Nissan GT-R: HICAS Rear Steering Hydraulic Leak and Malfunction (R33)

The R33 GT-R retains the HICAS (High Capacity Actively Controlled Suspension) four-wheel steering system. The hydraulic actuators, lines, and rack develop leaks with age, causing unpredictable rear steering behaviour and power steering fluid loss. The standard corrective action in the specialist community is to fit HICAS lock bars (eliminates the system), which is cheaper than a hydraulic repair and generally preferred for track use.

• Power steering fluid loss with no visible front rack leak
• HICAS warning light on dash
• Unexpected rear-end movement or vagueness at speed
• Oil residue around rear steering rack or hydraulic lines

1. 1

   Check power steering fluid reservoir level and condition.

2. 2

   Inspect rear subframe area for hydraulic fluid residue on lines, rack, and actuators.

3. 3

   Check whether HICAS lock bars have already been fitted — if so, confirm the hydraulic circuit has been correctly blanked off.

Parts involved: Steering rack.

≈A$460 to ≈A$2,580 at independent workshop rates, shown as an approximate guide in Australian dollars. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.

An estimate, converted to Australian dollars, for the repair as normally carried out. What a specific car costs depends on which part has failed and what it damaged on the way — treat this as the floor for a negotiation, not a quote.

• “Has the HICAS system been locked off with lock bars or is the original hydraulic system still active?”
• “Has the power steering fluid been topped up frequently, suggesting a HICAS leak?”

The failure described above is documented in published sources — owner forums, technical service bulletins, recall notices and workshop write-ups — held in our fault database. The inspection instructions and the cost estimate are KickTyres’ own interpretation of them, and it is a starting point for an inspection rather than a manufacturer statement.