New Owner with Steering and door lock problems

G

gripper

Member
Hi I just purchased a used 04 FX35. I live in Toronto but bought a US version of the FX. It only has 32,000 miles and generally looks like it is good shape. I do have a few problems and was wondering if anyone could give me some advice. Firstly, there is a issue with the power steering. I bought the car knowing this. I negotiated the price based on this issue.

There is no leaking in the system nor are any belts broken. My father-in-law brought the car to his mechanic (my first mistake ;-) ) and he couldn't diagnose the problem with a quick inspection. We are thinking either the power steering pump or the Rack and pinion. He doesn't usually work on Infiniti's and according to my father-in-law it would take him a day to diagnose. I was wondering if I would be better off bringing it to the dealership and pay their high markups in order to get it diagnosed. Would something like a PS pump show up on their computer scanners? Is there an easier way to diagnose the problem? I assumed that when a pump fails it would make a noise while turning. The pump is silent and does not make a noise at all. It is just hard to move the steering wheel..especially at a standstill.

Something else I just noticed is the key will not unlock the door. I have a FOB and that works fine but both keys only operate the ignition and not the door. Could the mechanism be screwed or could it have something to do with the programming? It is funny how I just noticed that the 04 FX only has one lockset. I was shocked to see that the front passenger door does not have a lock.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
 
Is the steering stiff, or very hard to turn? I think all Fx, G35, 350z have very stiff steering columns, but not sure when you say "hard". Did you check the power steering fluid level?

Here is a troubleshooting list:

1 Inspect Belt Incorrectly routed, adjusted, tensioned, missing, or worn power steering belt(s).
grey_line.gif
2 Inspect Belt Tension Incorrect belt tension will allow belts to slip.
grey_line.gif
3 Inspect Rack & Pinion Leaking, worn or damaged rack & pinion steering assembly.
grey_line.gif
4 Inspect Steering Gear (Power Steering) Loose, worn, or incorrectly adjusted steering gear or steering gear mounting bolts.
grey_line.gif
5 Inspect Ball Joint - Lower Worn or damaged lower ball joints
grey_line.gif
6 Inspect Ball Joint - Upper Worn or damaged upper ball joints.
grey_line.gif
7 Inspect Tie Rod End Loose, worn or incorrectly adjusted tie rod end(s).
grey_line.gif
8 Inspect Center Link Loose, worn, damaged, or improperly aligned centerlink or other steering component(s).
grey_line.gif
9 Inspect King Bolt Worn, damaged, seized or faulty kingbolt(kingpin).
grey_line.gif
10 Inspect Pitman Arm Worn pitman arm or other front end part(s).
grey_line.gif
11 Inspect Power Steering Control Valve Loose, worn, damaged, or faulty power steering control valve.
grey_line.gif
12 Inspect Power Steering Cylinder Loose or worn power steering cylinder.
grey_line.gif
13 Inspect Power Steering Hose Leaking, clogged or incorrectly installed power steering hose.
grey_line.gif
14 Inspect Power Steering Pump Worn or damaged power steering pump
 
Last edited:
Yes, the steering is stiff. There is definately an issue. The fluid level is fine... filled to where is should be.

thanks
 
I didn't buy it directly from the previous owner :frown:. Thanks for the list of things to check. Would it be fair to say that if it were the PS pump that it would be making noise?
 
Im going to say the PS pump is bad. the noise can also come from the steering rack, some members had that replaced.
hope it would cost you to much.
 
A way you can check the power steering is to start your car and rev up to 2000 rpm, hold it there and move the steering wheel back and forth. If your steering gets easier to move it might be the pump. although it could also be the rack and pinion because you are giving power for the fluid to circulate in the system.

I kind of have the same problem, only my steering isn't that hard to move. It has gotten a little harder to steer, but not too much.

Have you tried to leave the car running an look for leaks near the rack? It's right underneath the left front tire (driver side) and right above the plastic guard.

I am actually waiting on my rack and pinion to come in. I will replace it myself and it cost about $1K from the dealer. They do sell rebuilt one on eBay, but I’m not sure if I want to go that route because of where I live (shipping).

Good Luck.
 
As the RPM's go up it seems to be better. It is definately much easier when driving. But trying to make tight turn from standstill (IE Uturn) is a two handed all effort task and even at that quite difficult.

I'll try to take a look for leaking near the rack. I havent noticed any staining on my driveway so I doubt it.

Thanks for the advice.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top