donuts caused some probs - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

YellwMonky · 05-02-2003, 11:28 PM

its raining out tonight so i decided to go out and have some fun in the rain by doing donuts (I know I know...). Well, when i was done i noticed that my steering wheel was really hard to turn. Aside from the usual smoke and burning smells...i didn't notice anything else wrong. I drove it home and checked under the hood. Now theres a lot of brown fluid leaking off of my car. I've driven cars w/o power steering before, but my car felt even HARDER to turn. Anyone know what the problem could be ?? any help appreciated...

s13silady · 05-03-2003, 01:40 AM

you shouldnt be doing that in public places.

hehe..

where is it leaking from???
it could be a lot of things..
gives more infor on where the leak is what the fluid looks like (thickness,etc...)

the head · 05-03-2003, 01:42 AM

It is just PS issues PS racks are much more difficult without assist than manual racks because they are meant to have the power assist that is it now either get used to no PS or fix it

YellwMonky · 05-03-2003, 01:50 AM

it's pretty dark out right now..I'm just gonna have to wait and have a look at it tomorrow.

twitchy · 05-03-2003, 02:00 AM

yeah let us know, I make donuts in the rain too (or used to)

and i noticed the wheel is harder to turn but no probs after, its just stiff for a second or 2 after

adey · 05-03-2003, 03:31 AM

Check your belts; there's a good chance the PS/fan belt is either loose, if not off the pulley!! Remember to do this FIRST THING before you drive your car, because driving without the fan on can do some nasty things to your radiator.

I'd know...

YellwMonky · 05-03-2003, 12:20 PM

i took another look at it this morning and it IS leaking PS fluid. I checked the PS fluid levels and it's totally empty. I turned the car on and i saw fluid flying off the air conditioner pully. I'm guessing that power steering pump is leaking onto the ac pulley...? I'm not sure. I removed my clutch fan a while ago to replace it with an electric fan. I don't think that would have anything to do with my power steering though right? Also, is it okay to drive it like this? I need my car this weekend...thanks guys for the replies so far.

Dousan_PG · 05-03-2003, 12:23 PM

hmm
dont run it without the fluids youll burn it out
but then again.im not sure

i would get it replaced asap

easy job btw, basic tools and a day or so to do it!
GOOD LUCK

YellwMonky · 05-03-2003, 12:27 PM

what's a good way to check where the leak is exactly ?

russian · 05-03-2003, 01:32 PM

bleed your powersteering, then put fluid in, have somebody turn the wheel see from where it leeks. it might be a hose, or might be the reservour. its a bitch to bleed it tho...

RacerBoi · 05-03-2003, 05:31 PM

Im pretty sure there is a dye you can add to your fluid so its more obious where it is leaking from. Good luck.

YellwMonky · 05-03-2003, 07:22 PM

I found out exactly where the leak was. I pointed to with the red arrow.

That big bolt there was loose so I just tightened it down. Now that seemed to end the leak...I'm just wondering how the hell that loosened up...
At first there were some strange noises coming from the power steering pump, but now everything seems to be fine. (i think i just didn't fill it up all the way.)
The problem is now I'm getting smoke coming from under that header. I pointed to where the smoke is coming from with the yellow arrow. I'm not sure if it's just burning away the leaking fluid from before or if it's just a whole different problem. Any ideas? I appreciate the help so far guys.

deviousKA · 05-03-2003, 08:07 PM

yes that was most likely your problem. loose banjo fitting hopefully you have both copper washers on there. smoke is obviously from ps fluid on manifold

btw: that noise was coming from you ps pump with lack of fluid

YellwMonky · 05-03-2003, 08:37 PM

okay thanks. Hopefully it's fixed for good.

uiuc240 · 05-03-2003, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by YellwMonky
okay thanks. Hopefully it's fixed for good.

Did you add more fluid? It takes ATF, not PS fluid.

Eric

YellwMonky · 05-03-2003, 08:50 PM

yeah i used some cheap chevron atf dexron III fluid...something like that.

thx247 · 05-03-2003, 11:13 PM

might just be some fluid burning off the exhaust manifold or heat shield. You probably stressed the PS pump while doing though doughnuts the other day and that bolt got loose. Cool that it was an easy fix though.

twitchy · 05-04-2003, 01:43 AM

I want to know how doing a donut strains your power steering pump cause it obviously does, I mean yours blew the fitting and mine gets all stiff for a second afterwards.. Maybe the fluid all gets pushed up to the side from the G forces and the pump runs dry (and in your case maybe the change in pressure hurt that fitting?)

just to note man, if you have any more problems, it is safe to drive without any fluid, like if it leaks again but remove the belt that drives the ps pump..

