Hey, so this is my story...
I have a Maxima 09, one day I started my car and, surprise! I had a grinding noise, steering wheel was really hard to turn... I checked it, and I found a massive leak in the pressure line... So I replaced the pressure line, but the noise didnt went away, so I though the pump got bad too... I replaced the pump, but the noise was still there... took it to a mechanic, they replaced the rack and pinion.. but the freaking noise was still there... I replaced the pump, AGAIN! and nothing, has been around two months, I checked my reservoir, return line, and they are in perfect conditions, I replaced the pump... yes, AGAIN!
But freaking noise don't go away.. I bleed the system, there is no leaks or bubbles in the reservoir, steering wheel not hard. everything seems good, but i cant get rid of that noise...

Its driving me nuts... Any similar experiences? Someone knows the cure? Three new pumps, presure line and new rack and pinion. no leaks, correct fluid, properly bleed.

 

If you have replaced the pump 3 times, replaced the rack once,, I am sure you have over 100k on the mileage... I would sell that thing and get a newer one.
No sense in spending more money and the problem still persist.

 

Are you positive it is a power steering pump issue and not a pulley? If so, did you replace it with an oem pump? I noticed my rebuilt pump from autozone had a significant whine. Replaced it with the more expensive oem part and no more whine.

 

Yeah...I mean, $500 in pumps and what...$250 for a rack and you still have the noise? But at least the steering response/input is the same? Lots of bucks spent to still be unsatisfied with the repair...

 

Three questions.
1. Are you parked when you hear the noise?
2. Do you only hear the noise when the wheel is turned?
3. If noise is all the time why do you believe its coming from the steering pump and not somewhere else?

 

I only paid the first pump (like 100 bucks, coupons and speed perks) the other two they exchange them as defective, the rack was around 400... I though about that too, maybe the oem is better.

 

you cant hear anything when idle, its only when you turn the wheel in a u turn.