MajorCommonFluid Leaks

Nissan Teana: Power Steering Rack End Seal Leak

Power Steering Rack End Seal Leak is a common fluid leaks fault on the Nissan Teana on the 1994–2003 cars, and we rate it major. Putting it right costs $450 to $1,100 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. Below is what goes wrong, the symptoms to notice on a test drive, where to look, and what to ask the seller before you hand over any money. It is one of 20 documented faults on the Nissan Teana.

Vehicle: Nissan Teana
Years: 1994–2003
Fuel: petrol
System: Fluid Leaks

This page covers the Nissan Teana as a model. Some faults only affect particular engines or build years — enter a plate below to narrow the list to one car.

All Nissan Teana faults20 documented faults on this model

What you are looking at

No photograph available

We do not hold a verified photograph of the Steering rack yet. We would rather show none than show a picture of a different part.

What goes wrong

Hydraulic power steering rack end seals on A32 and A33 Maxima models deteriorate with age and heat cycling, resulting in progressive power steering fluid leaks. Fluid loss leads to heavy steering, whining from the power steering pump under load, and eventual pump damage if the reservoir runs dry. At the age of these vehicles in NZ and AU (23–32 years old), seal replacement or rack replacement is a near-universal maintenance item. JDM import examples are particularly prone as they accumulate high kilometres in stop-start urban conditions.

What you would notice

Power steering fluid puddle beneath the front of the car after parking
Whining or groaning from power steering pump when turning at low speed
Heavy or inconsistent steering effort
Low or dropping power steering fluid reservoir level

How to check it

Where to look. Steering rack behind front subframe; power steering pump on driver-side engine

With bonnet open, check the power steering fluid reservoir level and fluid colour.
Inspect the steering rack boots for oil contamination or wetness at the ends.
Check hoses from the pump to the rack for seeping fluid at fittings.
Look under the car with a torch for drips at the rack end seals.

Parts involved: Steering rack.

What it costs to put right

$450 to $1,100 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.

An estimate, in NZD, 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.

Ask the seller

“Has the power steering rack ever been replaced or resealed?”
“Is the steering fluid level currently correct?”
“Has there been any whining from the steering or any fluid drips under the car?”

Now check the Nissan Teana you are actually looking at

Everything above is true of the model, and it is free. What it does not tell you is whether THIS car has been looked after: its odometer history and whether the reading has ever gone backwards, whether there is still money owing on it, whether it has been reported stolen, how many owners it has had and what it is really worth today. That comes from the official records for that plate. Enter the plate for the free details, or get the full history and a market valuation from $13.49.

Not sure what you would be paying for? See what a full KickTyres check includes.

Where this comes from

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.

Nissan Teana buyer questions

Is power steering rack end seal leak serious on a Nissan Teana?

We rate it major and common on the Nissan Teana. Hydraulic power steering rack end seals on A32 and A33 Maxima models deteriorate with age and heat cycling, resulting in progressive power steering fluid leaks. Fluid loss leads to heavy steering, whining from the power steering pump under load, and eventual pump damage if the reservoir runs dry. At the age of these vehicles in NZ and AU (23–32 years old), seal replacement or rack replacement is a near-universal maintenance item. JDM import examples are particularly prone as they accumulate high kilometres in stop-start urban conditions.

How much does it cost to fix on a Nissan Teana?

$450 to $1,100 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That figure is for this job on its own. A car showing the symptoms on this page is usually worth either walking away from or negotiating down by at least the repair figure.

Which Nissan Teana years are affected?

Our research records this fault on the 1994–2003 Nissan Teana. Build dates move around, especially on imported cars, so treat the range as the years to look hardest at rather than a guarantee either way. The official records tell you the exact build and first registration date for the car in front of you.

How do I check for it before I buy?

With bonnet open, check the power steering fluid reservoir level and fluid colour. Inspect the steering rack boots for oil contamination or wetness at the ends. Check hoses from the pump to the rack for seeping fluid at fittings. Look under the car with a torch for drips at the rack end seals. Look here: Steering rack behind front subframe; power steering pump on driver-side engine