It is hard to turn the steering wheel the first time?

TBACA34

MEMBER
1996 NISSAN MAXIMA
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
150,000 MILES

When it is cold it is hard to turn the steering wheel the first time. I have had it looked at multiple times, the always say that there is nothing wrong with my suspension or cv boots. I have looked at all the other q and a's about cv boots and I have decided that I need to replace the cv boots and possibly the joints. I have looked at auto zone and kragen they told me that my car doesn't have cv boots that it has a rack and pinion boot. Is that the same thing? Does my car have both or just one?

Thursday, January 31st, 2008 AT 10:37 PM

1 Reply

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

It sounds like you might have an issue with the power steering pump.
When the pump is cold it has difficult time circulating fluid but as it warms up the internals gets lubricated and you are able to turn the steering wheel easily.

Make sure that the fluid level is correct. As low fluid can trigger hard steering at cold temperature.

Are you hearing any type of noise when turning?

You might find these articles helpful:

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

I have attached diagrams for your reference.

Please let me know of any questions.

Thank you.

Images (Click to make bigger)