YellwMonky · 05-04-2003, 01:51 AM

yeah...i'm really curious as well. How the hell did me doing donuts loosen up that bolt...I just don't get it.

still...when i turn the wheel all the way it still makes a noise. I'm not sure if it was always like that or if it's just doing it now. Can someone try it out for me? turn their steering wheel all the way to the left or to the right. Do you guys hear a kinda of "whirring" noise coming from under the hood?

twitchy · 05-04-2003, 01:56 AM

well its 4 am where I live now but ive been drinking coffee all night so I tried for you- it makes that noise but not very loud, I think every car does it though. If its really loud then i would be concerned, but its normal. If you think you have a problem its probably from running the pump dry. Im thinking for sure when your spinning that the pump doesnt get any fluid into it though and thats why it stiffens up and or blows a fitting..

YellwMonky · 05-04-2003, 02:01 AM

appreciate it twitchy. Yeha...i thought it was there before, but i was just making sure.

05-02-2003, 11:28 PM	#1
YellwMonky Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Fog Town Posts: 341 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	donuts caused some probs its raining out tonight so i decided to go out and have some fun in the rain by doing donuts (I know I know...). Well, when i was done i noticed that my steering wheel was really hard to turn. Aside from the usual smoke and burning smells...i didn't notice anything else wrong. I drove it home and checked under the hood. Now theres a lot of brown fluid leaking off of my car. I've driven cars w/o power steering before, but my car felt even HARDER to turn. Anyone know what the problem could be ?? any help appreciated... __________________ s13 92 White 240sx SE Coupe

05-03-2003, 01:42 AM	#3
the head Nissanaholic! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: in a dark room mastering the art of typing with one hand Posts: 2,164 Trader Rating: (3) Feedback Score: 3 reviews	It is just PS issues PS racks are much more difficult without assist than manual racks because they are meant to have the power assist that is it now either get used to no PS or fix it __________________ I never knew you could do that with an eggplant

05-03-2003, 01:50 AM	#4
YellwMonky Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Fog Town Posts: 341 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	it's pretty dark out right now..I'm just gonna have to wait and have a look at it tomorrow. __________________ s13 92 White 240sx SE Coupe

05-03-2003, 03:31 AM	#6
adey Post Whore! Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 3,072 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Check your belts; there's a good chance the PS/fan belt is either loose, if not off the pulley!! Remember to do this FIRST THING before you drive your car, because driving without the fan on can do some nasty things to your radiator. I'd know... __________________ Instagram: @SX180HKG

05-03-2003, 12:20 PM	#7
YellwMonky Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Fog Town Posts: 341 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	i took another look at it this morning and it IS leaking PS fluid. I checked the PS fluid levels and it's totally empty. I turned the car on and i saw fluid flying off the air conditioner pully. I'm guessing that power steering pump is leaking onto the ac pulley...? I'm not sure. I removed my clutch fan a while ago to replace it with an electric fan. I don't think that would have anything to do with my power steering though right? Also, is it okay to drive it like this? I need my car this weekend...thanks guys for the replies so far. __________________ s13 92 White 240sx SE Coupe

05-03-2003, 01:40 AM	#2
s13silady Nissanaholic! Join Date: May 2002 Location: Bay Area, San Jose Posts: 1,804 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	you shouldnt be doing that in public places. hehe.. where is it leaking from??? it could be a lot of things.. gives more infor on where the leak is what the fluid looks like (thickness,etc...)

