Could it be the alternator?

VERONICA WIMMS

MEMBER
2009 NISSAN MURANO
3.5L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
159,177 MILES

So, I've had to change my power steering pump a few times all new each time my rack and pinion (used) my power steering high pressure line and switch twice all due to listening and then unknowingly allowing actual idiots to work on my car. So, I was driving a total of five miles maybe round trip the other night and I began hearing a noise but it didn't alarm me at first but by the time I'm 3/4 of the trip it's gotten really loud and my steering is becoming stiff. So, I bought a new power steering pump and put it on bled it and after about 7 to 10 minutes of rocking the wheel back and forth the noise has yet to stop and the steering was still bad this is when I noticed that all the p.S. Fluid I had been leaking over the last year had put a heavy thick black coating all over the alternator so I read up on the issue and it says it's a possible cause. I'm broke and can't keep buying parts that don't fix my issue. I'm including a video of how it sounds when I start it up so you can hear it and give me feedback hopefully.

5 Replies

VERONICA WIMMS

MEMBER
144 POSTS

Sorry the 1st video didn't do the sounds. Could it be the rack again maybe since it was used?

Video (Click to make bigger)

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Sunday, May 29th, 2022 AT 6:18 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,867 POSTS

Hi Veronica,

I certainly hear the sound. Is that only happening when you turn the steering wheel? It does sound like a power steering pump.

Let me know if there is any evidence of air still in the system such as foaming in the fluid.
Also, let me know if there is any assistance. One last thought. With the front wheels off the ground, does the steering turn freely?

I attached diagnostics for checking the pressure. Take a look through it and let me know if this is something you feel comfortable doing. If there is a restriction, likely there is a blockage. If the steering with the wheels off the ground is tighter than normal, it could be related to the rack and pinion.

Let me know.

Joe

See pics below.

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Sunday, May 29th, 2022 AT 9:03 PM

VERONICA WIMMS

MEMBER
144 POSTS

I just put a new pump on the 3rd in over a year due to the 1st and 2nd being done by an idiot that left me to finish removing then redoing the 2nd and now the 3rd pump due to excessive leaking and Aamco saying the pump was bad. But yes it only screams like that when turning the wheel both on and off the ground I replaced the rack about 6 months or so ago, but it was a used one. However, after replacing the pump this last time I found that the hose going from the reservoir to the top of the pump called the feeder hose was ripped on one end and starting on the other. So, you said that you included how to find a blockage if there is one above I think but does it tell how to clear it as well. I will look at the info you gave and try them and get back to you ASAP. Thank you but even though all that leaking fluid that's built up on the alternator you don't feel its related to this.

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Monday, May 30th, 2022 AT 6:52 AM

VERONICA WIMMS

MEMBER
144 POSTS

You know the highlighted words in your diagrams i'm not able to open them up. Do you know why by chance?

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Monday, May 30th, 2022 AT 6:54 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,867 POSTS

Hi,

That isn't a thread to open. It is referring to the tool being used to test pressure.

As far as the leak, I don't feel the alternator would only make a noise when turning the steering unless the belt was loose, and you were hearing the belt squeal.

You know, I think I remember you doing the rack and pinion. At least, it seems familiar.

Let me know.

Joe