So I was doing a U-turn today and suddenly the steering got real stiff…
It seemed like there was no power steering for a moment halfway through the turn (a little stiffer), but then at the end of the turn it felt as though the steering was trying to seize altogether! I actually had to check to see if the car had shut off or something (it hadn’t)!
Then it came right back and worked fine as I finished the turn, went away for another moment (slightly stiff) and then returned to normal again.
I carefully drove home and it never gave me a problem the rest of the way.
Looked it over here and can’t find any leaks (although a lot is covered with the rustproofing oil spray) and the belts appear tensioned and happy.
Maybe the power steering pump is starting to go? Thoughts?
try making another U turn and see what happens.
btw, if the power steering pump is on it’s way out, it’s not cheap to replace from nissan… I think they quoted me 650 bucks, lol
I know this sounds really basic and stupid but i have to ask…
Have you checked your Power steering fluid level? and have you ever changed it? the reason being that i had similar problems when i was leaking fluid and it got really low. Try turning your wheel lock to lock at a stand still but with the engine running do you get the same feeling as when you where making the u-turn?
during a swap on my friends car we pinched one of the small hardlines for the poweresteering and now every now and again his steering gets stiff.
mabye you hit it?