Steering System - Power Nissan Stanza III

DESCRIPTION

Power steering system consists of a rack and pinion steering gear, steering pump, fluid reservoir and flexible connecting lines.

TESTING

Note. Ensure power steering belt tension and tire pressure are correct before performing hydraulic system pressure test.

Scheme 1

1. Disconnect high pressure hose at power steering pump. Install Pressure Gauge (J-26357) between power steering pump and steering gear. (Scheme 1) Open valve and bleed air from system. See «HYDRAULIC SYSTEM BLEEDING»(/nissan/stanza/iii-1990-1992/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-system-power__hydraulic-system-bleeding) under LUBRICATION. Check fluid level.
2. Start engine, and allow reservoir fluid temperature to reach 140-176°F (60-80°C). Set engine speed to 1000 RPM. Check pressure quickly with wheel turned to full-lock position on left and right sides. NOTE: DO NOT hold steering wheel at or near lock position for more than 15 seconds.
3. Compare pressure reading with «HYDRAULIC SYSTEM PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS»(/nissan/stanza/iii-1990-1992/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-system-power). If pressure is lower than specification, slowly close shut-off valve and note pressure. DO NOT close shut-off valve for more than 15 seconds.
4. If pressure now reads within specification, power steering pump is okay and steering gear is defective. If pressure reading is still not within specification, power steering pump is defective. If pressure reading is higher than specification, check power steering pump control valve. Remove pressure gauge and bleed system.

HYDRAULIC SYSTEM PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS

STEERING WHEEL TURNING FORCE

1. Park vehicle on dry, level surface. Ensure tire pressure is correct. Apply parking brake. Start and run engine until fluid temperature is 140-176°F (60-80°C). Attach spring scale to steering wheel.
2. Measure steering wheel turning force after steering wheel has been turned 360 degrees from center position. Turning force should be less than 9 lbs. (4.1 kg). If turning force is not within specification, check rack sliding force to determine condition of steering gear. See «PINION ROTATING FORCE & RACK SLIDING FORCE»(/nissan/stanza/iii-1990-1992/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-system-power__pinion-rotating-force-rack-sliding) under ADJUSTMENTS.

CAPACITY

Fluid capacity is approximately 1 qt. (.9L).

FLUID TYPE

Use Dexron ATF type fluid.

FLUID LEVEL CHECK

Check fluid level when fluid is cold with engine off. To check and fill, remove fluid level gauge from reservoir and check fluid level. Fluid should be between MIN and MAX marks on the gauge dipstick. Add fluid through dipstick opening as needed and recheck. DO NOT overfill.

HYDRAULIC SYSTEM BLEEDING

1. Raise and support vehicle. While adding fluid, turn steering wheel quickly from lock to lock until fluid level no longer decreases and no bubbles exist.
2. Start engine and allow to idle and repeat step 1). Perform procedure until fluid level no longer decreases and no bubbles exist.

POWER STEERING PUMP BELT

Note. Check belt deflection with engine cold.

With engine cold, apply 22 lbs. (10 kg) pressure on belt at center distance between pulleys and note belt deflection. Adjust belt tension if belt deflection is not within specification. See BELT ADJUSTMENT SPECIFICATIONS .

BELT ADJUSTMENT SPECIFICATIONS (1991)

BELT ADJUSTMENT SPECIFICATIONS (1992)

PINION ROTATING FORCE & RACK SLIDING FORCE

Note. Rack sliding force can be checked with steering gear installed in vehicle, with tie rods and pinion shaft disconnected. Perform pinion rotating force adjustment with steering gear assembly removed from vehicle.

Rack Sliding Force

1. Position wheels in straight-ahead position. Raise and support vehicle. Remove front wheels. Remove cotter pins and nuts from tie rod ends. Disconnect tie rod ends from steering knuckles. Remove lower steering column joint from pinion shaft. Start engine, and run it at idle. Ensure fluid has reached normal operating temperature.
2. Attach a spring scale at lock nut of tie rod end. Check steering gear for rack sliding force around neutral position of rack stroke. Slowly pull tie rod in a range of 0.5" (11.5 mm). Observe spring scale reading. See «RACK SLIDING FORCE SPECIFICATIONS»(/nissan/stanza/iii-1990-1992/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-system-power) . If rack sliding force is not within specified range, overhaul steering gear assembly.

