Hard Power Steering..

[MaximaGuy]

My maxima has over 150K and have done regular PS maintainence like fresh ATF and flushes for many years. I am experiencing hard steering and I have checked everything possible and it is fine with no leaks (even did a PS pressure check on the high side).

Now when I raise the front and have then on stands and engage the PS, it is smooth and consistent to my other new vehicle. But once it is on floor the hard steering is back.

Could sagging springs put any extra pressure on the PS? Maximas are generally heavy fronts and with sagging springs could exaceberate hard steering..

Any suggestions would help.

 

[alreadygone]

You mention ATF, most rack steering systems call for PS oil only, are you sure you haven't damaged components with non-approved lube? What you describe sounds like fluid bypassing piston seals, cure is rack replacement.

Bob

 

[MaximaGuy]

Actually Nissan PS systems take Dexron fluids. There is a Nissan PSF but rarely has it been used by maxima owners.

 

[meep]

All of the domestic cars I've known wanted PS fluid. All of the foreign cars I've known (except honda) wanted Dexron.

Mike

 

[artificialist]

I have dealt with many ford trucks that said to use ATF, as well as some Chrysler vans.

Anyway, to answer the original question, sometimes the inner tierod ends become stiff and cause the car to be hard to steer. Raise both front wheels, and try to push against the tires to make them steer. Is this difficult? If so it may be the inner tierod ends.

This could happen with other components such as the ball joints, strut mounts, and outer tirerod ends, I have just seen it happen to inners more often.

Quite simply, your P/S pump and inner rack seals may be just fine.

 

[alreadygone]

"Quite simply, your P/S pump and inner rack seals may be just fine." Artie

WANNA bet??? That'd still be my first guess.

Bob

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

My parents used to have a Stratus that did that. The steering rack was replaced but it still steered poorly. Brought it back in and it turned out to be either ball joint or bearings, I don't quite remember.

 

[olddognewtrks]

What about the upper strut bearings? I had to R&R them on an old Golf when they wore out and essentially collapsed. I don't remember hard steering, but they do support the entire front end weight as well as handle steering and cornering loads.

 

[alreadygone]

Love to hear a conclusion to this thread.

Bob

 

[MaximaGuy]

I flushed the PS system and used Castrol MV ATF and it is much better. I must have had air in the system that resulted in hard steering. I am excited that I have my PS engagement to my liking and my wife is relieved that I didn't spend any unnessary money diagnosing/fixing something that needed no fixing.