Nissan Repair: Power Steering Pump Belt Squeel, inner tie rod, power steering fluid

Question
I have recently purchased a '96 Pathfinder. My power steering pump belt started squeeling a month ago only when I would bottom the steering out turning. I noticed some fluid under the truck so I pressure washed the bottom and pulled it in the garage to see where the leak was coming from. It looked like the rach and pinion but I couldn't put my finger on it exactly. The pump was not leaking at all. So, I kept driving it and last week I added "power steering fluid". I realized real quick that was a mistake. I came inside and downloaded a service manual and realized I needed DexronIII. Tonight I removed each pressure line one at a time and added ATF and bled the entire system and refilled with ATF. So, know it is full and the belt still squeels, now it happens when turning all the time. The pump makes no noise at all when it is sitting still or when it I turn the wheel. Does this seem like the pump or do you think it is possible something in the rack and pinion could be causing the problem. Typically I would just change the pump out anyway but after getting under there tonight it looks to be a pain in the neck getting that pump out and I don't want to replace it just to have to replace something else. Sorry I went on, I wanted you to have all the information. Thanks in advance for your assistance.

David

Answer
David,

No big deal on the power steering fluid instead of Dextron.  Nissan's can use both.  They just recommend the Dextron fluid.  But, if you are leaking at the rack it is probably the seals that have blown where the boots have the inner tie rod end covered.  If the boots are getting soft and you notice that is where the fluid is coming out means that you will eventually need a rack replacement.  If you keep the fluid full you will not hurt the pump.  The pump is a pain to replace.  courtesyparts.com is a good source to get a rack or autopartswarehouse.com or partstrain.com or even rockauto.com   Surf until you find the lowest price and have it delivered to the house.  You will need an alignment after you replace the rack, if it is needed.  Also, you should center the wheel before you remove the old one and measure the distance between the front and back of the front tires so you can get them close before you drive to get an alignment.  Tires are too expensive to chew them up going for an alignment.