Power Steering works hard, worst in cold weather

2002 NISSAN SENTRA
160 MILES
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EAMEDIC903
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2002 Nissan Sentra, power steering works a little hard. Worse in cold weather. Gets better as car warms up. When cold, belt will sometimes squeal when turning steering wheel but belt is tight.
Aug 28, 2012 at 8:59 PM
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KHLOW2008
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The belt squeal indicates the pump is not working as fast as it should due to slippage. Recheck the belt tension, v-ribbed belts have different tension feeling fron normal V-belts.

Which engine do you have?
Aug 29, 2012 at 2:44 AM
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EAMEDIC903
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checked the belt tension per the manual and if anything it is a little too tight. When the issue first happened I checke the belt (it was ok) and tightened it a bit more just in case.
Aug 29, 2012 at 5:05 AM
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KHLOW2008
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Check the fluid condition and replace if necessary.

Whic engine do you have?
Aug 29, 2012 at 5:13 AM
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EAMEDIC903
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already changed it and added some conditioner.
Aug 29, 2012 at 5:21 AM
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EAMEDIC903
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1.8L
Aug 29, 2012 at 6:30 AM
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KHLOW2008
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If the belt tension is good and fluid level correct, the pump is weak. Have the pressure tested.
Aug 29, 2012 at 6:46 AM
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EAMEDIC903
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I figure that was where I was headed. I was hoping there might be a common problem with this model or a way to differentiate. Consideirng I have 4 cars, time to invest in a tester! Thanks
Aug 29, 2012 at 7:02 AM
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KHLOW2008
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You're welcome.
Aug 30, 2012 at 1:05 AM
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