Something leaking at the steering rack

ZeN

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



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.

Fountainhead

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.

Akurei

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

MJB

I have a slight leak from there as well.

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megalapagas

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.

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ZeN

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.

Q8y_drifter

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.

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DEpointfive0

Never wanna do crap like that unless it's your LAST possible option...

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MJB

Any updates?

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09 Nismo #0483 sold. Viper or C7 next time around.

Fountainhead

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.

Q8y_drifter

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.

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08 G35 5AT Sedan | Stillen CBE | Invidia HFC | Injen CAI | Uprev Tune | Akebono BBK | Tanabe Coilovers | Hotchkis Sway Bars | GTSpec FSB | Black Headlights & Grille | Volk GT-F Wheels | Hankook V12 Evo Tires

Fountainhead

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.

Spooler

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.

Q8y_drifter

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.

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Z-Girl 12

Sub'd

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