Hello everyone

I got a strange issue with the steering in my 01 Maxima.

When the steering fluid is cold the steering doesn´t move properly and even in some points it doesn´t move and the pump makes a whinning sound like it hits the limit and I must wait a little bit until the car warms up and the steering works without any problem. This happened for a few days, but today was the worse because the steering even doesn´t move at all until I did a hard pull in the steering wheel. But when the car warms up it works again as nothing was wrong.

I don't know if the pump or the rack are failing

And yes, the belt is properly installed.

 

80 views and not a single answer eh?

Well, I found some light for this problem and is called "Morning Sickness". Geez... It's time to rebuild the steering rack.

http://www.powerracksdirect.co.uk/MorningSickness

 

Mileage? Before condemning the pump and/or rack, check the simple stuff like fluid level, condition and leaks. In particular, a common leak point is the high pressure PS hose near the passenger strut tower.

 

102k miles
Replaced the old steering fluid
No leaks detected in the HP hose

I did a double check to the steering pump belt and it's a little fit loose. I'll thighten it again and check if that fix the issue.

 

When you go to a parts store and buy power steering oil/fluid, what are you buying?

The "standard" power steering oil is the wrong stuff. Nissan uses Dexron ATF. Power steering fluid will cause the pump to whine/buzz.

 

I put Dexron ATF as the Owner´s Manual says.

 

You could try some thicker fluid (or additive that will increase viscosity like stop leak). Less will bypass when cold and maybe it will turn.

 

I'd also say PS belt. Happened to me, squealing was the belt slipping giving me sh^tty response on turns and sometimes none at all.

 

You was right. It was the damn PS belt, it was loose and it slipped from the PS pulley when it was cold. At least the belt was in good condition and it was working properly again after a little adjustment.

It was helpful too because I noticed that my alternator and AC belt was awful and it was replaced ASAP.

 

You actually used the tensioner? :P

I cut the PS belts off and slip em on just so I don't have to deal with it. If you can't slip them on, then it's too tight as far as I'm concerned.

 

Yep. The belt was a little bit loose but not enough to slip it out.

 

Good to hear all's well. My belts chirp a little on wet mornings so they may need some tightening. Will probably deal with it when it gets warmer out.

 

If anyone needs some visual help with tightening the belt(s) on a 2002 maxima you can use this video as a reference. I recently had to replace other parts and threw this into the video.

 

Hi guys. How about 2016 Nissan Maxima Sr when I turn to the right or left at low speeds the car wants to die and the power steering stiffens up does anybody have any input.

 

2016 uses an electric power steering pump, whole different ball game...