How can a bad power steering pump affect the power steering rack and pinion?
Hey Scotty! So last week, my friend got me a 2005 Nissan Maxima with 121k miles on it for $3800. The engine runs great and the 5 speed Aisin AF33 Transmission on it gives me no problems right now luckily but one problem I'm mainly facing is the power steering pump on the vehicle is leaking and from what I know it hasn't leaked like crazy but I've seen a few drips on the ground under the car from time to time and I'm looking forward to get a mechanic to replace it whenever as soon as possible. My question is how bad can the leaking power steering pump affect the rack and pinion and how does the pump make the rack and pinion wear out?
The only way I can think of for the pump to damage the rack would be if the pump started shedding metal bits internally and circulating them with the fluid.
Of course it would not be at all unusual for a 19-year-old steering rack to develop problems all on its own.
