Ok, every time I turn my wheel, I hear like a groaning/humming noise coming from my steering wheel. It's been making this noise for a long time, but recently it's gotten louder. I hear the noise only when i turn the wheel, and only while I'm in gear.. once i press the clutch in, the noise goes away. I let the clutch out to get back in gear, and the noise begins again. I leaned my head out the window, and I don't hear it outside, but just from inside the car. Any idea on what that noise could be?

 

PS pump? what's the level?

 

sorry about the multiple threads.. the website was acting up, and i wasnt sure if it went through

my power steering fluid level is full.. how might that be related to the clutch/transmission though?

 

could be cv-joint problem.

 

My maxima was doing the same thing...i never really figured it out. When I turnred wheel all the way to the left I would hear grinding noise....i just tuned it out.

 

had the same problem .. a good flush t/c of the problem .. leater i end up replcing the belts and pump!

 

you mean a power steering flush?

 

is there any way to visibly identify a bad cv joint?

 

If you don't turn the steering wheel is there a noise? Check your power steering fluid level and your belt for proper tension!

 

take a look at the boots.
turn the steering wheel to full lock doing slow speed and listen if there is a knocking noise.

 

the level is full.. i'll check the belt tension.. and no, there's no noise if the wheel is straight

it's not a knocking noise i hear though.. it's more of a groaning noise coming from the steering wheel.. i did that test, and did not hear a knocking noise

 

ok, i think i may have found the problem.. my power steering belt is... frayed, i think the term is? you can see metal shining through the bottom part of the belt where the grooves are.. the tension seems to be alright, but it was hard to get my hand down/up in there.. question... i have a brand new power steering belt from my 01 maxima that i never used... will that belt fit on my 2003?

 

ok nevermind.. i called nissan and they said the belt will fit... but i cant find that damn bolt behind the power steering pump! you know the one that's a PITA to loosen.. i cant even find it.. lol