Nissan Repair: nissan maxima 96 power steering..., pressure release valve, nissan maxima

Question
when i start car and drive off, sometimes the power steering cuts out. it does kick in after some time which is always between 5-40km. seems to be dependent on weather, ie, mostly happens when cold. what is the cause and is there anything i can do to fix this myself? thank you.

Answer
Michael,

SOunds like you need to replace the pump as the valve is sticking that releases the pressure.  You could try changing the fluid first to see if that frees up the works.  Otherwise, the pump needs to be replaced since the pressure release valve is internal to the pump and is normally not serviced.