mclasser

I know this is the Maxima section, but since the I35 and Maxima are sisters and the I35 forum isn't as active as it once used to be, I felt I'd get more assistance here.

Today while leaving work, I had this weird issue with what seems like the power steering. I was backing out and when I turned the steering wheel, I heard a loud squeeling coming from the engine. It sounded like the PS pump was slipping or something. It happened when I turned the wheel left and right. When the squeeling started, the steering wheel felt like it was fighting me and I felt this resistance from it to turn. The weather today is in the low- to mid-40s, so a tad chilly. As I drove around and the car warmed up, the squeeling seemed to go away. But when I turned the steering to the right fully, I heard this groan and felt shuddering coming from the front of the car. This only happens when the car is in drive and reverse. What could this issue be? Is the PS pump on its way out, or is this the dreaded high pressure PS hose problem that plagues the I35s? The fluid in the pump is not dirty looking, if that helps. The car is an 02 I35 with about 72k miles.

saylee

iTrader: (2)

Check your fluid level, i know that mine squeaks on certain nights when its cold and my fluid level is a little lower than half. There should be markings that say min. Cold. Min. Hot

mclasser

The PS fluid levels is right between the hot min and max marks after the car has been driven.

With the engine running, I popped the hood and immediately noticed that the crankshaft pulley was wobbling pretty noticeably. I was shocked to see the damn bobbing around! Since the PS oil pump directly runs off this thing, I think the wobbling pulley is the culprit. But it's strange how the PS squeeling began in colder temps. If the pulley has been wobbling around for sometime (thought I don't know if it has because I never observed it in action before), shouldn't the squeeling occur all the time, independent of temp?

DennisMik

iTrader: (2)

The crankshaft pulley is pressed onto the harmonic balancer with a rubber type material between them. Cold weather makes things contract a little and slippage increases a little and finally you have a constant problem. When you replace the pulley, replace the belts for good measure. They probably need replacement anyway.

nsnrider

iTrader: (59)

check your belt.

Amave

Pretty sure your crank pulley / harmonic balance is going bad ...it is a 2 piece pulley being connected by a piece of rubber in between the outer and inner pulley, pretty sure it is going to go bad soon ...i replaced mine earlier this year ...This is what happened

Nismo2001

Can anyone explain to me how to tighten my power steering belt? I never had to so this on a maxima and it is squealing pretty ofteb when trying to turn ans sometimes the power steering doesnt work as it should it feels like the power steering is fightig me. Power steering levels are about in the middle and i know the guy i bought the car off of just put a new belt on a coulple months ago

CMax03

iTrader: (3)

Loosen the 1 bolt behind the P/S pump near the exhaust manifold, loosen the tensioner square slider (that the tensioner bolt goes thru), view from the top looking down clockwise tightens, ccw loosens!

Nismo2001

Ok thanks. I added some steering fluid and it seems to have gotten rid of the no power steering problem but it normaly does it more when its cold. Il try tightening the belt as well. Thanks for the help

CMax03

iTrader: (3)

Maybe you need to cycle you steering back and forth for a few minutes....Sound like you have air in your system if it's growling.....belt loose if it's squealing!