Squeaking noise

[acslater9]

Hey all some of you probably already saw the video I have of the car squeaking when I turn the steering wheel to the left and the right while Its just sitting, So I'm going to make a thread to see If I get a definitive answer.

Nissan 240sx squeaking sound help! - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smi5KjBglgc)

I need help finding the problem with it! Also Power steering fluid is full.

Thanks for your help!

[acslater9]

Any suggestions? I want to get rid of this noise.

[KiLLeR2001]

You're suppose to use ATF for the power steering system NOT power steering fluid. Also if all the air is out of the system and filled up and the belt is nice and tight and the problem still persists, it might be time to source a new pump.

[acslater9]

You're suppose to use ATF for the power steering system NOT power steering fluid. Also if all the air is out of the system and filled up and the belt is nice and tight and the problem still persists, it might be time to source a new pump.

Can leaks in one of the hose make this happen too? because the previous owner said there was a really tiny leak not even noticeable but would need to be replace but I'm not sure where the leak is at.

[rich280zx]

when I got my 240, it had the same problem. a week later when I had the time to get it on a lift, I found out one of the hardlines for the rack was literally mangled. I'm talking pinched and ripped. Replaced that and the topped it off and the sound went away.

[acslater9]

when I got my 240, it had the same problem. a week later when I had the time to get it on a lift, I found out one of the hardlines for the rack was literally mangled. I'm talking pinched and ripped. Replaced that and the topped it off and the sound went away.

The previous owner said there was a hose that had a very unnoticeable leak that needed to be replaced but I have yet to find out where the leak is coming from.

Also the pump looks new to me.

Edit* so the best way to is to get underneath it and check it out right?

[rich280zx]

Yeah, check the rack out for leaks.

[acslater9]

Well I have some interesting news, I checked out under the car and saw this!

I started moving the tires left and right and all I heard was squeaking from this area and it has a leak!

If you can tell me what this is called and how I can replace It I'd appreciate it!

Also sorry If the pictures aren't the best I tried to take the best pictures I could.

Thanks!

[KiLLeR2001]

Looks like a leaky rack and pinion, time for a new one.

[acslater9]

Looks like a leaky rack and pinion, time for a new one.

Thanks will do. Also will keep you guys updated. :)

[acslater9]

Didn't know how expensive Rack and pinions were (240$ from Autozone)

Is there a way I can get them separately? Or does it always come in the complete set?

Thanks.

[KiLLeR2001]

Unless you know how to fix rack and pinions, I highly suggest buying the complete rack. Maybe you can find a reputable shop that can repair your rack for cheaper.

[Zander]

If you have an advance auto parts near you, use some of there coupon codes online, you can save at least $50 by doing that.

[acslater9]

Well to keep everyone updated finally bought the rack, but the biggest problem was taking the damn thing off. Also some of you know I am a noob at doing mechanic work, but managed too take it off took so long I did it in about 7 hours lol.

My question though, is it as hard to put a rack in that it was to take out?

[Rich260z]

That's up to your skill. So yeah it'll probably be just as hard. What took so long to take it out? I've pulled my entire steering column in less time.

[zombiewolf513]

Atf? Screw that, just fill the reservoir with lucas power steering stop leak, itll fix the squeeking sounds from the rack

[acslater9]

That's up to your skill. So yeah it'll probably be just as hard. What took so long to take it out? I've pulled my entire steering column in less time.

Honestly I don't have that much knowledge about cars. That's probably why It took so long, that and the lack of tools.

[Thedriftbadger]

Honestly I don't have that much knowledge about cars. That's probably why It took so long, that and the lack of tools.

Where in florida are you? I'll come give you a hand if you're close to me.

[acslater9]

Where in florida are you? I'll come give you a hand if you're close to me.

I'm in Lakeland.

[Mikester]

^^Hopefully you're going to (or already did) replace the belt... That's all that squeaking sound most likely was. When the steering comes close to L & R lock, there is a switch that bumps up the idle a bit to compensate for the extra load the pump is under... This includes a bit more effort required by the motor to spin the pulley- hence belt squeaking as it slips on pulley. But changing out the rack is always a great idea on a 20yr old car. While you have it all apart, this is a perfect time to put in some new urethane rack bushings and if you want to improve your steering feel some more- an aluminum steering bushing.