05-03-2003, 02:00 AM	#5
twitchy Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Ontario Posts: 1,579 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	yeah let us know, I make donuts in the rain too (or used to) and i noticed the wheel is harder to turn but no probs after, its just stiff for a second or 2 after

05-03-2003, 12:23 PM	#8
Dousan_PG Post Whore! Join Date: May 2002 Location: Orange County, California Age: 46 Posts: 16,640 Trader Rating: (23) Rides Gallery: Dousan_PG Feedback Score: 23 reviews	hmm dont run it without the fluids youll burn it out but then again.im not sure i would get it replaced asap easy job btw, basic tools and a day or so to do it! GOOD LUCK __________________ Aaron Pink GodziRa www.geocities.com/pink_godzira

05-03-2003, 12:27 PM	#9
YellwMonky Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Fog Town Posts: 341 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	what's a good way to check where the leak is exactly ? __________________ s13 92 White 240sx SE Coupe

05-03-2003, 01:32 PM	#10
russian Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Dallas TX Age: 42 Posts: 1,336 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	bleed your powersteering, then put fluid in, have somebody turn the wheel see from where it leeks. it might be a hose, or might be the reservour. its a bitch to bleed it tho... __________________ I must break you.

05-03-2003, 05:31 PM	#11
RacerBoi Leaky Injector Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Annapolis, MD Age: 41 Posts: 130 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Im pretty sure there is a dye you can add to your fluid so its more obious where it is leaking from. Good luck. __________________ '98 240SX -s13 -> s14 Injen intake swap -B&M Short Shifter

05-03-2003, 07:22 PM	#12
YellwMonky Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Fog Town Posts: 341 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I found out exactly where the leak was. I pointed to with the red arrow. That big bolt there was loose so I just tightened it down. Now that seemed to end the leak...I'm just wondering how the hell that loosened up... At first there were some strange noises coming from the power steering pump, but now everything seems to be fine. (i think i just didn't fill it up all the way.) The problem is now I'm getting smoke coming from under that header. I pointed to where the smoke is coming from with the yellow arrow. I'm not sure if it's just burning away the leaking fluid from before or if it's just a whole different problem. Any ideas? I appreciate the help so far guys. __________________ s13 92 White 240sx SE Coupe

05-03-2003, 08:07 PM	#13
deviousKA Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Idaho Posts: 437 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	yes that was most likely your problem. loose banjo fitting hopefully you have both copper washers on there. smoke is obviously from ps fluid on manifold btw: that noise was coming from you ps pump with lack of fluid Last edited by deviousKA; 05-03-2003 at 08:09 PM..

05-03-2003, 08:37 PM	#14
YellwMonky Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Fog Town Posts: 341 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	okay thanks. Hopefully it's fixed for good. __________________ s13 92 White 240sx SE Coupe

05-03-2003, 08:50 PM	#16
YellwMonky Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Fog Town Posts: 341 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	yeah i used some cheap chevron atf dexron III fluid...something like that. __________________ s13 92 White 240sx SE Coupe

05-03-2003, 11:13 PM	#17
thx247 Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: bay area Posts: 1,455 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	might just be some fluid burning off the exhaust manifold or heat shield. You probably stressed the PS pump while doing though doughnuts the other day and that bolt got loose. Cool that it was an easy fix though.

05-04-2003, 01:43 AM	#18
twitchy Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Ontario Posts: 1,579 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I want to know how doing a donut strains your power steering pump cause it obviously does, I mean yours blew the fitting and mine gets all stiff for a second afterwards.. Maybe the fluid all gets pushed up to the side from the G forces and the pump runs dry (and in your case maybe the change in pressure hurt that fitting?) just to note man, if you have any more problems, it is safe to drive without any fluid, like if it leaks again but remove the belt that drives the ps pump..

05-04-2003, 01:51 AM	#19
YellwMonky Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Fog Town Posts: 341 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	yeah...i'm really curious as well. How the hell did me doing donuts loosen up that bolt...I just don't get it. still...when i turn the wheel all the way it still makes a noise. I'm not sure if it was always like that or if it's just doing it now. Can someone try it out for me? turn their steering wheel all the way to the left or to the right. Do you guys hear a kinda of "whirring" noise coming from under the hood? __________________ s13 92 White 240sx SE Coupe

05-04-2003, 01:56 AM	#20
twitchy Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Ontario Posts: 1,579 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	well its 4 am where I live now but ive been drinking coffee all night so I tried for you- it makes that noise but not very loud, I think every car does it though. If its really loud then i would be concerned, but its normal. If you think you have a problem its probably from running the pump dry. Im thinking for sure when your spinning that the pump doesnt get any fluid into it though and thats why it stiffens up and or blows a fitting..

05-04-2003, 02:01 AM	#21
YellwMonky Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Fog Town Posts: 341 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	appreciate it twitchy. Yeha...i thought it was there before, but i was just making sure. __________________ s13 92 White 240sx SE Coupe