I need some help diagnosing this issue. In another thread I told the story about losing the pulley off my power steering pump a few weeks back (the nut worked itself off someone and shortly therafter the pulley followed). Up until the pulley fell off there were absolutely no problems with the steering.

First I had the dealer put the old pulley wheel back on (and a new belt) for $200. It seemed to be OK for a day and then I lost power steering at very low speeds or idle. If, in the middle of making a turn, I revved the engine a little the power steering would suddenly "kick back on".

I figured maybe the old pulley wheel was slipping because I did notice before it was put back on that the teeth on it were pretty chewed up. I bought a new one at NAPA for $49 and had a buddy replace it. Again, it seemed to work for about 20 minutes and then right back where I started. No PS at very low speeds, not bad at normal speeds.

I suppose I could replace the entire PS pump at this point, but since the PS worked fine right up until the moment the pulley fell off, I'm finding it difficult to believe the pump itself is bad.

Would hate to replace the pump only to find out it didn't solve my issue.

Does anyone have any ideas what would cause me to lose PS at very low speeds, but have it kick back in when I rev the engine or increase speed?

Any help would be appreciated....this is starting to get old and I'd really like to fix it once and for all.

2002 Maxima SE with 170,000 on the odometer.

 

check belt and pulley again.
also check power steering fluid level.

 

Just an update: I figured the only thing left to do was break down and replace the pump. Got a rebuilt one at NAPA for $155. Found a mechanic to put it in for $90. That was the ticket. I now have power steering at all speeds/RPMs. Glad that's finally over. :-)