[acslater9]

^^Hopefully you're going to (or already did) replace the belt... That's all that squeaking sound most likely was. When the steering comes close to L & R lock, there is a switch that bumps up the idle a bit to compensate for the extra load the pump is under... This includes a bit more effort required by the motor to spin the pulley- hence belt squeaking as it slips on pulley. But changing out the rack is always a great idea on a 20yr old car. While you have it all apart, this is a perfect time to put in some new urethane rack bushings and if you want to improve your steering feel some more- an aluminum steering bushing.

Yeah I tightened the belt before I ever took the rack out and yes It did fix it but the car is so dirty and and I felt it needed new things such as the rack which was leaking.

Also Is it normal for the rack to have dirt/sand on/under the rack? Since it is 20 years old.

[Thedriftbadger]

Yeah I tightened the belt before I ever took the rack out and yes It did fix it but the car is so dirty and and I felt it needed new things such as the rack which was leaking.

Also Is it normal for the rack to have dirt/sand on/under the rack? Since it is 20 years old.

If your car wasn't covered it dirt i'd be worried lol

[Mikester]

Also Is it normal for the rack to have dirt/sand on/under the rack? Since it is 20 years old.

If you're one of those guys that doesn't keep your engine bay & underbody clean, then absolutely.

Highly recommend you keep everything as clean as possible... clean everything top to bottom while the rack is off the front member... PITA to do the initial clean, but easy peasy to maintain if you do it once a month or so. Makes tracking down issues, leaks etc 100x easier.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5471/9034004996_4fa6377c74_c_d.jpg


My Toyota & Bimmer (DD's) are kept clean underneath as well. Not as clean as my toy above... but you get the idea.

[acslater9]

If you're one of those guys that doesn't keep your engine bay & underbody clean, then absolutely.

Highly recommend you keep everything as clean as possible... clean everything top to bottom while the rack is off the front member... PITA to do the initial clean, but easy peasy to maintain if you do it once a month or so. Makes tracking down issues, leaks etc 100x easier.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5471/9034004996_4fa6377c74_c_d.jpg


My Toyota & Bimmer (DD's) are kept clean underneath as well. Not as clean as my toy above... but you get the idea.

Well I would like to keep the engine bay and under the body clean, I just bought this car a month ago and I can see why the owner was selling it. Nevertheless I still think this car has potential it is bone stock so that's a plus.

If I decided to clean under the car while the rack is out, What items should I use to clean it? Water and soap?

[Thedriftbadger]

Simple green or purple power. Both work really well. Spray it down with one of those then pressure wash it, at a reasonable pressure though lol. Not like 25million psi

[Mikester]

You can also use Engine Brite up top. Just be careful to keep it away from the electronics stuff... and there is a similar to Engine Brite product available at any auto parts store for cleaning alternators and other more delicate things.

[zombiewolf513]

If you use an abrasive cleaner be sure to spray everything down really well afterward or itll keep eating at the metal. A nice plastic bristle brush and a hard bristle tooth brush are good for hitting the really greasy spits.

[acslater9]

I'm reading this guide on how to replace a rack and pinion on nicoclub, in the guide it says first reconnect the steering column knuckle but before I do that I need to center the steering wheel. :confused:

I'm confused because whenever I turn the steering wheel it does a complete circle and has no stopping point. Does It matter? Do I just put the steering wheel straight, and nothing more?

Thanks.

[Mikester]

^^Yes, just put it straight. Since you're putting in a refurbished rack, make sure it is in the 'center' position when you line up the steering knuckle. If not, it will throw your whole front alignment off and/or leave you with one wheel going to steering lock farther than the other.

[acslater9]

I never thought that this would be so difficult. I have this major problem that I need help with.

Well I need help my PS fluid lines just wont go in! It's really getting on my nerves .

Okay lets say I install the one of the PS lines then the other one wont want to go in and vise-versa. And on top of that I don't have the leverage/angle to use my open ended wrench because of the damn boot.

Also the little thing(Silver color)that connects to the steering column does not want to enter completely, It only goes to the first half of it and rest doesn't want to go down.

I'm really in need of suggestions because I only have 1 day tomorrow to fix the car, on Thursday I go back to work and need my car!

Please need help ASAP! Thanks!

[Thedriftbadger]

I never thought that this would be so difficult. I have this major problem that I need help with.

Well I need help my PS fluid lines just wont go in! It's really getting on my nerves .