RACK SLIDING FORCE SPECIFICATIONS (1)

Scheme 2

1. Remove steering gear from vehicle. See «POWER RACK & PINION»(/nissan/stanza/iii-1990-1992/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-system-power) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Install steering gear in soft-jawed vise. Drain fluid from steering gear.
2. Remove lock nut and adjusting screw. (Scheme 12)and (Scheme 13). Apply locking sealant to threads and install adjusting screw. Lightly tighten adjusting screw lock nut. Tighten adjusting screw to 43-52 INCH lbs. (4.9-5.9 N.m). Loosen adjusting screw, then retighten to.43-1.74 INCH lbs. (.05-.20 N.m).
3. Move rack over its entire stroke several times. Install Torque Adapter (J-26364 ) and INCH lb. torque wrench on pinion shaft. (Scheme 2) Measure pinion rotating force within range of 180 degrees from neutral position. Stop gear at point of maximum torque. Remove adapter and torque wrench. Loosen adjusting screw, and then tighten to 43 INCH lbs. (4.9 N.m).
4. Loosen adjusting screw 40-60 degrees, and then tighten lock nut. On 240SX, loosen adjusting screw 70-110 degrees, then tighten lock nut. On 300ZX, loosen adjusting screw 60-100 degrees, then tighten lock nut. On all models, ensure adjusting screw does not turn when lock nut is tightened.
5. Install Torque Adapter (J-26364 ) and an INCH lb. torque wrench on pinion shaft. (Scheme 2) Measure turning force required to rotate pinion. See «PINION ROTATING FORCE SPECIFICATIONS»(/nissan/stanza/iii-1990-1992/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-system-power). If pinion rotating force is not as specified, repeat step 2). If after readjustment, pinion rotating force is still not as specified, replace steering gear.

PINION ROTATING FORCE SPECIFICATIONS (1)

Removal

1. Loosen power steering pump pulley nut (if removing pulley). Loosen pump adjusting bolts, and remove pump drive belt. Note angle of pressure hose installation on power steering pump.
2. Disconnect high pressure hose from power steering pump. Drain fluid. Remove suction line from pump. Remove pump retaining bolts and pump.

Installation

1. To install, reverse removal procedure. Replace all sealing washers and "O" rings. Lubricate all sealing washers and "O" rings with ATF before installation.
2. Tighten connector bolts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (POWER STEERING PUMP)»(/nissan/stanza/iii-1990-1992/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-system-power) at end of article. Adjust belt tension. See «POWER STEERING PUMP BELT»(/nissan/stanza/iii-1990-1992/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-system-power__power-steering-pump-belt) under ADJUSTMENTS. Fill and bleed system. See «HYDRAULIC SYSTEM BLEEDING»(/nissan/stanza/iii-1990-1992/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-system-power__hydraulic-system-bleeding) under LUBRICATION.

1. Raise and support vehicle. Position wheels in straight-ahead position. Note position of hoses on steering gear. Disconnect and mark hoses at steering gear. Drain fluid. Plug hoses and openings in steering gear.
2. Remove tie rod cotter pins and nuts at steering knuckles. Using Ball Joint Separator (HT72520000 ), separate tie rod ends from steering knuckles.
3. Remove steering column lower joint-to-pinion shaft retaining bolt. With wheels in straight-ahead position, place punch mark on lower joint and pinion shaft for reassembly reference.
4. Remove lower joint from pinion shaft. Remove steering gear mounting bracket retaining bolts. Remove steering gear and linkage.

1. To install, reverse removal procedure. Install new "O" rings on hoses (if equipped). Coat "O" rings with ATF before installation. Ensure proper sized "O" ring is installed. Align reference mark on lower joint and pinion shaft.
2. Tighten nuts and bolts to specification. See appropriate «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS TABLE»(/nissan/stanza/iii-1990-1992/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-system-power__torque-specifications) at end of article. Fill and bleed system. See «HYDRAULIC SYSTEM BLEEDING»(/nissan/stanza/iii-1990-1992/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-system-power__hydraulic-system-bleeding) under LUBRICATION. Check front wheel alignment if tie rods were removed or steering gear was overhauled. See appropriate WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES article in the WHEEL ALIGNMENT section: For 1991 models, see «NISSAN - SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES»(/nissan/stanza/iii-1990-1992/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-specifications-procedures) For 1992 models, see «NISSAN - SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES»(ref-61557)

POWER STEERING PUMP

Note. Disassemble power steering pump to repair leaks only. Replace pump if defective.

Scheme 3

Scheme 4

Scheme 5

Scheme 6

Scheme 7

1. Ensure pump housing is cleaned before disassembly. Remove pulley nut and pulley. Remove mounting bracket from front of pump (if equipped). Remove suction pipe and "O" ring.
2. Remove pulley shaft retaining snap ring. Remove pulley shaft and bearing. Remove oil seal from housing. (Scheme 3)- (Scheme 7). Note seal installation direction. CAUTION: Mark internal components for direction of installation before removal.
3. Remove rear cover bolts. Remove rear cover and gasket. Mark direction of cam ring, rotor and vane for installation reference. Remove rotor, vanes, cam ring and pins.
4. Remove front side plate and "O" rings. Remove housing spring or wave washers (if equipped). Remove connector, control valve, "O" ring (if equipped) and spring from housing.

Inspection

Inspect components for scoring and damage. Replace pump assembly if components are damaged.

Reassembly

1. Install new oil seal, "O" rings and gasket. Coat "O" rings with ATF before installation. Rotor should be installed with punch mark located on face of rotor toward housing side of pump. Install vanes with flat side toward rotor.
2. Install cam ring in alignment with pins. Ensure cam ring properly seats on both pins. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Tighten nuts and bolts to specification. See appropriate «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS TABLE»(/nissan/stanza/iii-1990-1992/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-system-power__torque-specifications) at end of article.

