'99 Nissan Sentra GXE Power Steering Problem

Feb 25, 2004 8 Replies

When my Sentra has been parked for a while and I first start it up it's like there is no power steering at all. After about 5 mins of driving it that way it gets better to the point where there is no difficulty steering it at all. I've already checked the drive belt on the power steering pump and it looks good and tight. Has anybody out there ever seen this problem before? I'd appreciate any advice I can get. Thanx.



Lee


When I first noticed the problem the fluid level was low. I topped it off but it made no change. Could there be air trapped in the lines? If so is there a way to bleed it off? Thanks for the advice.

Lee

the power steering pump needs replaced

I thought if the power steering pump was bad I would never have power steering at all. Can a pump not work when it's cold and then start working after it warms up?

Sometimes they go bad gradually.

Hi Lee,

Sorry I don't have an answer to your question, but I have a question that would probably be pretty easy for you to answer. What kind of fluid did you put into the power steering reservoir?

Here's why I ask: My girlfriend has a 96 Nissan Sentra with no owner's manual. The power steering fluid is low and the pump is starting to take in air and make a real ugly noise. The problem is the reservoir cap says "Use power steering fluid," but the remaining fluid in the reservoir looks pink -- probably transmission fluid. So, what should I use? I've asked my mechanic, the guys at the auto parts shop, and searched the internet, but no one seems to have a definitive answer.

Perhaps the owner's manual would have the answer. Do you have one?

Thanks in advance to anyone who can give me some advice abou this.

-chip

Hi Lee,

Sorry I don't have an answer to your question, but I have a question that would probably be pretty easy for you to answer. What kind of fluid did you put into the power steering reservoir?

Here's why I ask: My girlfriend has a 96 Nissan Sentra with no owner's manual. The power steering fluid is low and the pump is starting to take in air and make a real ugly noise. The problem is the reservoir cap says "Use power steering fluid," but the remaining fluid in the reservoir looks pink -- probably transmission fluid. So, what should I use? I've asked my mechanic, the guys at the auto parts shop, and searched the internet, but no one seems to have a definitive answer.

Perhaps the owner's manual would have the answer. Do you have one?

Thanks in advance to anyone who can give me some advice abou this.

-chip

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