Power Steering Issues

[theultimatehero]

95 240sx with original KA24de

When I bought the car I was told the steering rack had been replaced very recently. Which seems to be the case. It looks new and felt really good. Since then I have driven around 3000 Miles and recently I've been noticing my power steering have some problems.

Driving roughly straight and on freeways everything acts normal. When I put any more significant stress on the power steering it struggles. Performing a U-turn, any sharp 90s around corners, even when parking, I can hear the pump struggling and whining. At higher speeds when I take a sharp turn I can feel the wheel jarring/bumping as it seems like the pump is trying to keep up.

I assumed immediately it was the pump itself and I have a used one on the way as a replacement. Now as I do some research it seems possible that there other issues. Could this be due to using power steering fluid instead of ATF? The fluid looks like a dark red or maroon color. When the engine is running I can see the fluid splashing/circulating in the resevoir, does that indicate anything? I don't notice any bubbles in there, but the fluid is moving a whole lot.

I've done some searching, but yet to find anything that definitively tells me the problem.

Thanks for the help!

[sleepyS14se]

check and make sure the power steering reservoir/canister is full to the top (full line)

if it is low it will build up air bubbles and it will make the pump whine and struggle.




edit: BTW, i was experiencing the same thing you are and i figured because the canister was 3/4 of the way full it was ok, I was wrong it has got to be FULL

[theultimatehero]

Oh, well that would help, it's below the top. Must be a leak somewhere.

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[Mikester]

Oh, well that would help, it's below the top. Must be a leak somewhere.

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Make sure you're using the right fluid first and foremost. IIRC, you need Dexron (sp?).

[sleepyS14se]

yes it is dex/merc "standard good old classic atf"

[Juantwo3]

i have been having power steering issues ever since i got my s13

i had a very large leak with my steering rack i replaced it for a reman one,i made the mistake of using power steering fluid instead of ATF, power steering would cut out under hard driving power in turns by that time i developed a leak in my high pressure hose so i replaced it along with the resivour hose once again i failed to use ATF my pump started whinning a little bit so i rebuilt it about a week ago, the seals were so hard and broke into bits, this time i used ATF and it feels like it should with no whines i havnt had a chance to go up the canyons so until then i wont know if it will cut out under pressure.

[theultimatehero]

Well I went ahead and topped off the reservoir with ATF. Probably was around 3/4 and now should be full. Only it doesn't seem to have fully fixed things. The whining sounds are pretty much gone, but I still get an obvious shuddering when the system demands pressure. Even while stopped if I turn the wheels with any real effort it seems to struggle. Might need to install the pump after all.


i have been having power steering issues ever since i got my s13

i had a very large leak with my steering rack i replaced it for a reman one,i made the mistake of using power steering fluid instead of ATF, power steering would cut out under hard driving power in turns by that time i developed a leak in my high pressure hose so i replaced it along with the resivour hose once again i failed to use ATF my pump started whinning a little bit so i rebuilt it about a week ago, the seals were so hard and broke into bits, this time i used ATF and it feels like it should with no whines i havnt had a chance to go up the canyons so until then i wont know if it will cut out under pressure.


I just noticed you are local to me. Gunna PM you.

[Mikester]

Check for vacuum leaks and verify your low pressure sensor is connected. Without that sensor connected, it will bog the car down at idle when turning the wheels.

[thegentlemen]

my suggestion after the few things you have already gone over, would be aiming to replace the pump. To my experience that has been the cause of the issues you have mentioned...Now that is assuming that the rack is in fact a GOOD reman steering rack

worst come to worst, try removing the power steering belt and taking it for a drive, now obviously it will be pretty darn hard to steer but will give you answers to your questions regarding the "shuddering" issue

[MamangSorbetero]

Drain your power steering fluid. Replace with Dexron-type ATF fluid. Dex/Merc or Dexron 6.

Then bleed the system of air by raising the car up and letting the engine run. Rotate the wheel to full lock repeatedly in a slow fashion.

It might also be time for an alignment

[A DOG 406]

Bringing back a dead thread.

I just replaced my power steering pump and drained all the old fluid out and put in Dex 3 ATF. But it still feels very sluggish. One thing I noticed is my power steering reservoir has three nipples instead of two. The bottom nipple for the line to the pump, and two side nipples. One for the return line from the rack and the other is for I have no idea? I assume this is a 300ZX reservoir.

I would think that just having an extra nipple on the reservoir doesnt matter as long as its plugged. Which it is. I have topped off the reservoir with fluid and still the steering sucks. So I narrowed it down to a few things. Could be:

1. steering rack is bad, but how do i tell if its isnt leaking anywhere.
2. Leaky spots may be letting air in the system
3. return line or something may be plugged not allowing the fluid to move through the entire power steering system.

Any info helps. thanks.

[thegentlemen]

Bringing back a dead thread.

I just replaced my power steering pump and drained all the old fluid out and put in Dex 3 ATF. But it still feels very sluggish. One thing I noticed is my power steering reservoir has three nipples instead of two. The bottom nipple for the line to the pump, and two side nipples. One for the return line from the rack and the other is for I have no idea? I assume this is a 300ZX reservoir.

I would think that just having an extra nipple on the reservoir doesnt matter as long as its plugged. Which it is. I have topped off the reservoir with fluid and still the steering sucks. So I narrowed it down to a few things. Could be:

1. steering rack is bad, but how do i tell if its isnt leaking anywhere.
2. Leaky spots may be letting air in the system
3. return line or something may be plugged not allowing the fluid to move through the entire power steering system.

Any info helps. thanks.

Being the most inexpensive route I'd source a s13 p/s reservoir and clean the heck out of the steering rack, k-member, and all the lines including the pump, before I drove it again after installing the reservoir using correct ATF fluid.

While your under there replacing and cleaning all the components be sure to keep a eye out for signs of pinched lines on the back of the rack and the front lines (p/s cooler lines) running across the front of the k member