My 2011 maxima has a big Power steering leak. I pulled off the passenger wheel and it looks like the leak is coming from a bolt in a component, but I'm not sure what the component is. Any help is greatly appreciated.


Thanks!!





What is that part right behind the thin metal pipe? It looks like the leak is coming from the bolt in the center of that part.

 

You sure it’s not leaking from somewhere else and not just pooling up In That spot? I think the power steering is directly above that area so it might be leaking down onto that spot

 

Thanks for the reply!

To tell you the truth, the whole area was soaked, but when I started the car with a full tank of PS fluid it looked like it was coming from there.. it was bubbling/fizzing there.

 

That's a motor mount ...

 

Really? So I'm assuming the leak isn't coming from there lol... It really looks like it's coming from that area though, as it seemed pretty dry highee up closer to the pump.

What is that thing silver pipe in front of the motor mount?

 

I'm not a 7th Gen guy and I'm no way an aficionado related to those, but based on the routing and the material, I'm gonna say that looks very much like a high pressure power steering pump line.

Clean all visible and accessible portions of that line really well and wrap it in white paper towels and masking tape.

Run the car and turn the wheel from stop to stop a number of times.

Turn the car off, access the line and slowly unwrap the line looking for steering fluid.

You might have a pin-hole leak on the hard line.

 

Thanks so much for the tips. unfortunately I am busy over the weekend and won't be able to get to it till Monday. I will try to write back with my findings. Thanks again!

 

How many miles on the car? definitly look above this engine mount area, I bet leak is coming on top of the place.

 

I had a ps leak on my 08 maxima and it f-ing sucks. Unlike older cars,these are made up of a mostly hard line instead of a hose. Makes it more expensive and harder to change.

 

It's a 2011 with around 100k miles.
If it's the high pressure line, is it hard to replace? About how many hours?

Thanks

 

In my 08 maxima it wasn’t really that hard,it was just in a horrible spot. Back up against the firewall,small area for my hands,area was already soaked in fluid. Ugh . It’s more annoying then hard.

 

Yup, replaced my spark plugs in my 07 so I know what you mean. Thanks

 

I just had another chance to take a look at it, and it appears it is coming from the thin silver pipe as shown in the photos, and it looks like it happened due to it rubbing against the motor mount (shouldn't there be a bushing protecting that??)

I was looking online and it seems I may need this part: 49721-JA100 and I was just curious if anyone can confirm.

Thanks

 

I tried disconnecting the pipe from the hoses, and the side that's closer to the front of the vehicle came out easy but the other side is much harder to access. Any hacks on how to remove the hose clamps and hose, and also an easy way to reinsert them? Thanks!

 

I have always found a heat gun helps. Still a pain though. Hose clamp pliers are also your friend.

 

Remove hose clamps, cut the rubber hose off with a razor blade and replace it.

 

Disengage the clamp and move it either up the hose or down the hard line ... i.e. get it out of the way.

Grab the rubber hose at its connection with the hard line (the spot where the clamp marks are) with a pair or appropriately sized or appropriately adjusted pliers and gently twist the rubber hose back and forth until it's seal on the hard line breaks.

 

Just posting to say thanks for everyone's help. Job took me 30 minutes. Part costed $35. While comparing both parts, I noticed that the mounting bracket on my old pipe was installed upside down, causing the pipe to rub against another metal part. Attached is a pic of the old part with the hole.

 

Dang 30 minutes. NICE! Good for you bro. That was quick,easy and cheap. A+