Hey guys,

About two days ago i noticed a loose belt sound in my car and I check it out and decide that it was coming from the pulley. I was going to have it changed within this week or so. But today i was with my girl and the sound got bad. So i popped the hood and check again to see what the hell was going on. I come to find that all my power steering fluid has leaked out. The fluid is all over the place. The was some smoke rising from the resovior itself. I had to get home so I drove like 2 miles to my house and the the power steering just goes dead. I'm fighting to get the car to turn even a little bit. It was hell. Does anyone know how much it would cost to get it fixed? I'm going to try and fill up the power steering fluid again to see if there is a leak. But I don't know anything about cars and stuff except how to check fluid levels. I really need some help. I'm the best man in a wedding this monday and My car is also the featured car or lead car in the wedding. SO i need this fixed by monday. Any advice or suggestions will be helpful. Thanks in advance.

Man Choi
98 Se 5spd. fstb, exhaust, intake.

 

I had to get home so I drove like 2 miles to my house ...
That was a mistake. You had to get home? Walk. Call a cab. Those two miles may cost you dearly.

Clean the underhood mess. Look for the source of the power steering fluid leak. Fix the leak. If you are lucky it is only a burst hose. Refill the power steering reservoir. Test the system. The power steering pump may have been damaged during those last 2 miles. If so, it must be rebuilt or replaced. Alas.

Ball park cost, for parts only:
Reman P/S pump $170
Pressure hose $60
Return hose $10
ATF to refill $4

The power steering system does not have a filter. However, some people like to add one if they are "in there" doing any significant service. An add-on filter can be had for about $20.

 

Daniel...tell me more about the add on filter for the power steering pump. Who sells it and where do you mount it...on the return line or what?

 

ATF????? Are we suppose to use ATF as power steering fluid????

BTW, I am in the stage of fixing power steering leak also. I notice there was a leak last week and brought it to a mechanic. He told me to steam clean the engine first before he can find out where is the leak.

I was thinking since he have to change the hose (at least), I might as well change the power fluid to synthetic. Is it a good idea?

 

Yes. The Owner's Manual specifies Dexron-3 (or equivalent) ATF as the right "blood" for the Maxima power steering system.


He did you a favor. You clean it or he will. If he cleans it, he will have to charge you for the time.

A waste of money. The principal advantage of synthetic ATF is that it withstands heat better than "dino" (standard) ATF. Heat is a big problem in an automatic transmission but not in the power steering system.

 

 

Dan B--

I have read the posted discussion on the best method to clean the engine compartment of the car, but it seems that there is no "standard" or best way (simple green and hosing it to steam to just wiping it). In the mist of the discussion, I have to say that I am a bit confused. I have never cleaned the engine compartment aside from wiping it--what do you think, in your suggestion is a good method of cleaning it without damage to any of the electrical systems/wiring inside?

thank you,

Brian

He did you a favor. You clean it or he will. If he cleans it, he will have to charge you for the time.
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There was a recall over a year ago for the power steering hose clamp or something. Perhaps you should look it that. I had my fixed the day I received the recall notice.

 

I am reluctant to spray water on the engine. Water gets into all sorts of places where it doesn't belong. It causes annoying intermittent electrical problems which may not show up right away.

I don't clean my engine. If I wanted to clean it, this is how I would do it.

1) Start with a warm (not hot) engine.

2) Use a compressed air blow gun to blow off as much loose dirt as possible.

3) Spray the engine with a water displacing cleaner such as WD-40.

4) Wipe the engine with clean rags. Use a paint brush to reach those inaccessible nooks and crannies. Follow up with another spray and clean rag wipe-down.

 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration maintains an on-line database of safety recalls and Technical Service Bulletins. See http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/proble...servicemmy.cfm

Unfortunately, the NHTSA database contains only summary information. To get the full story you have to visit your local friendly Nissan dealer or subscribe to a for-fee service such as AllData.

This is from the NHTSA database...

Service Bulletin Number: NTB98067
Bulletin Sequence Number: 190
Date of Bulletin: 9807
NHTSA Item Number: SB601881
Make: NISSAN
Model: MAXIMA
Year: 1997
Component: STEERING:POWER ASSIST
Summary: CONDITIONS WITH SOME VEHICLES EXPERIENCING POWER STEERING HOSE CLAMPS NOT PROPERLY TIGHTENED AT THE TIME OF PRODUCTION. *YC


Let's distinguish between a Recall and a Technical Service Bulletin. A Recall is (usually) a problem related to safety or emissions. The manufacturer has an obligation to notify owners in writing. There is no debate with the dealer about whether the repair is needed, or who will pay for it. The repair is needed and Nissan will pay for it.

A TSB is the means by which Nissan notifies its dealers of a recognized problem and a recommendation for diagnosis and remedy. There is no formal notification mailed to owners. The repair may or may not be needed on a specific vehicle. The bill may or may not be paid by Nissan. There is room for the dealer to exercise his judgement.

Note that this TSB is for the '97 model year. That's what Kevin Wong drives, but Man Choi has a '98.