I'm brand new to the Maxima forums, and also a beginner when it comes to car repair. With that said, I had a leak (a pretty bad one) from my power steering fluid pressure hose up top and had it replaced at a local garage this past week.
About a week after I noticed the leak, I also noticed the car was idling and accelerating a little rough which it hadn't done before the leak. I'm wondering if fluid could have gotten into a spot where it shouldn't be and be causing this?
Also, I've read some on here where it's said that a little dripping a few days after the hose replacement is normal and it will go away. One of my estimates included a "power wash of the engine" for $99 and we didn't end up going to that particular garage. My question is, should I have it pressure washed to remove all of that ps fluid that was leaking everywhere? And could I do it safely myself?
Thanks!

 

I don't know of any reason for the car to start idling rough because of the power steering leaking. It is either unfortunate coincidence, it was actually happening before and now you are doing a more critical checking out of the car or the mechanic somehow screwed something up.

Oil might drip for a day or so because it is running off of the engine, car body, etc. If you want to wash it off, go ahead. If you are using a power spray like the wand type self car washes, go easy on electrical connectors and the alternator. You can spray them to clean them but don't try to soak them. If you use the spray can type cleaners, the same applies both to the application of the de-greaser and the hosing off process.

 

Thanks, Dennis. I figured I'd do it on my day off but I noticed last night overnight it didn't leak, so I think I'll leave it be. It's nice to finally be able to drive it without having to add fluid every day!