A fluid leak resulted in a high whine when I turned my steering wheel. After a few months, I went to my dealer who replaced the fluid and said the rack and pinion needed to be replaced/repaired for $1,500. I was told it was not something needed to be done immediately; however, it would need repair. When and where should I get it down (I live in L.A.) and how much should I pay?
nckdrake@hotmail.com

 

Sounds like you have a small leak. You can live with it if you just keep your eye on the fluid level. Topping it off on a monthly basis isn'that bad of a leak. I had a Honda that leaked for the last 3 years I owned the car. I just weeped slightly so I figured it was much cheaper to watch the fluid then to rebuild the rack. If the leak gets bad, you may check local junk yards for a rack, then put new seals in it yourself. Have a shop install it and set your toe and your all set to go.

 

@%@#$%@#$%@%#$%@#$@%@#$^@#%@%@#%$@ the dealer told me the same thing at about 51k on my car. I don't get any noise though and I don't even bother to check the fluid too often because 10k later it was still full. If this is a known defect I think Nissan should recall them.

Anyway, it's obvious that $1500 is way to much money to put into a 4-5 year-old Maxima. Try a salvage yard to get it done at maybe 40% of that figure installed. Problem is, if it's a known defect the car the used rack is coming out of will also be leaking. good luck.