leaky power steering hoses
 

Hello All,
I originally had a leak in my upper power steering hose which I had to add fluid twice a week. The leak has gotten worse and I have to add fluid every other day. I had the small leak for over 6 months(stupid I know) and didn't address it till now I have to. My 2004 Maxima has 203000 miles on it.
My question is this a job I can do myself? (I have become mechanically handy from you maxima.org people) or should I let my indy mechanic handle the job. I 'm also believing that the rack has to be replaced too? I know I can't replace the rack on my own. Do you recommend a used rack and pinion replacement?
Thank you,
Blake

Hard to say if you are capable of replacing the HP hose. I would rate it a 5 on the difficulty scale for a mechanic. Messy for sure, and you must pick your poison - either connect the hose first at the rack or at the pump. Whichever you choose will make the second connection difficult.

Oh, and replace the hose first before you start worrying about the rack. My bet is that the rack is fine, and the new hose will prove it.

leak in power steering hose
 

Thank you for your help. I think I am going to get my indy to do it. I love challenges but when I read messy , I said oh oh. LOL

I did it on my kids 3.5 Altima wasnt too bad,there's a video on YouTube I used for reference. Only thing that held me up was I had the hose facing the wrong way and it wouldn't line up at the steering rack,once I pulled the hose out and started over all went well

Which hose is it...the high pressure hose or the suction hose? If it is the suction hose (larger of the 2 hoses that attach at the reservoir) its just a messy job, but easy.

Over the last few years my 04 maxima with 117,000 miles has had a minor power steering leak which required fluid every 6 months or so but now all of a sudden I have had to add fluid 3 times in 1 week!

I took to a local repair shop and they said I need to replace my high pressure power steering hose
(part number 49720-7Y000)

My question is should i go with the genuine nissan part for $320 or save over $100 on an aftermarket hose?
(Not including labor)