RACK AND PINION, NISSAN MAXIMA, AUTO REPAIRS THE SNEAKY WAY...

[@maxkeo1]

I have to decide on replacing the rack and pinion in my wife's car. 2009 Nissan Maxima. Motor and transmission are fine, but it's been one thing after another for a while now and this isn't a cheap job.

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

Yeah, it is a common failure on them and not an easy job at all. But much less than a new car, although I'm bad about that myself. I just got new vehicles for my wife and I so I can avoid working on them on my days off. :)

[@averagejoe9234]

You always seem to steer the customers in the right direction 😏. Thanks for the upload

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

Always! Thanks very much Above Average Joe!

[@sirkdopsah1081]

Racks can be a breeze or a full category 5 hurricane. 👍

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

Haha, exactly, just depends on the brand, rust levels and how good the replacement parts are. :)

[@617shattermusic]

Good video I want to do this repair on my Maxima I have the same one

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

Thank you, I hope it helps!

[@johnn2557]

I have a cheap-o LED light that took a swim in Hot oil a few years ago! I had to retrieve it with a pair of pliers , cleaned it up the best I could, and it still works great! I still find oil creeping out of it here and there!!!

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

lol, glad to hear it survived! I guess sometimes even the less expensive Ones will make it thru! Nice.

[@stanydecooman2359]

Ik work in a similar way like you in a smalle workshop,me alone with the Boss and People on KZbin don't understand that we work against the clock Everyday and don't have time tot get out a torque wrench 30 times a day

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

Right on, I torque critical components, mostly wheels and engine components, but certainly not everything.

[@TakunHakumei]

Song is System of a Down - BYOB

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

Hell yeah!

[@christofferbruun880]

Really nice work good job

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

Thank you very much!

[@luisayala325]

I enjoyed your video… I might need to do this job myself to my maxima.

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

Appreciate that!

[@tristinmartin3279]

I got a Mac light and I dropped it in a bucket off coolant one day and surprisingly it still works lol

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

Nice! Seems like the better lights handle that kind of thing a bit better. Makes it feel better to spend all that money! :)

[@johnhunter5607]

I have a power steering leak from passenger boot... Was told by jiffy lube to take care of it. Is this the same issue? And costs estimate on this type of repair?

[@johnhunter5607]

Mine is same car almost. 09 Maxima.

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

If it looks wet at the steering rack boot, then the outer seal is leaking requiring a replacement. The job takes a few hours and the parts we could Only find at Nissan on the last one. So price depends on your local shops labor charge and the local dealerships parts department. Adding an alignment at our shop I believe it was $1200-1300 from memory?

[@johnhunter5607]

Just seen this. Thank you so much. Nissan told me I have to replace the whole rack and pinion when the boot is damaged

[@rhicks0613]

Hey, what did you do to correct the alignment issue after install? My wife got an alignment by Mr. tire and the alignment is off exactly how you showed in this video. They seemed to cannot get it dead center 🥴🥴🥴 any advice is welcomed. Thank you!

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

Renaldo, sometimes if the steering wheel is off center they could have. the alignment correct, but may not have straightened the wheel location properly. A minor recheck and adjustment should take care of that. If there is a problem with the alignment itself the only was to know is if it pulls to one side, shows aggressive tire wear or getting it on the alignment machine again. Hope this helps.

[@rhicks0613]

Thank you very much for your prompt reply. I will ask the shop to recalibrate that darn steering wheel again. 🍻 mate

[@ianloyd6384]

By the way.. that song is System Of A Down. 🤙🏻

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

Oh yeah, good stuff!!! Thanks.

[@babyjrluv]

How much is the labor on this kind of job and how many hours of labor does it take?

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

I did this one a few months back, but I believe it was about 4 hours labor, plus an alignment. Depending on a shops labor rate $350-500 or so for labor.

[@davidsstfarrelltighe]

Tidy work. Nicely done Jimmy. Just starting watching your videos enjoying the content. you'd be brave to have an outdoor lift like that where I'm from even with a roof 🤣

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

Welcome aboard! lol, I hear that is not too common about North Carolina to have out door lifts. Thanks for watching David and leaving a comment!

[@ham5483]

The passenger side bushing went out on my 08 quest causing the rack to clunk around inside the clamp/ mount, i managed to take the clamp off with the rack on the car and now im just waiting on a new bushing, everything about this vehicle is a huge PIA, only nissan i'll buy is an xterra or older armada after working on this turd

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

Yeah, Nissan is certainly one of the tuff ones to work on. Thanks for watching Ham!

