Power steering not working

2012 NISSAN ALTIMA
95,000 MILES • 2.5L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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ALEJANDRO GARCIA
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Changed the hose of the power steering deposit because of leak and now power steering is not working. Fluid is at the right level, replaced the copper washers and the bolt with the hole in the middle and nothing else. Should work but doesn’t, what is going on?
Oct 17, 2019 at 2:19 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Welcome to 2CarPros.

After you replaced the hose, did you bleed the system of air? Is there any evidence in the power steering fluid of air bubbles?

Try this. Safely lift the front of the vehicle. With the engine off, turn the steering from lock to lock (all the way in each direction) several times. Check the fluid. Are there air bubbles in it?

With the engine on, is there evidence in the reservoir that fluid is circulating?

Here is a link you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/power-steering-problems

Let me know.

Joe
Oct 17, 2019 at 8:38 PM
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ALEJANDRO GARCIA
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While operating there are lots of air bubbles in the deposit. I’ll try to bleed out the air, hopefully it’ll work. Oh, by the way, the steering is hard while the car is idling but if i step on the gas it works perfectly well. I don’t know if it’s relevant but I’ll try what you mentioned. Thank you very much for your help. I really appreciate it!
Oct 18, 2019 at 11:32 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Welcome back:

You are very welcome. Tell me if you are able to bleed out more air. Also, confirm the belt driving the pump is tight and in good condition.

I will watch for your reply.

Joe
Oct 18, 2019 at 7:52 PM
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ALEJANDRO GARCIA
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Thank you so much for your help Joe. it seems to be working now but there’s a sound I’m not too happy with. the steering makes a humming noise when at low revs but goes away as soon as I give it some gas. Should I be concerned? The thing is that the vibration from the noise is transmitted to the steering wheel so it feels weird.

Let me know your thoughts, and again thank you!
Oct 22, 2019 at 5:07 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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  • 110,175 POSTS
Welcome back:

You are very welcome. Now, if you feel it at low RPM, there is a chance air still is in it. See if it stops after a couple days. If it doesn't try bleeding again.

I will also add that if it is a remanufactured pump, they can make noise. The sound you described and the feel you get sounds like low fluid. However, I feel confident you checked that.

Can you upload the sound so I can hear it?

Let me know.

Joe
Oct 22, 2019 at 8:03 PM