Classification:

ST14-005

Reference:

Date:

NTB14-023

April 7, 2014

NISSAN; HITACHI BRAND
POWER STEERING GEAR SERVICE INFORMATION

APPLIED VEHICLES: 2009-2015 GT-R (R35)
2009-2014 370Z (Z34)
2010-2014 370Z Roadster (Z34)
2011-2014 Quest (E52)
2009-2014 Murano (Z51)
2011-2014 Murano CrossCabriolet (Z51)
APPLIED COMPONENT: Vehicles built with Hitachi brand power steering gear only

SERVICE INFORMATION
When diagnosing possible power steering gear (rack and pinion steering rack, or steering
rack) leak issues, it may appear the steering rack is leaking when actually, it’s not. Use this
service bulletin to help make a more accurate diagnosis of the steering rack.


Go to Power Steering Gear Inspection starting on page 2.

Nissan Bulletins are intended for use by qualified technicians, not 'do-it-yourselfers'. Qualified technicians are
properly trained individuals who have the equipment, tools, safety instruction, and know-how to do a job
properly and safely. NOTE: If you believe that a described condition may apply to a particular vehicle, DO
NOT assume that it does. See your Nissan dealer to determine if this applies to your vehicle.
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Power Steering Gear Inspection
CAUTION: Never hold the steering wheel in a locked position with the engine
running for more than 10 seconds. Damage may occur to the power steering pump.

Figure 1: Steering rack

1. Verify the fluid level in the reservoir is within OK (normal) cold or hot range, as it
applies.

Reservoir

Figure 2: Make sure the fluid level is in OK (normal) range.

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2. If fluid level is lower than specification, check for leaks at all hose fittings for the
power steering system.


For sample locations of inspection, see Figure 3, 4, and 5 below.
Reservoir

Figure 3: Inspect where noted.

Power steering
pressure sensor

Power steering
oil pump

Figure 4: Presence of RED fluid
indicates a power steering fluid leak.

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Figure 5: Inspect where noted.

NTB14-023

3. If no leakage found at any hose fittings, inspect the steering rack dust covers (boots).
4. If the boots appear similar to the example in Figure 6 below, the steering rack is not
leaking.
a. Do NOT replace the steering rack.
b. Clean off any oil/grease residue on the steering rack (see page 7-8).
c. Inspection and repairs are complete.

OK

Figure 6: Example of no leaks inside the boot. Boot is dry, dusty.

5. If a boot appears similar to the example in Figure 7 below, the steering rack may be
leaking. Go to step 6.

Inspect

Clamp

Figure 7: Example of a possible leak inside a boot. Fluid
permeates the boot, giving it a dark, shiny black appearance.

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6. Remove the dust cover clamps (clamp), pull the boots back, and then inspect for fluid
and fluid color inside (see Figure 8).
 See page 4, Figure 7 for example of boot clamp location.


Determine color easily by dabbing the fluid with a cotton swab or similar white item.

Figure 8

7. If a thick greasy substance is found in either boot and is YELLOW
yello in color,
the steering rack is not leaking (see Figure 9 and 10 below).
a. Do NOT replace the steering rack. It is NOT leaking.
 A YELLOW
yellow colored substance is an indication of assembly lube. This is OK.
 See example photos of non-leaking steering racks on the page 7 and 8.
b. Clean off all oil/grease residue on the steering rack and on the inside of the boots.

Figure 9

Figure 10

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c. Reinstall both boots and replace the clamps with new ones (see PARTS
INFORMATION). Stop here: Inspection is complete.
 Refer to the Electronic Service Manual (ESM), section ST-Steering System,
for installation/replacement information.
8. If fluid is found in the boot(s) and is RED in color, the steering rack is leaking
(see Figure 11).
a. Replace the steering rack.
b. Refer to the Electronic Service Manual (ESM), section ST-Steering System,
for installation/replacement information.
NOTE: The inner and outer sockets (tie rods) with boots in Figure 11 were removed
for easier viewing. The tie rods do not need to be removed for inspection.

Figure 11: If fluid is red in color, the steering rack is leaking.

NOTE: See the next two pages for example photos of steering racks that are NOT
leaking.

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The following pictures show steering racks that are NOT leaking:

OK

Figure 12

OK
Boot-to-gear
housing area:
Clean off
all residue

Figure 13

OK!
Figure 14: Yes, the steering rack above is OK (not leaking power steering fluid).
The extra greasy appearance was caused by an excessive amount of assembly lube.
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The following pictures show steering racks that are NOT leaking:

OK

Figure 15

OK

Adjusting
screw area:
Clean off
all residue

Figure 16

OK

Figure 17

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PARTS INFORMATION
DESCRIPTION

PART NUMBER

QTY

CLAMP-DUST COVER

48055-17B00

CLAMP-DUST COVER

48055-10V00

*
*

GEAR & LINKAGE (steering rack)

**

1

Nissan Power Steering Fluid

999MP-AG000P ***

****

*

Check with WIN FAST or your electronic parts catalog to determine if the vehicle’s
steering rack needs one of each or two of either part number.

**

Use WIN FAST or your electronic parts catalog to determine the part number to be
ordered.

***Order Nissan P/S Fluid through the Nissan Maintenance Advantage program:
Phone: 877-NIS-NMA1 (877-647-6621) Website order via link on dealer portal
www.NNAnet.com and click on “Maintenance Advantage” link.

****As needed.

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CLAIMS INFORMATION
(All Models)
Submit a Primary Part (PP) line claim using the following claims coding:
DESCRIPTION

PFP

OP CODE

SYM

DIA

FRT

CHECK POWER STEERING OIL LEAK
& STEERING GEAR BOOT

(1)

QX28AA

ZR

53

0.5

(1) Refer to the electronic parts catalog (FAST) and use the Rack and Pinion assembly
part number (49001-*****) as the Primary Failed Part (PFP).

OR If leak found

Submit a Primary Part (PP) line claim using the following claims coding:
2WD models
DESCRIPTION
POWER STEERING OIL LEAK
CHECK & REPLACE STEERING
GEAR HOUSING ASSY (2WD)

PFP
(1)

OP CODE
QX29BA

SYM
ZR

DIA

FRT

Model

53

2.7
3.0
5.3

370Z (Z34)
MURANO (Z51)
QUEST (E52)

(1) Refer to the electronic parts catalog (FAST) and use the Rack and Pinion assembly part
number (49001-*****) as the Primary Failed Part (PFP).

AWD Models
DESCRIPTION

PFP

OP CODE

SYM

DIA

FRT

Model

POWER STEERING OIL LEAK
3.6
GTR (R35)
CHECK & REPLACE STEERING (1)
QX29DA
ZR
53
3.8 MURANO (Z51)
GEAR HOUSING ASSY (AWD)
(1) Refer to the electronic parts catalog (FAST) and use the Rack and Pinion assembly part
number (49001-*****) as the Primary Failed Part (PFP).

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