[@josegarcia-we2kk]

I have a leaking steering rack on a altima will the leak and bad rack cause vibration i also have a slight clunk when i turn wheel left or right fast only while car is shut off im hoping replacing the rack fixes the vibration its not wheel balance or control arms i replaced em along with monroe quick strut and even sway bar links and tie rods both inner and outer on both sides. Appreciate any input or thoughts thanks.

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

Hello Jose, the rack usually won’t cause a vibration. That is usually from axles, motor mounts, tires or bend hubs, warped brake rotors. Loose front end parts will exaggerate vibrations set off by bumps and other problems though.

[@chueymtz]

Question, I just did this on my 2012 maxima, only the one I bought didn’t have the solenoid or the hose valve I had to take from my original rack. Finished installing (the solenoid was hard to remove from the old rack) now that I test drive it is difficult to turn the wheel, I can see fluid in the power steering reservoir and I can see it moving in there but I’m clueless as to why it’s not working. Could it be the solenoid?

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

The only way to be sure is to test for pressure from the pump. The pressure hose in a drain pan and start the car briefly to see if fluid pushes out. It won't be like a firehose, but it will be a good stream if the pump is working and the line is clear. It sounds like you may have low pressure from the pump, but it has to be tested this way to be sure.

[@amosbaber8402]

Great video!! I have a 14 altima and the steering wheel moves from the 12 o'clock position to 11:45 periodically while driving. Could this be the rack or angle sensor. Thanks

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

I’d lean more towards the rack, if it’s a sensor there will usually be codes accompanying the issue.

[@amosbaber8402]

Thanks for the response!!

[@amosbaber8402]

Update. Hey it ended up being bad motor mounts. The acceleration/deceleration was the cause of the movement of the steering wheel. Thanks again...

[@tyleralexander4297]

I have a 2016 maxima would this be the same process to replace the rack??

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

It will be similar, but there has been some changes since the two are a few years apart.

[@DTUFINOPhotography]

I just ordered a used but newish rack and pinion for my 2010 FX35... will take it in to get it installed next week. Did you secure your steering wheel to protect the Clock Spring?

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

What I do is use locking pliers on the output shaft so it can’t rotate during the repairs. Thanks for watching!

[@ConnerBraden]

Hey I just replaced the rack on my 2012 maxima , went to put the power steering fluid in and it’s leaking from the banjo bolt. What should i do ?

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

That is gonna have to come apart again to check and see if an o-ring tore or came off. IF not look closely for an issue like cracks.

[@ConnerBraden]

@@JimmyMakingitwork Is there a rubber oring that goes along with the copper ones ? The rack is aftermarket and I used the bolt from the original one so I was thinking maybe the bolt was too long because It wouldn’t tighten all the way so I added new copper rings so I was wondering if getting a shorter bolt may solve it.

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

Sorry I don't get second reply notices. IF you have not sorted it out yet let me know in a new comment. I'll help if I'm able.

[@stevenbyrd4310]

So what do you charge for something like that what is the new rack cost from Nissan just curious

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

I am not sure what the rack cost, but they are expensive. This was filmed about a year ago, so the price has likely changed by now also. I would estimate $500-700 or so?

[@kyngfitness5249]

How did you drain the system before proceeding?

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

I used a drip pan to catch fluid after loosening the lines. Then brake clean to clean up a bit once it was drained.

[@Urdanetarafael]

Hi, thanks for your video, I'm new to your channel, I have a problem with my 2010 Nissan Maxima with hard power steering, it had a leak in the high-pressure hose and the mechanic changed it, the steering pump started to sound, I know I changed it and it keeps ringing, the steering wheel is still hard, do you think it could be the zipper or some sensor?

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

It sounds like it has air trapped in it. Might need a vacuum fill. It is also possible there is a defective new part. Been happening a lot lately. If it isn't air in the system put the return hose in a drip pan and have someone start the engine and see if fluid flows. If it does not the pump is bad or there is blockage.

[@victora1010]

Hey thanks for the video I have a 2010 maxima and changed the whole front end struts inner and outer rods rack pinion and brand new tires this was in the winter December January time and the car still has a bad pull to the right issue I brought it back to the mechanic in June and it turns out there was a power steering Leak and the who rack and pinion had to be replaced again they changed but the car still has a bad pull what do you suggest I do take it to nissan? Appreciate your advice

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

I have seen bad lower control arm bushings case a pull, also tires can cause it. I would rotate the tires and check those bushings with a pry bar to see if they let the wheel move.

