Power steering pulley is making a bad knocking noise?

JUSTINSTILL

MEMBER
2004 NISSAN MAXIMA

My power steering pulley is making a bad knocking noise. If I replace the pulley, will it fix the problem or do you think the shaft that goes to the pulley is the problem? It sounds like a bearing is going out to me. Does either one of those parts have bearings? The sound is starting to get alot worse.

Sunday, November 11th, 2012 AT 6:01 PM

1 Reply

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

The noise you hear it likely the bearing on the pumps drive shaft. It is a part of the pump and not the pulley.
So, you will have to replace the pump in order to change the bearing.
In order to remove the power steering pump you will have to remove the serpentine belt first.
Also, you will need a power steering pulley puller. It is a specialty tool that can be rented from your local auto parts store.

Here are couple of helpful articles:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-power-steering-pump
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/remove-reinstall-power-steering-pulley

I have attached diagrams for your reference.

Please let me know of any questions.
Thank you.

Images (Click to make bigger)