Hi,
I have a 97, Maxima GLE with 133k miles on it. Recently I started hearing sound when I take out the car in the morning. Its more pronounced when I turn (and turn left I believe). I do hear some noise when I turn right as well (not as much as left). Its there for about 5 min and then it goes away. I took it to mechanic. He lifted it and showed me the problem. The Rack & Pinion Bellow is fully torn and the power steering fluid reservoir is below min level. His recommendation is to change the R&P completely which is about $500. I asked the guy few questions and wanted to check with you guys so he is not screwing me.

Q: What happens if I dont change R&P?
A: The PS pump will be damaged (which is more expensive to change). The state inspection will not pass (I am due on state inspection).

Q: Does the R&P has to be changed fully? Can just the Bellow be changed to fix the problem?
A: No the full R&P needs to be changed. Changing the Bellow will not fix the problem.

Please give me ideas to do the sensible thing here.

Thanks!

 

You can change the inner tie rods and bellows for under 100 and just flush out the power steering system with some GOOD atf and you should be set. Usually it is NOT a big leak so you can just keep filling it up every now and then.

 

Thanks Kevlo911!

I have been seeing low levels of PS fluid. I would just top it off during oil change. But I never heard this noise until now. Is it a bigger leak now?

 

It might be, can you jack up the car and take a pick of where the leak is coming from. I have seen leaks from where the lines go into the rack and leaks from the seals on the end

 

I am not sure where the leak is coming from. When the mechanic lifted the car up, I did look underneath and saw the torn Bellow. Does this automatically mean the PS fluid is leaking? Could there be some other leakage spot?

Do they generally replace R&P as a whole or its good enough to replace the inner tie rods and bellows?

 

Could be leaking from either side of the power steering assist valve