Hey guys I have a question that has got my worried. The other night I drove home from work and everything was fine. Got up today to go to work and when I started my car and drove away I noticed that it is very hard to turn my wheel now this problem happened over night and I have no idea whats going on. I checked the PS fluid and its just below the max level but well above the min. After I got back home I let it sit for about 30 mins then went back out to take a look and started it back up and it was normal. Then I shut it off for about 45 mins then started it back up and problem is back Its a 2010 max with 70k miles. Any help would be great thanks guys.

 

My friend had a similar problem on his car (different make,model) but it was due the electronic connector not making full contact therefore it was causing his power steering to kick in and out at random times. Not sure if our cars have the similar power steering situation but just and idea!

 

I cant seem to get to the power steering looks like its very hard to get to lol. so I am going to start with something easy I am changing out the fluid and not sure if its regular power steering or ATF. 2010 maxima s any one know ?

 

It's ATF, double check your manual for the correct type.

 

Really? I've heard that ATF and PS have identical properties but today I got my PS fluid changed at Nissan and they used BG Sythetic Blend Power Clean.

I was a bit surprised that it wasn't some kind of Nissan exclusive PS Fluid but it was done by the dealer and was guaranteed for 1 year warranty so I'm not complaining.

 

My manual says " Power Steering Fluid (PSF) " Use Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent "


so I am guessing its just regular PSF and not automatic transmission fluid Right ?


Thanks

 

1996 may have a very valid point about the ATF because of their similar properties but I've also read around and it says to use PSF if it says to or ATF if it says so I'm thinking you'd can't go wrong with just using PSF.

I'm actually kinda mad they put the BG Sythetic blend in my car because I'm sure they had the full synthetic stuff.

None the less, I have heard very good things about redline.

Also idk if it the placebo effect from how much money I spent on the service but the car feels easier steer. Haha what would I really know though lol

 

When I changed out my PS fluid, I used Nissan PSF from the dealer, it wasn't too expensive and it doesn't take that much.

 

You sir, are correct. I was mistaken, and I apologize for it. This is my fourth Maxima, and all of them but this one required Dexron ATF. I actually have read the owner's manual for all of them including this one. Popped my hood this morning and looked at the reservoir cap, saw the PSF on it, then jumped to my manual and confirmed it. Guess my memory tricked me on this one .

 

Well you're still not wrong because the car could still use ATF but I think it just would need changing a lot sooner but it wouldn't damage anything.

 

As a side note...what is the recommendation for changing PS fluid? I had to change mine since the reservoir got damaged, but don't really know when the change it under normal operations.

 

Under normal situations the first change is recommended at 50,000 miles and then every 30,000 after that.

 

Thanks guys, I changed my PSF today and still the power steering keeps going in and out so I am guessing I am going to have to get to the pump to check out the connection. I think its just weird that it would be messed up when I didn't even didn't do anything lol but that's my luck. hopefully I can get to it easy

 

That's good to know.



Check the high pressure hose. On my 5th gen, that's where the leak was coming from. Even at my friends price, it was about $150. He's an Infiniti mechanic. Make sure that the lower control arm is free of any PSF, the bushing can swell & break apart. At which point you will need another lower control arm, or at least replacing the bushing.

If needed, check out courtesyparts.com for parts. They usually have pretty good prices.

 

So, it could be something mechanical. It could also just as easily be something electronic. The power steering assist is controlled by the PSU - powersteering control unit. There are basically 3 levels of power assist that it decides upon based on load and speed and whatnot.

I have ran synthetic Mobil 1 DEXRON VI fluid pretty much since new. I have 115K on the clock now. But yeah...synthetic ATF is fine to use, provided it is DEXRON III (?) or higher.

Late,
Trav

 

I was able to take the tire off and see the pump but no very good, There is no leaking at all. Every thing is good, If I open the reservoir you can see the fluid swirl around fast and good so I think the pump is working good. When I was under the car I didn't see any electric connections going to the pump. Where is this powersteering control unit located and could this be the problem, also someone said a Power Steering Pressure Switch but I looked it up and it has a plug but didn't see anything like this on the pump ? Thanks again

 

Dealer wants almost 2k for this fix, and I don't have that lol so I am on my own, any one know where the power steering control unit is located or the Power Steering Pressure Switch thanks again

 

Here is a link to the 7th gen factory service manual.

2009-
http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/Maxima/2009/

2010-
http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/Maxima/2010/