Hi there, My Nissan Almera Has just failed its MOT on the offside power steering ram leaking, however, there are no fluids on my driveway, The power steering still works perfectly, using no fluid, but I have been quoted =A3500 to replace, is this right? As it seems expensive to me for a backstreet garage, any advice would be appreciated as 500+ on a r reg almera is a lot of money!
Many Thanks
Simon
if the fluid does not go down then give it a steam clean and get it mot'ed elsewhere.
It would need to be dripping out at most mot places
Mrcheerful
I agree. Sounds like the OP may have got an over zelous inspector looking for work. OTOH it 'may' have a very small leak. Or the oil could be coming from somewhere else. Even a few drops in the wrong place can lead to a misdiagnosis. Mike.
Simon,
I have a very slight leak on my power steering and it has been picked up by the last two MoT'ers and given an 'advisory' - MoT'd at the same main dealers and the last Mot was early December last year.
As a matter of interest, there is no drop of the power steering fluid whatsoever.
As suggested in another post, clean off the oil and take it to another tester.
Brian G
I think it's only when the power steering pump is leaking that it's a fail.
You'd probably pay no less than that at the so-called power steering specialists, where they do nothing else, and that's with the steering rack on an exchange basis.
Doesn't seem to be the case:
Quite, any leak is a fail and I dunno how you would get an advisory on it.
John
OK.
In practice, do they put the steering on full lock in both directions?
yes.
Isn't keeping it on full lock for too long supposed to be bad for the rack? In driving conditions, I mean.
Only if you are pulling hard on the steering wheel, you will then hear the pump working hard, eventually the fluid will overheat, but the overpressure valve will (should) keep the rack safe.
My mot place always does the full lock check, but you only need to turn the wheel to the end and then release the steering wheel pressure a little, you can hear the pump ease up, the visual check only takes a few seconds each side. Most people abuse the steering for far longer while parking !!
Incidentally I asked my MoT man about this query, he said that they had just had someone book a Nissan something in for MoT and that the owner was worried about steering rack leaks!! Is it the same person? Small world if so. The MoT man's attitude is that if the rack is dripping then it will fail, if it is just damp then that is perfectly normal and would pass.
Mrcheerful
Many thanks Guys, took your advice and the car passed its MOT, The MOT station had 3 guys look at it, and all agreed it was a pass, though "May" in the future need replacement. As this is my wifes car I'll get the rack replaced anyway, but at least I have time to shop around and get the best price!
Keep up the good work!
Simon
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