POWER RACK & PINION

Note. Before disassembly of steering gear, measure pinion rotating force for reassembly reference. See PINION ROTATING FORCE & RACK SLIDING FORCE under ADJUSTMENTS.

Disassembly

1. Remove gear housing tubes. Drain fluid. Remove boot bands and clamps. Measure and record pinion rotating force. Remove outer tie rods and boots.
2. Pry up staked portion to tie rod inner sockets. Remove tie rod inner sockets. Remove lock plates. Remove rear housing cover. Remove pinion assembly. Remove pinion adjusting screw lock nut and adjusting screw. Remove spring (if equipped), spring disc, washer, spring seat (if equipped) and retainer. (Scheme 12)and (Scheme 13).
3. Drill staked portion of gear housing end. (Scheme 8) Remove end cover assembly. Draw out rack assembly. Using a heat gun, heat rack seal ring to approximately 104°F (40°C). Remove rack seal ring. Using a tape-wrapped socket and extension bar, remove center bushing and rack oil seal. DO NOT scratch inner surface of pinion housing.

Scheme 8

1. Clean all components in solvent. Blow dry with compressed air. Replace all oil seals and "O" rings. Inspect boots for damage. Replace if damaged. Inspect all sealing surfaces and pinion bearing for roughness.
2. Inspect tie rod inner socket for end play. Replace tie rod inner socket if end play exists. Inspect steering gear components for damage. Replace damaged components.

Scheme 9

Scheme 10

1. Using a heat gun, heat rack seal ring to approximately 104°F (40°C) and install seal ring into rack. Insert Rack Seal Ring Reformer (KV48104400 ) from rack gear side and compress rack seal ring to position and secure on rack.
2. Place plastic film into rack oil seal to prevent damage by rack teeth. Insert rack oil seal. Ensure rack oil seal lips face each other. Remove plastic film. Install center bushing and rack oil seal with rack assembly.
3. Tighten end cover assembly. Stake gear housing to cover assembly. (Scheme 8) Set rack gear in neutral position. Measure rack stroke. (Scheme 9) See «RACK STROKE SPECIFICATIONS»(/nissan/stanza/iii-1990-1992/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-system-power). RACK STROKE SPECIFICATIONS Application In. (mm) NX & Sentra 1.6L 2.90 (74.0) 2.0L 2.58 (66.0) Maxima & 240SX 2.70 (69.0) Stanza 2.83 (72.0) 300ZX 2.34 (60.0)
4. Coat pinion oil seal lip with multi-purpose grease. Install new pinion oil seal to pinion housing of gear housing. Ensure installed seal lip is facing up. Install new pinion bearing adjusting shim(s). Always use same number of shim(s).
5. Using a heat gun, heat pinion seal rings to approximately 104°F (40°C) and install on pinion assembly. Ensure pinion seal rings settle properly in valve groove. Apply multipurpose grease to needle bearing roller and oil seal lip. Install pinion assembly into gear housing.
6. Apply multipurpose grease to rear oil seal lip and install in rear housing. Install rear cover cap. (Scheme 10) On NX and Sentra, install retainer, washer and spring disc. Ensure painted end of spring disc is facing outward. Install adjuster screw and adjusting lock nut.
7. On all other models, install retainer, spring seat, washer and spring disc. Ensure painted end of spring disc is facing outward. Install spring, adjusting screw and lock nut.
8. On all models, attach lock plate to tie rod inner socket. Apply locking sealant to inner socket threads. Screw inner socket into rack, and tighten to specification. See appropriate «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS TABLE»(/nissan/stanza/iii-1990-1992/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-system-power__torque-specifications) at end of article. Clinch lock plate in 2 places at rack groove. Remove burrs from lock plate (if necessary).
9. Coat contact surfaces between boot and tie rod with grease. Install boot and boot clamps. Ensure boot clamps are facing rear of vehicle when gear housing is in installed position.
10. Install lock nuts and outer tie rods. Measure tie rod length. (Scheme 11) See «TIE ROD LENGTH SPECIFICATIONS»(/nissan/stanza/iii-1990-1992/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-system-power). Recheck rack stroke. See «RACK STROKE SPECIFICATIONS»(/nissan/stanza/iii-1990-1992/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-system-power). (Scheme 9) If rack stroke is not within specification, recheck procedures performed in steps 4) through 8). Check pinion rotating force. See «PINION ROTATING FORCE & RACK SLIDING FORCE»(/nissan/stanza/iii-1990-1992/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-system-power__pinion-rotating-force-rack-sliding) under ADJUSTMENTS.

Scheme 11

TIE ROD LENGTH SPECIFICATIONS

Scheme 12

Scheme 13

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (STEERING GEAR)

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (POWER STEERING PUMP)

See also:
• NISSAN - SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES
• HYDRAULIC SYSTEM BLEEDING
• HYDRAULIC SYSTEM PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS
• PINION ROTATING FORCE & RACK SLIDING FORCE
• POWER STEERING PUMP BELT
• TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS TABLE