Changing oil today, i noticed that there's a leak on this linkage (driver side.)



Any insight on how bad this is... if i should fix it ASAP, or can wait until i can get parts and/or get it to a shop?

I've been reading the FSM and though there are instructions on how to fix it, it seems a bit confusing to me (then again, i always felt the FSM gets a bit too detailed on instructions, thus why i prefer reading DIY posts instead.)

On a similar note, would this explain why turning the wheel to the right, at full lock, i hear grinding/metal scrape noises? It's not there if you turn it the other way. I've seen some metal-metal contact between the rim and the sway bar and have always thought that was the cause.

Thanks for your responses!

 

I had this problem where my power steering rack was leaking, and I would get a popping noise when I turn the wheel to the right, but not to the left. The dealer replaced the whole rack under warranty and I'm pretty sure it's a really expensive fix. The leak was minor, but the power steering fluid was getting lower by the month....

I believe the part to replace already costs over $800...

There shouldn't be any grinding/metal scrape noises when you turn the wheel to full lock, that sounds like a problem...

 

Mine leaks from the same location. Been like this for over a year. Couldn't give a crap TBH.

 

Ouch. $800 bucks? Glad they covered it under warranty. I've checked the PS fluid reservoir and it's still at full, so things are good there AFAIK.

As for the grinding, i still have a feeling it's the wheel-to-sway contact as it didn't occur on my prior set of 19s, or when i added the 5mm spacer for testing. That, or it could all just be random coincidences.

Is that grease leaking out? There's a ball/socket there, right? I wonder if one could just theoretically open the nut, drain whatever comes out, fill it back up and tighten the bolt.

Thanks guys!

 

^ i also have the same issue for a while now but the PS fluid level isnt dropping so im not too bothered either but i do get a clunking sound at times when i have to brake quick, it was a common issue on some 350z as well.

i tried tightening the 'nut' but it does not budge either way then i talked to my dealer and they said the rack was not serviceable and had to be replaced, i have elite warranty but have to make an appointment to have them check everything out and tell me if it will be covered or not but i just dont have the time...

 

btw you can get quality remanufactured steering racks for ~$400 with 3 year warranty and the install is a moderately easy DIY or maybe a ~$100 install at local shop that you know...

 

^^^ If either of you guys ever take it in to a dealership for service, especially for warranty consideration, I'd suggest at least temporarily swapping your wheels back to stock sizing first (maybe even sway bar). A dealer will immediately try and blame any steering or suspension failures on your mods.

BTW, mine leaks there too, just not as bad as MIke's, and I notice that I sometimes get a popping/clunking when near full lock at very low speeds. I intend to take it in as soon as I wear out my current 'oversized' set of tires and go back to stock sizing (btw, I didn't notice enough improvement from a 235/50 FR and 255/45 RR set to warrant the effort).

 

^ yea i know ppl who had the same issue with dealers giving them problems with warranty claim due to wider tires since it 'causes too much stress on the steering rack causing it to fail' though its not a solid enough reason considering the number of ppl who have this problem with stock setup as well on the 350s and Gs but still they do have an arguable point that they can use if they want to deny claims.

 

Thanks for chiming-in, guys!

Kool, that's an excellent price, even with the refundable core charge. I'll monitor the problem for a little while and decide where to go from there. Seems like it's a common problem, indeed, but not a big one.

VQ, the car is way past warranty period, but that's still a good point!

Thanks again!