Okay lets say I install the one of the PS lines then the other one wont want to go in and vise-versa. And on top of that I don't have the leverage/angle to use my open ended wrench because of the damn boot.

Also the little thing(Silver color)that connects to the steering column does not want to enter completely, It only goes to the first half of it and rest doesn't want to go down.

I'm really in need of suggestions because I only have 1 day tomorrow to fix the car, on Thursday I go back to work and need my car!

Please need help ASAP! Thanks!

You can bend the lines into place, they aren't as fragile as you think, just be careful.
The little steering column thing, i don't know what you're talking about, but anything that's going to be turning and moving something else is going to have some kind of key or tooth or something that needs to engage. Make sure your rack is centered and wheel is centered and i bet it will go right in.

Do you have the rack up in the car? Or are you trying to connect shit before you get it installed? Just bolt it into the car, don't connect anything else until everything is lined up and ready to go, then put it all together.

I don't know what else to tell you. It shouldn't be that hard. Do you have a friend that can come help?

[immasonlowery]

i had a super loud annoying squeaking like that aswell... went away when i got new coilovers !

[aga]

on your own you will never manage to center the steering wheel, you will have to have a friend holding on to the steering so you can work it underneath... and anyway you ll have to get it aligned anyway... i fitted my steering as best as i could but in the alignment shop we had to take it out of the rack again and put it in straight as it was off by a couple of teeth.

[Mikester]

on your own you will never manage to center the steering wheel, you will have to have a friend holding on to the steering so you can work it underneath... and anyway you ll have to get it aligned anyway... i fitted my steering as best as i could but in the alignment shop we had to take it out of the rack again and put it in straight as it was off by a couple of teeth.

^^True^^

Much easier when removing/reinstalling the same rack b/c you can make corresponding marks to line it back up when reinstalling.

Getting the lines on is a bitch working around the steering boot; just did this not too long ago. Try taking the rack back loose and maneuvering it to fit/tighten the lines; then go from there. You can also loosen up the bracketing for the lines to give yourself a bit more wiggle room to get them started. Whatever you do, DO NOT cross-thread them when installing...

As far as getting the column to slip into the knuckle, take it loose on both sides & try putting it on the column, then onto the rack. You can also loosen the front member a bit to give yourself a bit more room to put everything together (I did this)... then tighten it back up once the column and rack are started into the knuckle.

Great advice above- get a friend to help... Makes things easier & less frustrating... plus there will be a person to bounce ideas off of... You got this dude~

[acslater9]

Thanks for the suggestions, I got the rack on and installed which I'm very happy about.


There's just one problem....I told my helper to put it straight (the steering wheel) and when we got the rack put in one of the wheels would go straight the other would go to the left :picardfp:

I tried to drive it then got scared because I didn't have control of the steering and was afraid of crashing.

I need to take it to an alignment shop but can't because It's scary to drive the car.

Any options? And please don't tell me that I have to take it out again and do it all over! :cry:

[Mikester]

^^Disconnect the tie rods from the front spindles and turn the steering wheel until the rack is where it should be when the wheels are straight; then reconnect the tie rods and adjust them until the tires look fairly straight when sitting on the ground by eyeing it. After that, you may need to take the steering wheel off to re-center it and the turn signal canceller, but you can have the alignment shop do that.

[acslater9]

^^Disconnect the tie rods from the front spindles and turn the steering wheel until the rack is where it should be when the wheels are straight; then reconnect the tie rods and adjust them until the tires look fairly straight when sitting on the ground by eyeing it. After that, you may need to take the steering wheel off to re-center it and the turn signal canceller, but you can have the alignment shop do that.

When you mean tie rods you mean the inner or outter? Or both?

[Mikester]

Dude... Think about it lol.

Outer.

[acslater9]

Sorry, I just don't want to screw it up.

[acslater9]

So I went to sears to get it aligned and they told me I couldn't because my steering was off. He said something about my steering wheel would go 3 circles to the left and 1 to the right when the wheels are straight. He explained to me what to do but I was so lost honestly.

Can someone here explain it to me please. He said I would have to take the steering column off and turn my steering wheel till its straight then rotate it till you have even turns (2 turns the the left and right)

Can someone explain to me how to do this exactly. Thanks

[240knockout]

FUCK...I am mid swap and have already put in power steering fluid in my resevoir and thus the system. How can I ensure that I get all this fluid out?