[@victora1010]

Thanks for the reply Jimmy I've changed the control arm as well everything is new in the front multiple alignments has been done but still pulls do you suggest I take it to the shop that did the repairs again or go to nissan? The other shop doesn't seem to be finding the issue just making me change parts that still had time in them

[@Sophiaa1234]

Great video, did you have to turn the wheel slightly to get to the screw by steering shaft?

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

It actually lined up pretty well, only turning it slightly. Thank you.

[@Sophiaa1234]

@@JimmyMakingitwork yeah, that exactly what I did that way it lined up facing the wheel. Definitely need to get that nice hose clamp tool to get that clamp out though…tried with few angled pliers and nothing.

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

Yeah, there are a few things like that where a specialty tool is really needed. Sounds like you’re on the right track to get it done!

[@Sophiaa1234]

@@JimmyMakingitwork Absolutely, your video really helped big time and saved me a lot of cash. Thanks again 👍

[@austinfrederick5876]

Doing the same job on my maxima , my pressure hose is still leaking where the but goes in at , any suggestions?

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

If the pressure hose is leaking where the rubber goes into the metal hose end the hose will need to be replaced? Let me know exactly where it's leaking.

[@austinfrederick5876]

@@JimmyMakingitwork so I made it work , now I have an alignment problem , my first time doing this job and I need to undo the steering column off the rack so I can get it aligned properly , pain

[@austinfrederick5876]

So I fixed the problem after I broke my clockspring , got it all fixed now but cost a lot now I know what to do next time

[@foreign6357]

@@austinfrederick5876 yo man, after seeing your comment I HAD to inquiry. I've got a 2005 Maxima. Driver side boot broke, so I bought a remanufactured by Detroit Axle. Only have replaced front struts and links, so this job is kinda scaring me. I'm a broke college student, and honestly have no room for error or breaking my clockspring etc. Any advice on how to prevent other parts from getting broken? Also any tips/tricks for doing the rack and pinion? Saw the video creator said use locking pliers on crankshaft, have heard of using a marker to mark alignment as close as possible etc, but anything else especially since we've got the same car? Thanks for your time man!

[@austinfrederick5876]

@@foreign6357 absolutely man it can be scary but don’t be scared of it !!, it’s not that bad when you actually replace the rack and pinion , one thing to always keep in mind is to keep that steering wheel straight when you take your steering wheel column off that rack , make sure it doesn’t move not one bit, then you take your new rack and pinion and line it up with you old one, then install it , other then that that’s the only problem I had

[@azmexican]

i need this done to my 2012 nissan maxima lol. doesnt help that my power steering pump is leaking too. any recommendations on a mechanic in phoenix, az? hahaha

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

Haha. They aren’t too bad, but do take care of the pump when you do it.

[@jpal1993]

Hey Jim I had a question in regards to the individual components of the rack. I need to replace my inner tire rod on the passenger side. Is this able to be done without replacing the entire rack?

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

Yes Jarett, the inner tie rod end can be replaced as long as the part is available separately. It requires some tools made for the job, or if there is enough room a large wrench can be used.

[@NotAJ-yn3xe]

I have a front end clunk. I've replaced the whole front end including struts and motor mounts. Would a bad steering rack cause a clunk in your experience? Also 2011 Altima s

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

AJ, if the rack bushings are bad it could. But usually on those the suspension arm mounts tear. Check those out closely.

[@Dorightby]

Did you try control arms ?

[@NotAJ-yn3xe]

@@Dorightby Yes

[@Dorightby]

@@NotAJ-yn3xe did you end up finding the issue?

[@tracieschultz3363]

I have a question about rack n pinion

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

Ok, just keep in mind that YT doesn't notify me about replies, only comments. So you may need to leave any questions as another comment for me to see it again. :)

[@4tae972]

Which side is this on? Driver or passenger side? I'm currently trying to replace mine. Send help. 🙏

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

Replacing the rack is Easier out the drivers side since that is where the steering shaft connects to and is the larger side.

[@reginaldlewis07]

I have 2013 Nissan Maxima and power steering pressure line is leaking power steering fluid but when I went to mechanic he said that it was my rack and pinion. So how do I know if it is my rack and pinion is going bad or just make power steering pressure line?

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

If the line is above the rack, I’d change that first if there is any doubt about the rack leaking. If the rack is definitely leaking, then it’s best to change them together and save a little on overlapping labor. Hope this helps!

[@reginaldlewis07]

@@JimmyMakingitwork yes it does! Thanks

[@alanpalma3885]

What year and model is this?

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

This video was from a little while back, I believe it was a 2009-2011 or so? I thought I had mentioned it in the video?

