|
Something leaking at the steering rack
Does anybody knew what kind of seals behind this thing. I didnt see any power steering level drop so i wonder what it is. What would be the the effect if i tighten that nut
http://www.the370z.com/members/zen-a...3494292088.jpg lately the steering felt loose and this could be the reason. How do we adjust the steering wheel tension? I want to get that heavy steering feel back. |
Hey! My Z leaks there too! It's not as dirty as yours but yes, I had to wipe it off. I have no reservoir low issues, and it's not a drip yet. I have no idea whether to spin that nut or not, could look in the FSM.
|
If I'm correct, I think that bolt is your steering wheel tensioner. If it's leaking, probably an indication it is getting a little loose. However you don't want it too tight
|
I have a slight leak from there as well.
|
Sooo pretty much just "tighten" it a little?? Have this issue as well and I was about to drop in a "Bar's Poeer steering leak sealer" from Oreillys.
|
Thanks, so that bolt is the steering wheel tensioner, that would means if i were to tighten that one i would get back my heavy steering feels..correct ? Just want some confirmation before i do it tomorrow.
|
Loose steering feel at higher speeds, slight vibration and slight leak at the steering rack adjustment nut on my car.
Subscribed for updates. Let me know how it goes. Tried looking in the FSM for adjustment procedures and there was nothing at all. |
Quote:
|
Any updates?
|
I've read that you don't want to adjust that nut unless you have factory training and / or some method to verify the adjustment is within tolerance.
I have no leak significant enough to warrant messing with it, but mine is wet and dirt adheres to it. I just wipe it off every couple of months. I've also read on these forums that Nissan incorporates speed adjusted Power Steering that tightens or loosens the turning resistance depending on speed of the vehicle. |
So I drove my car up the ramps today, cleaned up the area from all the grease and grime with degreaser and a shop towel and tightened the nut about 1/3 of a turn. Took it out for a test drive and steering definitely feels better and tighter than before, BUT steering was still loose, particularly at higher speeds.
Went back home again, up the ramps, tightened another 1/3 turn and took it for a second test drive. MUCH better. Now it tracks straight when driving at high way speeds and you feel directly connected to the tires unlike before. So far it's about 2/3 turn in than when I started. My tires are pretty bad and are causing quite a lot of vibrations at highway speeds so I'm going to be replacing them soon. I'm going to keep a close eye on its handling and steering feel after new tires and realignment. I might tighten the nut a tiny bit more afterwards. FYI, the nut IIRC is 23mm. You'll need to use a 23mm wrench/spanner to tighten it due to lack of space. |
The first thing that comes to mind is how did it get loose in the first place and how do I keep it where I left it if it loosened in the first place. Can't thread lock it because of the fluid contamination and can't nock the threads at current position because one day you may have to remove it....I guess scribe a mark where you like the tension and then at least you have a reference point to refer to the next time it loosens.
|
That nut adjust the play in between the gears in the rack. If you tighten it too much your steering wheel will not return to center as it is supposed to. You may have some slight wear in the gears. Just be careful that the wheel will return to center on it's own and not get stuck.
|
Went up the ramps today and tightened the nut another ~1/5 of a turn or so. Felt some resistance this time. Took it out for a test drive and it's as tight as stock now. Steering wheel feels heavier yet has no issues returning to center at all. It tracks straight as an arrow at high speeds even when driving over rough patches of asphalt. It used to be unpredictable and downright scary to drive on rough sections on highway roads before and I assumed it was my worn out front tires. Steering and maneuvering is far better as well.
I still haven't replaced my tires yet (planning on powder coating wheels, doing both in one go), so will update again once I do so. |
Sub'd
|
Quote:
|
Just did my third oil change a few hours ago. Being the fussy bitxx that I am , I tend to inspect most things when under the car.
Guess what I see? Yep that same bolt weeping oil @ 11529 miles. Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk |
Jeez I wonder what mine looks like at 55k miles...I never looked.
|
Quote:
Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk |
I tried adjusting this nut today. 5-1/2 years and 82K miles on my Z and lots more gunk around the nut than in OP's pic. About 3/4 turn got it to tighten up a bit. But I gave it at least another 1/2 turn and am still not happy with the play in the steering wheel. FWIW, I had a lot of trouble finding a 23 mm socket in local stores - a 15/16 spline socket ended up working just fine. I have an appt with a dealer tomorrow to look at something else, so I'll have them check this out at the same time.
Update: I had the dealer replace the steering rack two months later under warranty. They also confirmed that nut should not be adjusted. After replacement the steering returned to normal - no issues after 6 months. |
Is this under the car? or through the engine bay? I might have to have this adjusted My "new" 2014 with 2k Miles Has real light steering, My old 2011 roadster felt Much tighter.
|
It is easily visible under the car.
|
Here is an interesting post I found ... I am going to be pushing for steering rack replacement under warranty it looks like.
Quote:
|
Sub'd for updates
|
Quote:
Thank you |
|
Also it is possible to reach the nut without jacking the car up or using ramps (if its at stock height).
|
Not a chance
|
I think if you look close you’ll find that it’s leaking on top where the steering column goes into the gearbox. I put mine up on stands and rotated the shaft and watched it leak out of there. I track mine and have voided every warranty but Nissan is going to take a look at it. I also had to change the ps hose because it had a pin hole in it it ($200). My 2015 has the stock ps cooler but it still boils the fluid and it leaks by the pump too. I’m glad I found this post so I can share it with the dealer. Thanks for taking the time to post.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk |
Quote:
|
Quote:
|
Mine leaks from the steering column as well.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
the year is 2023 and I too notice steering leak, very small residue present. no loss in fluid reservoir
|
| All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:59 PM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0 PL2