Noisy steering system

[DJStillman]

Hi all:

1991 Nissan Stanza 2.4L L4 100,450 miles

I had a leaking power steering pressure line, which would require the reservoir to be filled about once a month. During this time with the leak (about 2 years - I know, should have fixed sooner...), I used Valvoline Synpower Synthetic Power Steering fluid with conditioners and stop leak, never realizing that the system actually required Dex ATF Fluid...

So, about two weeks ago, I replaced the hose. Right before that, the hose really started leaking, and upon getting back from the parts store, had just finished the last of the P/S fluid from the reservoir.

So, I replaced the hose, and the suction hoses, but not the return hose (looked to be in ok shape, and cost $25 to replace, and the parts store did not even have it in stock). I filled the system with Mobil 1 Dex ATF, and proceeded to bleed the system (cap off reservoir, turn steering wheel both directions several times).

The washers at the top banjo bolt were leaking a little, and I thought that this was causing my noise (Autozone said that the system could be sucking air from the leak, and that would make the noise). So, today I replaced the washers, and bled the system.

So far, no leaks, but the steering is really noisy. I went back to Autozone, and they said in their opinion that the belts and P/S pump were ok, and not the cause of the noise. They said that the Rack could be going out.

The one other problem is that the cars pulls to the right. Going 35MPH, you could change lanes without trying in under 10 seconds.

At this point, I am looking for any and all insight into the matter. What is wrong with my steering?

Thank you.

David

 

[Jim Spahr]

The car pulls to the right at 35 mph. Is that with brakes applied? If not, it could be many things, but I don't see how** it could be related to the P/S leak....unless you spilled some P/S fluid on the brake pads or rotor and it pulls when brakes applied. Any way here are wome things to check: air pressure in tires, mis-alignment, bent front suspension, separated tire. ** One possibitity for the P/S bleed causing a pull to the right! How about if you didn't get the correct amount of P/S fluid in one side of the Rack and Pinion? That's why you turn the wheel left and right while filling! Try bleeding it again and see if it helps.

 

[RussellA]

Years and years ago I took a car in to be aligned I believe at Sears. When I went to pick it up, they said it couldn't be aligned because the idler arm was bad and didn't charge me. Sure enough it was, replaced it and was fine. Free diagnosics, great! My point is if it is pulling bad you might take it in to get aligned, if you get a good place they may do some diagnosics as to why it won't align/i.e. why it pulls to one side.

 

[JohnBrowning]

You should run something to clean the system out. I would consider somethng like LC,ARX,131, or even just MMO. You should really flush this system. With the fluid mix ups, sucking air and millage I suspect that you might have obstructed flow orifices and flow control valve. Put 4-5 onces of solvent in drive it for a few days to a week drain and refill.

 

[gavinl]

I had some p/s noisy from my 96 Taurus GL's steering system and added 4oz of ARX for 500miles before flushing it out with Valvoline Syn Blend P/S fluid. Ford recommended Mercon ATF as power steering fluid but I had no problems with the Valvoline stuff for the past 1000+ miles.

 

[Propflux01]

Sounds like during all that hose removal that you got some funk inside the lines somewhere causing a clog in the return section of the rack. I would re-flush and clean the system.

 

[DJStillman]

For the most part, I am interested in Neutra, as it seems gentle on the components, yet tough enough to clean things out, plus it fits my current budget.

The thing that I want to know is, how much Neutra should I put in, and how long should I leave it in? I have read that these cleaners prefer non-synthetic fluids to do their job, but right now, I have Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF in the system. Will this change anything in my cleaning of the system?

Also, how much is the neutra going to wear my hoses?

Basically, I am now looking for all points of view in relation to cleaning my steering system up. If I see after a reasonable amount of cleaning and time that the sound and pull do not go away, I will consider a mechanical repair action.

Thank you for your continued support.

David

 

[JohnBrowning]

131 should not hurt the hoses at all! I would send Bob or Mola a private message. They should be able to best advise you about the ptoper amount to use and duration. I doubt that the synthetic fluid is really going to hurt that much. Worse case just double the time/millage for it to do it's job.