Hi, just wondering if anyone ran into this problem.


I lost the PS when my G37 XS 2009 Sedan is in idle. As soon as the rpm raises at around 1,200-1,500 rpm, the PS seems to kick in and then the car feels like it used to before the PS issue. When I'm stopped with the car in neutral and then I hit the gas to raise the RPM to 1,500, the PS works perfectly.


The belt is fine. The PS fluid was a bit low so I added some but it didn't change anything. My first thought is the PS pump is dying, but at close to $700 (in Canada), I would like to avoid changing it to then realize the problem is somewhere else...


Has anyone ever ran into this and how have you solved this? Or what would be your thoughts on an issue like this one?


Thanks in advance for your help!


Ben

 

*** BUMP ***

Any ideas why this is happening guys? Same thing just happened to me tonight. My car is a 2012 7AT with less than 5,000 miles though. After a little aggressive driving the power steering unit stopped functioning. Seems a little odd and disappointing to say the least. I love the car, but this is discouraging..

My P/S fluid was fine and I didn't notice any leaks when I parked but the steering just feels loose now when driving along and you have to rev the engine up to about 1,200-1,500rpms to be able to move the wheel at a stop. Just like Ben said.

Sorry for the long first post guys, I'm worried about my car. I'm sure you guys would feel the same way about yours too.

 

Your description sounds like the pump isn't putting out pressure at idle, but picks up at higher rpm. The belt tension should be checked again. The service manual on page MA-12 describes the automatic belt tension system, essentially a spring-loaded idler pulley. There are marks on the outside of the tensioner that show the acceptable range. Check this first as it's the easiest and cheapest thing to do. It's just possible the tensioner has slipped or weakened. The marks are viewable by looking between the upper coolant hose and the engine block just to the left (passenger side when looking at the engine from the front) of the white coolant overflow tank. There is a small bar on the forward part of the tensioner and three small, closely spaced bars on the rear part. Obviously, the single bar on the forward part should line up with the middle bar on the aft part, with allowable tolerance between the outer two bars.

This is just a guess but Ben states that his fluid level "was a bit low" and he added some fluid. If the fluid level drops enough it's possible to suck air into the system. If the belt is indeed tight, I suggest that the car be taken to a trusted mechanic and have the system bled of air bubbles. If the belt is tight, there are no bubbles and there is no evidence of leakage at the pump or the steering rack, it's likely the pump is on its way out.

 

Why dont you just take it back to the damn dealer, its still under warranty ffs.

 

I have the exact same problem when i brought it to the dealer they said that nothing was wrong and they gave it back to me. ive gotten kinda used to it to be honest though i like the stiffer steering at higher speeds lol

 

Thank you for your valuable insight. "For ****'s sake" and all.

Anyways, I don't know about Ben but my G's at the dealer right now being repaired under warranty as we speak. When I get the official service report I'll update this thread with exactly what went wrong on mine. Pretty sure it's the Power Steering pump for anyone else who may stumble upon this thread for troubleshooting purpose's in the future.

 

Edit: double post.

 

Hi guys, wanted to provide you with an update. I replaced the PS pump last night and it fixed the issue. So PS pump was the cause. Thanks for you feedback.

Ben

 

Got the G back a few days ago, apparently it was the steering pump and some type of loose sensor that was part of the steering rack? Sounds sketchy, whatever though. My baby's home and well again.

 

Not sure if this is a similar issue or not. I was having some issues with the power steering pump and the dealership said that they needed to replace the rack in order to replace the pump as it was all one part. I was slightly skeptical but agreed to it ($1,800) and now they called today and told me that they took it on a test drive and the airbag light went off. They are telling me it's coincidental and that they think its the spiral cord in behind the steering wheel.

I'm having a difficult time believing this. Please let me know if anyone thinks I'm off.