SS PS line leaked after installed?

[nisans13turbo]

Ok, before the install I had no problem of any leaks.

Now after I installed the new ss ps line noticed that it was leaking after a short drive or if the engine was on.

After searching I just found out that our 240 uses ATF dexrom II or higher, now I went and looked at the fluid that I used after the new ss ps line was installed it was a bottle of valvoline syn. ps fluid and on the back of it it said not recommended for hondas. I'm assumming its not for nissans either since there both imports.

Did I damaged my rack and pinion for using the wrong fluid?

Could that have caused my leak?

If I flush the system and put the right stuff in would it fix my leaka?

Sorry for the long post.

[Sileighty_85]

So you ran Power Steering fluid in the system?

The Seals in the P/S system are designed for use with ATF if anyother fluid is used other than reccommended it will damage the seals (Seals will dry up and crack)

depending on your year chassis its close to 12-21 years old the rack and pinion seals are probably pretty won by now (depending on the condition. IE: dust boots not torn) then using the incorrect fluid ended up killing the seals.

[nisans13turbo]

Here's how I installed the bottom adaptor and want to clarify if it was done right.

The adaptor fitting where it goes in the rack at the bottom, there's that o rubber ring that fits at the tip of it, after thats done there's another piece that screws inside of it, is there suppose to be a copper washer ? if not do I need to use some thread seal before tighten it down?

[Om1kron]

lol I have power steering fluid in my rack. oh noes.

[LayNLow]

Need to find out where its leaking from. If its leaking from the fittings you installed into the rack/pump you may need to get some Stat O seals. My oringed metric to an fittings didnt bottom out into the rack, it was bottoming out on the threads so I needed a seal to put in there. Worked like a charm. Need a 16 and 14mm stat o seal if this is the case.

[nisans13turbo]

Need to find out where its leaking from. If its leaking from the fittings you installed into the rack/pump you may need to get some Stat O seals. My oringed metric to an fittings didnt bottom out into the rack, it was bottoming out on the threads so I needed a seal to put in there. Worked like a charm. Need a 16 and 14mm stat o seal if this is the case.

Yea its leaking from the fitting, so your saying dont use the little black rubber ring that came with it and use a 14-16mm o seal which and be purchase from menards?

[nisans13turbo]

whats funny is that i called the nissan dealer and they told me to use ps fluid? wtf is going on and he tells me dont use atf cause it messes up the seals inside the rack and pinion.

[LayNLow]

Well, it doesnt matter if you take the other seal out or leave it in. But just go buy a "Stat O Seal"(which look like this http://img.diytrade.com/cdimg/314084/2212008/0/1147355673.jpg ) from a place that sells earls/an fittings in a 14 and 16mm size and put it on between the rack and fitting, and pump and fitting. I had the save problem. And Nissan FSM says ATF ONLY! Just use ATF. I use it, and everyone else I know uses it.

[VNG704]

why would nissan design a power steering system not to use power steering fluid but atf... transmission fluid?

[LayNLow]

why would nissan design a power steering system not to use power steering fluid but atf... transmission fluid?

LOL, really? Really? It is in the fucking FSM, hell it is probably in the damn owners manual.
http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/171/psatf.jpg

[Shadowhunter]

Alright. First things first Unhook the line and bleed the system and get that PS fluid garbage out of there. While the line is unhooked. I am assuming your leak is at the rack. I had this same issue as well.

What I did to remedy it was # 1 clean off threads on rack and fitting. Get PS fluid off those threads,brake clean works great. Now you have two options My local Earl's fitting shop gave me a washer which has a rubber O ring around it.

I twisted that on which makes for a very good seal as well as I used some red threadlocker on the threads. P.S. system works perfect now, no leaks. You can try just the threadlocker, but that washer really gives some good anti leak insurance. Hope this helps. Edit: Layinlow has a pic of exactly what you need.