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

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.

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acslater9

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.

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?

acslater9

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

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

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.

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acslater9

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.

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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.

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Zander
"Keep It Sideways, and NEVER Lift!"

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.

acslater9

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

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

acslater9

I'm in Lakeland.

zombiewolf513

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

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.

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acslater9

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

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

Mikester

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.




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

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acslater9

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.

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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.

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.