A couple weeks ago I posted an issue where I changed the fluid in my Nissan PS system and upon doing so i noticed very small bubbles circulating in the reservoir. Applied vacuum to the reservoir, no leaks, no odd noises and the steering worked like it should. Still trouble shooting the issue I noticed the fluid starting to get glittery, when i went to take a peek at the bottom of the reservoir there were small metal particles all over the bottom(brand new reservoir as well). I emptied the reservoir, cleaned it and filled it back up. Ran the car for another 5 minutes, next morning I check the reservoir and it's got a bunch of metal particles in the bottom again. Keep in mind I have not drove the car since, only let it run idle. I pulled the pump and took it apart but can't find any obvious sources of wearing. Any advice here? I'm quite certain the metal isn't from the rack, but is there anything else I should investigate before purchasing a new pump? Fluid used is Mobil D/M ATF. Thanks all
Power steering is puking metal particles
- Thread starter oldsohc
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The pump is probably the likely source of the metal glitter, it's the only part of the system where there's direct metal-on-metal contact with the fluid. The rack also has contact with fluid but it's not moving it under pressure, it's directing fluid to certain paths.
I would wager the pump seals are leaking allowing air to enter the system and aerate the fluid.
I would wager the pump seals are leaking allowing air to enter the system and aerate the fluid.
Maybe someone used a stopleak in the PS system?
Since the pump was so easy to remove and inspect, I would just reinstall and run it until it dies. Does a Nissan require any special fluid? A few anal retentive drain and fills on a weekly basis may be in order if it bothers you that much.
Originally Posted By: zorobabel
Maybe someone used a stopleak in the PS system?
PS stop leaks are seal swell or polymeric products, not a ginger root or aluminum/resin powder.
I'd pull the reservoir, pump and see if you push some clean fluid into the lines and rack to get the grit out, and then install a new pump and reservoir(unless you can get the existing one surgically clean, Japanese ones use a sponge or mesh filter in them). Flush out the system with as much ATF or specified fluid to get things clean. It wouldn't hurt to install a Magnefine on the return line, I've never done it but there's not much to filter a power steering system.
Maybe someone used a stopleak in the PS system?
PS stop leaks are seal swell or polymeric products, not a ginger root or aluminum/resin powder.
I'd pull the reservoir, pump and see if you push some clean fluid into the lines and rack to get the grit out, and then install a new pump and reservoir(unless you can get the existing one surgically clean, Japanese ones use a sponge or mesh filter in them). Flush out the system with as much ATF or specified fluid to get things clean. It wouldn't hurt to install a Magnefine on the return line, I've never done it but there's not much to filter a power steering system.
Originally Posted By: nthach
Originally Posted By: zorobabel
Maybe someone used a stopleak in the PS system?
PS stop leaks are seal swell or polymeric products, not a ginger root or aluminum/resin powder.
I'd pull the reservoir, pump and see if you push some clean fluid into the lines and rack to get the grit out, and then install a new pump and reservoir(unless you can get the existing one surgically clean, Japanese ones use a sponge or mesh filter in them). Flush out the system with as much ATF or specified fluid to get things clean. It wouldn't hurt to install a Magnefine on the return line, I've never done it but there's not much to filter a power steering system.
I've seen a guy pour PS fluid in his brake fluid reservoir (I seem to remember it was a BMW
); someone like that would have no problem adding some of that copper powder radiator stop leak to the PS.
There are people on this board that filter their PS fluid, not sure it's worth it.
Originally Posted By: zorobabel
Maybe someone used a stopleak in the PS system?
PS stop leaks are seal swell or polymeric products, not a ginger root or aluminum/resin powder.
I'd pull the reservoir, pump and see if you push some clean fluid into the lines and rack to get the grit out, and then install a new pump and reservoir(unless you can get the existing one surgically clean, Japanese ones use a sponge or mesh filter in them). Flush out the system with as much ATF or specified fluid to get things clean. It wouldn't hurt to install a Magnefine on the return line, I've never done it but there's not much to filter a power steering system.
I've seen a guy pour PS fluid in his brake fluid reservoir (I seem to remember it was a BMW
); someone like that would have no problem adding some of that copper powder radiator stop leak to the PS.There are people on this board that filter their PS fluid, not sure it's worth it.
Ps filter would solve nothing. It's on the return line. Pump could still send all he'll down in there.
Originally Posted By: Boosted240
So I think i'll reassemble the pump with new seals and gaskets and reinstall with a magnefilter on the return line. Run it for a bit, then remove the filter and run again. If I still find metal particles, i'll resort to a new pump.
The cam pack and vanes are more than likely toast - I'd just put in a new pump for all the effort you're doing.
Is this the OEM Nissan pump or a reman?
So I think i'll reassemble the pump with new seals and gaskets and reinstall with a magnefilter on the return line. Run it for a bit, then remove the filter and run again. If I still find metal particles, i'll resort to a new pump.
The cam pack and vanes are more than likely toast - I'd just put in a new pump for all the effort you're doing.
Is this the OEM Nissan pump or a reman?
Originally Posted By: nthach
Originally Posted By: Boosted240
So I think i'll reassemble the pump with new seals and gaskets and reinstall with a magnefilter on the return line. Run it for a bit, then remove the filter and run again. If I still find metal particles, i'll resort to a new pump.
The cam pack and vanes are more than likely toast - I'd just put in a new pump for all the effort you're doing.
Is this the OEM Nissan pump or a reman?
OEM pump about 75,000 miles and 22 years old. Is there any visual cues that could confirm that the cam and vanes are done? I have the entire pump taken apart and can't see anything that really stands out. There is a portion of the housing inside on the high pressure side that is unmachined and still rough from the original aluminium casting but I can't imagine the ATF could be wearing that down and creating the metallic glitter in the fluid. I can take photos this weekend if it helps.
Originally Posted By: Boosted240
So I think i'll reassemble the pump with new seals and gaskets and reinstall with a magnefilter on the return line. Run it for a bit, then remove the filter and run again. If I still find metal particles, i'll resort to a new pump.
The cam pack and vanes are more than likely toast - I'd just put in a new pump for all the effort you're doing.
Is this the OEM Nissan pump or a reman?
OEM pump about 75,000 miles and 22 years old. Is there any visual cues that could confirm that the cam and vanes are done? I have the entire pump taken apart and can't see anything that really stands out. There is a portion of the housing inside on the high pressure side that is unmachined and still rough from the original aluminium casting but I can't imagine the ATF could be wearing that down and creating the metallic glitter in the fluid. I can take photos this weekend if it helps.
The vanes should be smooth, the outer and inner cam should not be at all scored.
For all the effort you're doing, put in a new pump.
For all the effort you're doing, put in a new pump.
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