I have started to notice and strange noise when turning. The best way to describe it would be a "humming" sound. My rookie diagnosis is that it seems to be a power steering thing. It only occurs when I am turning sharply and relatively slowly (i.e. U-turn) and it will occur turning in BOTH directions. For that reason I would say it's definitely not a wheel bearing.

Another strange thing about this noise is that it seems to only occur when I am pressing the gas while turning. If I let off the gas and coast while turning, it disappears.

Thoughts anyone? Please help!

 

How's your PS fluid level?

 

Power steering pump. Not sure how expensive it would be to replace on a Maxima...but probably looking somewhere in the neighborhood of $300 for parts and labor.

I'd ride it out till it fails or you can't stand the noise any longer.

 

PS fluid level is fine.

I will also mention though that I first started noticing this noise fairly shortly after turkey basting out the Nissan OEM fluid and replacing it with Amsoil synthetic ATF. Coincidence? Probably.

 

sounds like your getting air in your system ,are you getting any oil leaks at the front shaft and check your reservoir for air bubbles or foaming i would go back to dex 3 atf and flush the system it mite not be to late i gust did my pump it was leaking at the front shaft also, i made the mistake of using the clear power steering fluid added to my reservoir it caused the pump to fail and i replaced the pump and in less than a week i got leaks at the rack and steering boots i ended up replacing the rack also

 

Probably the pump. Have same issue, well Ive replaced my pump and my sound lessened, but still heard slightly.

 

Chances are it's the pump. If you want to tell for sure go buy some cheap PS fluid for a flush. Maybe get some lucas with additives to refill, whatever.

Your fluid level will probably be fine, but disconnect the lower hose from the PS reservoir and let that drain, bet it's gonna be nice and dark and smell burnt. And if it burns the fluid again in a short time period, another possibility of it leading to the pump.

Start the car up after the drain with no PS fluid. If the noise decreases and then comes back when you refill it then it's the pump. If it's not, then I would look at all the suspects on that side of the engine.

I.E when's the last time you did your idler pulley? Belts? Belt tensioner? etc.

The PS pump job is not for the weak hearted, so I would recommend bringing it to a shop/having a buddy that's a mechanic work on it. (it's located way up in the upper left engine compartment)

Keep us posted and let us know the culprit

-Spence'

 

i have ps pump for sale i bought it because of the same humming sound but never installed