Hi I just bought this car , and a week later its grinding and squealling even when in N (more so when turning) .. POwer steering fulid goes down quickly and I see red liquid dripping from under all the time .

I dont know much about cars , but Im guessing this is a power steering leak ..
I wonder if there is much info to be found on what else could be worn g
Also the locks seem to autolock when I drive a few metres .. is there a way to diable this ..

And finally where can I download an english manual , it only came with Japanese ones

 

The 2003 Nissan Cefiro is very similar to the Nissan Maxima/Infinity I35. There are some minor differences but most major repair issues should be identical. The power steering issue you are having is likely the main pressure hose. This is a common problem with these vehicles. In the Maxima, this hose runs along the firewall on the passenger side of the vehicle near the power steering pump. Leaks can be difficult to locate because of the foam rubber insulator over the hose. Cut away some of that foam and you will probably see power steering fluid leaking underneath. It's not a difficult job to replace yourself and I'm not even going to begin to guess at what this would cost in New Zealand. Figure on a two hour repair plus cost of a new hose.

As far as the auto locks...this feature was not available on the Maxima (or the i35 as far as I can tell). Features unique to the Cefiro are going to be difficult to find information on. I'd be happy to post english manuals for the Maxima but it may not all apply to you exactly. Good luck in your endeavors. And I'd love to see pictures of the Cefiro.

2003 Maxima Owner's Manual

2003 Maxima Factory Service Manual

 

Hello,
I just got this replaced. The leak was from the place where the metal part meets the rubber hose. This happens as the pressure is too high and lots of heat/cold/heat cycles and the joint fails. You do not want the power steering pump to run dry or else you'll have to replace the pump too.
If you are mechanically inclined, you can try replacing with the right tools.
There is a write up here on this site which is detailed and helps with all the tools and technique you need.
Best option is to take it to a mechanic who is reasonable and lets you use the OEM part.
The aftermarket parts are known to make a noise while driving. If you do not care for the noise, you may go with any other brand.
It costed me 130$ for the part (nissan OEM) and $85 for labor (real cheap).
The dealership quoted me $260 for the part and $120 for labor and a ridiculous $100 for the steering fluid flush which is not at all required.
Good Luck

 

It could also be the rack and pinion unit.

 

that leaking PS hose is a common issue with your generation cefiro/I35/maxima. If you look around on here you will find that quite a few people have had that issue