Steering has a mind of it's own

[Kris&HerX]

So lately I've noticed that my steering is VERY VERY loose and basically just jolts whichever way the road surface pushes it. I know I've got a leaky power steering hose leading back up to the reservoir, but would that cause it to get loose or harder to turn?

 

[Jack Stilts]

Same issue with mine. Road crown? Forgetaboutit.

Stealership said replacing the gear box will help, but a new OEM is $1K. Aftermarket - no idea.

Worth looking into, though. I hate it.

 

[Kris&HerX]

$253.79 on RockAuto.com, must just have a lotta labor attatched.

 

[idratherbe]

I'd check the center link or idler arm for play. I had same issues but they went away when I replaced the link and installed new bushings in my IA.

 

[Jack Stilts]

I have the Total Chaos steering kit en route. I pulled a gear box out of a pick-and-pull, so I'm REALLY hoping that replacing all that stuff will eliminate those issues.

 

[idratherbe]

I have the Total Chaos steering kit en route. I pulled a gear box out of a pick-and-pull, so I'm REALLY hoping that replacing all that stuff will eliminate those issues.

I would think you'd be all set then. That's the kit I hope to get one day. Very nice!

 

[Silver dude]

Xterra even stock has bumpsteer issues. I personally find the design of the stock centerlink to be the fault. If its really going everywhere more then normal its usually the centerlink rocking. The steering box would just give more steering play in the wheel. Its adjustable as well with the nut on the top which adjusts the internal play within the box. Though generally once the gears within the box are worn I've found its better to just replace.

Ben

 

[drbandkgb]

1st Id look at a new Idler arm.. 30 bucks on ebay... The start buying centerlink and such...

 

[KChurch86]

Little more insight into the power steering gear replacement:

A NEW unit from CourtesyParts is $1,400 IIRC. I bought a reman'd unit from my local Napa for a little less than $250, but that was including a small discount from a friend. Still far cheaper than $1,400.

IF you find that you need to replace your PS gear, you'll want to include the date of manufacture from the door jamb sticker in your order. The date makes a difference. Here's a comparison between my OEM gear box and the first new one I received from Napa:













Not nearly the same. I took it back to ask what they could do about it. The guy called a friend who knows Nissan, who told him to get the date of manufacture from the door jamb sticker. Once I gave him the date, he was able to cross-reference it to find the right part, which was identical to my OEM unit.