ps pump on 5th gen maxima

[Burt]

So my power steering pump is leaking and making funny noises just as I was getting ready to sell. From what I read this is more difficult on this car than average. On the internet it says I need to put the car on jacks, take the wheel and tie rod off. If true, sounds just a little more intimidating than I am up to. If I mess with the tie rod do I need an alignment as well?

 

[cancov]

I just replaced the serpentine belts on my wife's '02 Maxima. We had the car jacked up and the wheel off and still it was aggravating to work on. I'd devote legitimate time for it, not simply an afternoon.

 

[ComfyShorts]

You sure its the pump itself leaking? Those cars are notorious for high pressure power steering hose to leak.

 

[Burt]

Thanks, I'll check.

 

[ComfyShorts]

Don't delay i've heard of those Maximas catching flame because of that leak.


Edit: Found link
http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generation-maxima-2000-2003/406345-02-max-died-fiery-death.html

 

[SLCraig]

High pressure power steering line is usually the culprit. Never had to replace it on my '02 but I always inspected it when the hood was open.

 

[mechtech2]

If you pop the tie rod joint end off, you do not need to re set the alignment.
But find out first what is wrong.

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

Originally Posted By: ComfyShorts
Don't delay i've heard of those Maximas catching flame because of that leak.


Edit: Found link
http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generation-maxima-2000-2003/406345-02-max-died-fiery-death.html


He had custom headers, which means it didn't have a heat shield.

 

[raaizin]

here is a link for replacing PS hose:
http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generation-...-hose-02-a.html

 

[Burt]

Originally Posted By: raaizin
here is a link for replacing PS hose:
http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generation-...-hose-02-a.html


Thanks a bunch. I'm going to wait for the weather to cool a bit before I attempt.

 

[Burt]

Ya I checked, its da hose.

 

[ComfyShorts]

Its not a hard job but it will test your patience. With the passenger tire off it takes less than 5 minutes to get the hose off. Putting it back on is a whole different story. Get the threads started at the pump before connecting the other end. There's an annoying bracket that secures the hose near the firewall, probably the most annoying part of the job to put back. Oh and make sure the replacement hose comes with new washers, don't reuse old.

 

[Burt]

I very much appreciate all the information. I have one more question. Should I buy the Nissan OEM or will Gates/Denso/edelman brand? the latter is $60 cheaper, but on one website, a guy had problems with with a buzzing noise. I intend to fix and sell the car.

 

[ComfyShorts]

Id go aftermarket just because the OEM hose is so poorly made. The buzzing noise was most likely because the hose wasn't routed properly and was vibrating against something or that bracket I mentioned earlier wasn't installed properly.

 

[Burt]

Post mortem: I changed the pump hose today. The link provided above helped alot although as many said, it was a PITA. Hardest part was getting the banjo bolt threaded. And it makes the dreaded buzz noise now that others mentioned but very mild. Anyway it works and I feel good that I was able to do it on a 100 degree day. I will probably bleed it when it gets cooler. Having a fan on me most of the time made the difference. Thanks for all the information!

 

[ComfyShorts]

Buzzing(when turning I assume?) in your case is likely to be air. When you're going to bleed it raise the front wheels off the ground and with car running keep turning the wheel all way to left and right avoiding the lock (causes foaming). Repeat about 20 times turn it off and do it with car off again and after let it sit. Repeat again in about 4 minutes. Some systems can take over an hour of this to get all air out.