Can I get step-by-step instructions on how to repair power steering/rack and pinion?

VERONICA WIMMS

MEMBER
2009 NISSAN MURANO
3.5L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
158,000 MILES

You guys have helped me with this issue so much this past year from starting with trying to find the leak to replacement of the entire rack on the end and here I am now a few months later having to do it again. Mainly I feel because I had to buy a used rack not a new as I couldn't afford it. So now I'm wondering if you can give me a step by step on how to repair it. I know it's more time consuming and difficult but my situation is even worse now until taxes and a complete seal replacement kit is around a $100.00 far less than a new one. It's still leaking, still making a grunting noise only now not just when turning, but while going forward as well. And it's now making it rev high RPMs as high as 4 to 5 a few times like it can't kick into gear completely or smoothly. So please help with a step by step if possible. You guys are awesome thanks

Tuesday, December 28th, 2021 AT 1:04 PM

6 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Hi Veronica,

It's nice to see you, but I wish it were under different conditions. As far as rebuilding the one you have, I attached the extensive directions below. I'm not sure what prices you are getting for a new or remanufactured one, but I took a minute and looked it up on Rockauto.com and found you can get one for $255.79 after the core return. That would also come with new inner tie rods. It's just a thought because rebuilding can take a lot of time. Here is the link:

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/nissan,2009,murano,3.5l+v6,1442299,steering,rack+and+pinion,7388

Regardless, the directions are listed below for the rebuild. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help or if you have other questions.

Take care and I wish you a Happy New Year.

Joe

See pics below.

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Tuesday, December 28th, 2021 AT 6:50 PM

VERONICA WIMMS

MEMBER
144 POSTS

I understand the time it's going to take to rebuild. However, my old 1 has new tie rods on it already, as I had just changed them. What can cause it to make a grunting sound? It's almost like a grunting honk loke sound that was only on occasion when turning, but now also when I'm driving. Like the boots may be being over stretched or something. Does this part have anything to do with my gears shifting at all? Thank you so much for all your advice.

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Thursday, December 30th, 2021 AT 6:47 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Veronica,

You're very welcome and always welcome here. The rack shouldn't have anything to do with shifting. The boots overextending and the sounds are interesting. By any chance, could you record what it's doing and upload it for me to see and hear?

Also, is there a leak at the boots or do you notice the assist being weak?

Let me know.

Joe

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Thursday, December 30th, 2021 AT 3:00 PM

VERONICA WIMMS

MEMBER
144 POSTS

I don't know exactly where the leak(s) are coming from however they are all in the same spots as before my replacing the reservoir once because I lost its cap the pump 3 times the high pressure line once and the rack (used) once as for recording the sound it only does it when driving but il try to my fluid in the reservoir appears to be brown or black inside is this okay and I don't have to keep refilling it ether it stays full so could it be clogged by chance I do notice there's a leak on the driver's side in the area of the transmission and rack area is it a bad idea to drain and refill that fluid. Just curious and then the other area that is leaking is straight down from the passenger side area around the pump reservoir and line connection all the same as before the last repairs. So, i'm lost at this point because it doesn't whine when turning but some when it starts and yes, my drivetrain belts new. Also, so I wonder if something clogged or blocked somehow il try to record a video for you and post it soon.

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Saturday, January 1st, 2022 AT 9:30 AM

VERONICA WIMMS

MEMBER
144 POSTS

And my wheel doesn't always lock when I turn off my car ether.

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Saturday, January 1st, 2022 AT 9:31 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Hi Veronica,

In most cases, the rack and pinion will leak at the rubber boot on each end or on one end. The bushing and seal in them start leaking and it goes into that boot (see pic 1). The boot, once so much gets in it, starts to leak. Check to see if that is where it is leaking.

A plug would prevent power assist and is unlikely. I would think it is more than likely related to the pump. If there was a clog, I would expect the pump to make a noise (much like when trying to oversteer) indicating excessive pressure.

Other than the noise, do you have power assist? Also, here is a link that explains how to flush the power steering system. You may want to start simple with something like this.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/power-steering-fluid-flush

Also, you indicated two leaks. Here is what I suggest. Look under the vehicle for where it's wet. Use a cleaner to wipe it down and dry it. Then drive the car and inspect it again after the drive. See if there is evidence of where it is coming from.

One other thought (sorry if I'm driving you nuts). You are having a shifting issue. You indicated one of the leaks is below the trans/rack, is the transmission fluid full? If it's getting low, that could be half the problem. The pan gaskets are known to leak. Let me know about that.

Let me know what I can do to help.

Take care of yourself, and Happy New Year.

Joe

See pic below.

Image (Click to make bigger)