If the reservoir level is very low and all components show no immediate signs of leakage, you should focus your attention on the steering rack. Starting your search after cleaning the components will help you find the true leak source. A leak located higher in the engine compartment may drip or flow down the hoses to the steering rack. If you find fluid residue on a hose, on a fitting, or on the steering rack, it is best to clean that area and cycle the steering system. Hoses and fittings should be carefully checked for the presence of power steering fluid. Is the fluid level within specification? If it is very low or empty, you should start searching for the leak source. When a leak is suspected from the steering system, a good place to begin investigating is to check the fluid level in the reservoir. The following information will provide you with some tips to narrow down the source of concern. Depending on the type of leak, there may or may not be an obvious puddle of fluid under the vehicle. LEAK CONDITIONS - If a customer is experiencing reduced power steering assistance or a whining noise from the power steering pump, there is a good chance that a leak from the power steering system may be the culprit. This observed condition is not really an indication of a power steering fluid leak, so it is recommended to clean this area thoroughly and look for the same appearance at future appointments. Units that have a large accumulation of fluid residue on one side but little to none on the other side are often the result of being vertically stored. Additionally, if the rack and pinion assembly was stored vertically prior to its installation, power steering fluid may run down the side of the rack body and collect at the lip of the boot. If not completely cleaned, the remaining grease residue will collect dirt, dust, and grime that will be seen on the undercarriage of the vehicle. When the clamps are tightened down, this grease may have squeezed outward onto the rack assembly. In order to prevent water intrusion into the boots and subsequently into the delicate sealing surfaces protected by the boots, the lips of the boots are lined with grease in the manufacturing process. Similarly, you may notice dirt and road debris adhering to the areas near the end of the boots, and you may even see boots with an oily appearance as well. It is recommended to clean this area and observe its appearance at future appointments. If the observed substance does not match, then it is not a sign of a power steering fluid leak. Genuine Nissan Power Steering Fluid is RED in color and oily in texture and may become reddish-brown with higher vehicle mileage. Using a cotton swab, dab the substance and determine if it’s color and texture match the type of fluid in the reservoir. This is not usually indicative of a power steering fluid leak as this adjustment nut is not a fluid sealing surface. You may observe a sticky yellow substance or wet appearance with dirt accumulation on the adjustment nut below the rotary valve body. The two most common areas where residue may be seen are the pinion gear adjustment nut and the area where the boots clamp to the rack assembly. It is important to know which conditions are indicative of a leak to avoid unnecessary repairs that may influence your customer’s confidence in his or her vehicle’s durability. In this article, we will discuss what to look for when your customers experience these symptoms and you suspect the rack and pinion may be leaking.ĬOMMONLY OBSERVED CONDITIONS - When inspecting the rack and pinion assembly, you may notice some accumulation of residue that can indicate an early warning sign of leakage. If the pressurized hydraulic fluid is lessened or removed from the steering system, customers may begin to hear abnormal noises or experience heavier than normal steering effort. It responds to movements of the steering wheel to steer the wheels in the corresponding direction. The rack and pinion assembly is a vital component of this system that converts the rotational motion of the steering wheel and transfers the energy of the pressurized fluid into a linear motion to turn the wheels. This provides power assistance and reduced steering effort while driving in a variety of conditions. It transmits the power used when turning the steering wheel with a power assist that actuates a much greater force to turn the wheel and tire assembly. Many power steering systems rely on pressurized hydraulic fluid. Power steering is standard on every Nissan vehicle.
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