Power steering Issue

STREETCLEANER

MEMBER
2001 NISSAN SENTRA
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC

I have a problem with my power steering... There is a slight whining sound coming from the pump and the sounds gets louder the further the wheels are turned to either side. Also, when driving the car, the steering feels slightly stiff and awkward, plus the steering wheel doesn’t return to center after making a turn. The belt is tight, and there are no leaks, the fluid level has not lowered any since I last checked and marked it during my last oil change in December, there are no puddles under the car either... Just wondering if anyone can assure me that it’s the pump that needs to be replaced, or if the problem could be in the rack... Any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated, Thanks.

1 Reply

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,938 POSTS

The most probable cause will be a faulty pump, the noise sounds like the pressure relief valve leaking, as for the steering not self centering, this is achieved with the wheel alignment, but a sticking rack can also cause this problem, I would be fairly confident that the pump is the main issue, and with a better preforming pump the other problem may well disappear as well, you can get the system pressure tested to help prove this diagnosis, maybe this would be the best place to start.

Mark (mhpautos)