Any particular ATF I should by...or does any work.

Also, just to be 100000% sure....ATF = Auto trans fluid right?


You're suppose to use ATF for the power steering system NOT power steering fluid. Also if all the air is out of the system and filled up and the belt is nice and tight and the problem still persists, it might be time to source a new pump.

[acslater9]

FUCK...I am mid swap and have already put in power steering fluid in my resevoir and thus the system. How can I ensure that I get all this fluid out?

Any particular ATF I should by...or does any work.

Also, just to be 100000% sure....ATF = Auto trans fluid right?

Best way is to unscrew the fluid lines and turn the steering wheel left and right till It all comes out, I did that and It worked for me.

The best ATF to use is Dexron III/IV, they both work. I bought Dexron IV and I'm having no problems at all. It also says to use this type in the owners manual.

ATF= Automatic transmission fluid, yes

[Thedriftbadger]

Dex III always.

[Mikester]

I use Royal Purple Dex...

I told you, you need to center the rack so the steering wheel will turn an even amount of times lock to lock.

The good news is that even though you are tired, frustrated and stressed out; you are going to have a thorough understanding of your steering system all said & done.

You don't need to take the PS fluid out of the system to do this... maybe just what's in the reservoir. You can suck it out with a Mityvac. UNLESS you didn't use the correct fluid... in which case you may as well drain it completely.

[acslater9]

I use Royal Purple Dex...

I told you, you need to center the rack so the steering wheel will turn an even amount of times lock to lock.

The good news is that even though you are tired, frustrated and stressed out; you are going to have a thorough understanding of your steering system all said & done.

You don't need to take the PS fluid out of the system to do this... maybe just what's in the reservoir. You can suck it out with a Mityvac. UNLESS you didn't use the correct fluid... in which case you may as well drain it completely.

Alright so tell me If this is good enough, I did the steering column thing and I got the steering wheel to become straight here are the turns that I've counted.

1 full circle and 3/4 turning the steering wheel left.
1 full circle and 1/2 turning the steering wheel right.

Does this sound good enough to get an alignment?

And yes I already know tons about the power steering It's good learning even though It's very frustrating.

[KiLLeR2001]

1 full circle and 3/4 turning the steering wheel left.
1 full circle and 1/2 turning the steering wheel right.


What that tells me is you need to get both so they are 1 full turn and 5/8th's turning. If you add (3/4 + 1/2) and divide by 2, you get 5/8. But there are instructions on how to do this in the Factory Service Manual (FSM).

http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/240sx/91-94/ST.pdf

[Thedriftbadger]

It has to turn the same amount both ways lol. Come on dude use your head. There's no "good enough" when it comes to the system that decides which direction your car goes. That shit better be perfect.

[Mikester]

Dude- don't listen to ^^him^^

Just get into NASCAR where only left turns are important and you'll be fine ;)

[acslater9]

Its finally finished! :coold:

After all the blood,sweat, and tears (Mostly crying LOL) I got it done.

Please take this into consideration when choosing a place to get your car aligned, Never Go To Sears! They suck ass. They told me I needed to have my steering wheel straight in order to get a alignment done, bullshit. I went to Mcgee auto repair and they told me I needed an alignment(Note I did not have my steering wheel straight) and that was it they did it.

I honestly want to thank everyone who contributed to helping me. Most importantly Mikester,Killer2001, and Thedriftbadger. You guys are awesome people!

Maybe you guys can help me when I start another thread about putting my 5 speed tranny in :D

Anyways Thanks! I hope this thread helps anyone that has the same problems as I did!

[Mikester]

Maybe you guys can help me when I start another thread about putting my 5 speed tranny in :D



Maybe you can search and find the 1,000,000,000,000,000 threads already in existence that cover it in great detail :D

Glad it worked out for ya dude~

[AlexLubin]

If your car squeaks when you turn the steering wheel left or right,then it could be many different things. It could be the joints problem. It could also be the alignment problem. You should have it checked out as soon as possible to a auto repair shop to fix your problem otherwise it become more worse.If you live in area San Mateo, CA then Luxurati Inc. (http://www.luxuraty.com/autorepairservices.htm) will be the best option for you .they offer a wide range of auto repair services including Tires change,breaks,shocks,alignment,suspension,ac service etc