as the tsb, could i just tighten it myself, is that all they did?

 

I really don't know what they did. I didn't even know it was leaking, they just told me they fixed it under a TSB when I had it in there one day. If you look down to the power steering components from the engine bay on the right side the rubber boot was covered with power steering fluid. I would just look under there and see if you can find a leak. Good luck!

 

What's happening to you is due to the cold weather during the winter. It's happened to my Max before. Your clamp in your steering rack loosens up because the rubber hoses shrink in the cold temperatures. That is why the TSB is out there - because it's been a somewhat common problem in Max's. I took mine to the dealer, and they just tightened the clamp up good. You just have to make sure that you clean up the clamp/any exposed threads good before your tighten it, so that the spilled fluid doesn't make it loosen up again. I haven't had a problem since though. Good luck!
-Chad

 

thanks a lot guys. hopefully, this'll make a difference!