[@MooseX2012]

I really wish I knew a good Mechanic I could trust. Kind of tired of working on my own car because I have to do it since I don’t trust mechanics now a days. I think my car needs this but it’s about 1k. 1 for a car that is worth 1500 🤦‍♂️

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

Yeah, that is the problem with many repairs, they aren’t based on the cars value, but rather the parts and labor needed. Plus the older a car is the more likely repairs start to happen more often.

[@BrokeBoyGaminghtx]

How much would you charge for this job?

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

From memory the shop charged $600 for the labor and an alignment. I do not remember what the part costs were though. I know it was not easy to find and believe it was from the dealer. Hope this helps.

[@BrokeBoyGaminghtx]

@@JimmyMakingitwork thanks

[@fredchisom9860]

How much would this cost?

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

It can vary greatly based on location, but here it is about a $1200 repair.

[@l.carpio6369]

I think that’s a 2015 or newer model I have a 2014 Maxima S and my rack and pinion went out.

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

I don't remember exactly what year, since this video went up a little while back. Hopefully I mentioned it in the video. They have some problems with the R&P on these for sure though.

[@DarenVinson-c2u]

My daughters has 250,000 miles and no leaks on rack..117,000..wow

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

Yeah, seems like some are trouble, but many are not. Got a good one!

[@cometogetherlikevoltron1230]

275,000 on my 2012 maxima and the rack is leaking

[@danielgeng2306]

Hey man, I watch this channel to see what it’s like to work on rust free cars ! What the heck is this ??? I feel triggered 😤 😂

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

lol, thanks Daniel, trying not to brag to much, I know it can suck pretty bad with all that rust. I hope you get lots of extra labor for that work though?

[@danielgeng2306]

@@JimmyMakingitwork I started out as a auto tech and ended up an electrician, as far as I know the guys up here get book time, which means they get super good with a torch. In my business by the time something rusts out that bad it usually blows itself up ! Lol as a diy driveway grease monkey I usually end up cutting bolts off with a whizzy wheel. When I pulled the bed, bumper and hitch off my f350 I cut 18 of the 20 bolts, welcome to northeast PA ! Ha

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

That's crazy if they are not being compensated for that time. I hope they are. Torches and cut off wheels are a must, haha.

[@danielgeng2306]

@@JimmyMakingitwork I just heard an interview with The Mad Brooker” she’s a tech up in Maine, she works at a Ford dealership and says they’re all hourly, so I guess it varies ~

[@Frankboss43]

This video is good the only thing is that you fail to explain how to get to certain areas.

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

Some good wrenches and maybe some stubby wrenches help with the lines. The rest is not really very bad compared to others we've done. The steering shaft is a 12mm you get from inside. Don't remember anything else being very hard to reach, but I filmed this a little while back. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment!

[@Frankboss43]

I've been trying to get my Maxima 10 done I guess I'm just struggling just needed a guide.

[@nimuzdo3114]

It’s harder on a 2013 maxima special edition. The stabilizer that holds the sway link bars it’s in the way. Very hard to take out

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

Yeah, it varies from year to year on some.

[@sirkdopsah1081]

Sometimes aligning the splines takes as long as removing the rack lol. Different everytime lol.

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

Haha, thanks for watching! :)

[@mayken6661]

Guns & Roses

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

That is some good stuff!!!

[@aaronrepsher7628]

Nissans are total trash but they are like Subaru owners and have a cult following but as a tech I steer all that listen very clear from any and all Nissan products and I'm sure you agree it's like everything about them is trash (junk CVT trans that they extend warranty to 140K miles because they are such trash, the engines are garbage, very chincy and cheesy interior components) and then after all the mess they are very overpriced when you can have a Toyota or Honda for less with a better quality vehicle bumper to bumper so people should just drive by the Nissan dealership and pull into the Honda or Toyota dealer down the street when shopping for a new vehicle!!!

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

I agree Aaron, not a fan of Nissan at all. Software issues, throttle body, CVT issues....lots of odd things to deal with on them. Hard pass. lol

[@carlosvaldezsr8056]

Ttk Ticher

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

Probably.

[@nimuzdo3114]

So you don’t have to center it. Or does it already come center.

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

They usually Come centered, but I always check.

[@nimuzdo3114]

How do you check

[@kc8140]

I have a 2012 nissan maxima n I’m having problems with the power steering I just changed the power steering pump but my wheel is still really tight to turn think this could fix my problem?

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

Very possible. The rack has a valve that regulated pressure and they can go bad causing it to bypass.

[@kc8140]

@@JimmyMakingitwork so I shouldn’t drive it like that ?

[@byronarriola4304]

How much was the rack from Nissan?

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

It was a while back but I think $700 or so?