Power Steering issue.... help with Dx

[mjk1967]

2017 Nissan Quest 166k

Hybrid steering -- pump is electric.

Here is what is happening. At highway speeds, 2 things are happening.
a. upon deceleration, a quick pull to the right
b. upon acceleration, a quick pull to the left.

By pull, I don't mean a physical pull; more like a loss of steering for a quick second. It pushes you around, like you are in a good wind, for lack of a better explanation.

Could there be a momentary voltage drop to the pump? Prices are crazy at the dealership, found a couple of options on RA and Amazon.

Thanks.

PS --- In last 6 months --- new control arms and sway bar links. New Michelin Defender tires, and 4 wheel alignment. This issue didn't start for about 2 months after the work was completed.

 

[BobsArmory]

This way out of left field but is there some type of lane keep assist feature on this vehicle?

 

[Number_35]

I'm not familiar with the Quest, but on the 1st-gen Mazda MPV, the steering-rack bushings would wear, allowing the rack to slide sideways, which showed up in steering behaviour similar to what you're describing.

 

[D60]

Pull codes with a more-than-generic OBD2 reader. There may be manufacturer specific steering codes. I'm kinda wondering about yaw/traction control/steering angle sensor

If you lift a JL and don't center the steering wheel it'll pull you all over as it thinks you're in a skid

 

[mjk1967]

This way out of left field but is there some type of lane keep assist feature on this vehicle?

No.

 

[mjk1967]

I'm not familiar with the Quest, but on the 1st-gen Mazda MPV, the steering-rack bushings would wear, allowing the rack to slide sideways, which showed up in steering behaviour similar to what you're describing.

Something to consider. Thanks.

 

[SC Maintenance]

I don't see how a pump would do any of this.

Worn bushings or sticking brake maybe? PS pump whether electric or belt driven should only act with driver input.

 

[bullwinkle]

2017 Nissan Quest 166k

Hybrid steering -- pump is electric.

Here is what is happening. At highway speeds, 2 things are happening.
a. upon deceleration, a quick pull to the right
b. upon acceleration, a quick pull to the left.

By pull, I don't mean a physical pull; more like a loss of steering for a quick second. It pushes you around, like you are in a good wind, for lack of a better explanation.

Could there be a momentary voltage drop to the pump? Prices are crazy at the dealership, found a couple of options on RA and Amazon.

Thanks.

PS --- In last 6 months --- new control arms and sway bar links. New Michelin Defender tires, and 4 wheel alignment. This issue didn't start for about 2 months after the work was completed.

Usually a voltage drop on electric PS just causes a momentary loss of power assist (both our company Transits & the Vue in my sig behave the same way). You’ve got something loose, hopefully not the electric rack & pinion… $8000 including programming on my company ‘21 Transit, around 135K miles!

 

[mjk1967]

I'm not familiar with the Quest, but on the 1st-gen Mazda MPV, the steering-rack bushings would wear, allowing the rack to slide sideways, which showed up in steering behaviour similar to what you're describing.

If you're familiar, is this a major headache to repair ?

TY

 

[Number_35]

If you're familiar, is this a major headache to repair ?

TY

No, it was not bad at all. I had the van on ramps, had the new bushings on hand, and soaked the bolts with penetrating oil.

Sorry I can't remember the details - this was around 10 years ago.

 

[mjk1967]

Van Update:

Had time to get it in this morning. Torn bushings on both LCA. Had them replaced on Nov 20th, using Mevotech via Rock Auto.
Guess I learned a lesson. They were considered the 'premium' part on RA.
Going with OEM.

 

[D60]

Van Update:

Had time to get it in this morning. Torn bushings on both LCA. Had them replaced on Nov 20th, using Mevotech via Rock Auto.
Guess I learned a lesson. They were considered the 'premium' part on RA.
Going with OEM.

Like failed rubber at the wishbone pivots? Even so, this would have to be very noticeable slop to feel it while driving.

ALSO, this may have been installer error. These need to be final-torqued when weighted, not suspended on a lift. Most techs are too lazy or rushed to be bothered. If done unweighted, the bushing is often in a constant twist at ride height.

Is this possibly what happened?

 

[mjk1967]

Like failed rubber at the wishbone pivots? Even so, this would have to be very noticeable slop to feel it while driving.

ALSO, this may have been installer error. These need to be final-torqued when weighted, not suspended on a lift. Most techs are too lazy or rushed to be bothered. If done unweighted, the bushing is often in a constant twist at ride height.

Is this possibly what happened?

Fair question. The person installing this is a thorough tech. He's particular with how he runs his shop, after having done the dealership roles for about 15 years.
Anything is possible, but I would doubt it.

 

[D60]

Fair question. The person installing this is a thorough tech. He's particular with how he runs his shop, after having done the dealership roles for about 15 years.
Anything is possible, but I would doubt it.

If you think bushings are are significantly affecting steering feel, you should be able to see the control arms shift as someone slowly rocks the steering wheel left/right under weight. I'd have the vehicle running for the benefit of power assist.