Power steering

2005 NISSAN ALTIMA
60,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • MANUAL
Avatar
GOTTROUBLES
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Have a 2005 Nissan Altime SER. Getting quite Wurring(?) sound when steering with cold engine. Goes away when warmed up. Saw power steering reservoir down to just below Min./Max. lines. See no sign of leaks on garage floor. Just now topped off to Max. line. Isn't thia a sealed system? Or can you get some evaporation over time since I live in a realatively dry climate in Colorado.
Dec 28, 2010 at 11:04 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
ERNEST CLARK
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 1,730 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
You won't get any evaporation over time. If you crawl underneath the car, you'll probably find an accumalation of oily dirt around the seals of your rack and pinion system. The leak would be so slow it wouldn't leave a puddle.

Be careful not to overfill your system, as this will destroy it for certain. And as for your "Whirring" sound, this does happen as those pumps age. If the steering doesn't become hard, I wouldn't worry about it. But eventually everything fails. Just keep the fluid at the proper level and if you ever see a leak, get it fixed before it gets worse and costs you more.
Feb 6, 2011 at 10:12 PM
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.
Ask a Free Question
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.