# 2003 Nissan Xterra, steering stiff when turning to the right **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Created:** [March 9, 2016, 10:45pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-nissan-xterra-steering-stiff-when-turning-to-the-right/92731 "2016-03-09T22:45:43Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Stpatrick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce73a5/32.png) [@Stpatrick](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Stpatrick)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2016, 10:45pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-nissan-xterra-steering-stiff-when-turning-to-the-right/92731/1 "2016-03-09T22:45:43Z")
When i make right turns. Its as if the power steering does not work. It is not constant, no issues making left turns, and seems to happen more often in cold weather. About 5 years ago i had a recall to replace the steering column and thought that may have been the issue but took my car in for the recall, they replaced the steering column and still have the same issue. Thank you ---
**Author:** ![BillRussell](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/billrussell/32/3179_2.png) [@BillRussell](https://community.cartalk.com/u/BillRussell)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2016, 10:47pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-nissan-xterra-steering-stiff-when-turning-to-the-right/92731/2 "2016-03-09T22:47:07Z")
So you have had this problem for over 5 years? ---
**Author:** ![Stpatrick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce73a5/32.png) [@Stpatrick](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Stpatrick)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2016, 10:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-nissan-xterra-steering-stiff-when-turning-to-the-right/92731/3 "2016-03-09T22:56:52Z")
Yes, still have the issue over 5 years +. Last time i took my car to the mechanic i asked them to look at it, but i also had a blown head gasket and then had the engine replaced and they did not look at the steering and my fault i did not remind them, but having to shell out the $ for a new engine made me not want to think about the steering lol ---
**Author:** ![VDCdriver](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/vdcdriver/32/30_2.png) [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2016, 11:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-nissan-xterra-steering-stiff-when-turning-to-the-right/92731/4 "2016-03-09T23:10:57Z")
It sounds to me like a steering rack that is binding-up. I suggest that you have a mechanic inspect the steering rack. ---
**Author:** ![Stpatrick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce73a5/32.png) [@Stpatrick](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Stpatrick)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2016, 11:12pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-nissan-xterra-steering-stiff-when-turning-to-the-right/92731/5 "2016-03-09T23:12:17Z")
thank you ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2016, 1:40am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-nissan-xterra-steering-stiff-when-turning-to-the-right/92731/6 "2016-03-10T01:40:41Z")
More than likely there’s a problem with the seals on the rotary/spool valve. [![](http://s.hswstatic.com/gif/steering-power-rack.jpg) ](http://s.hswstatic.com/gif/steering-power-rack.jpg) When you turn the steering wheel in either direction, the rotary/spool valve directs the hydraulic pressure to either side of the piston. This is what provides steering assist in both directions. If the seals on the rotary/spool valve are worn where they leak, the hydraulic pressure isn’t directed to the piston and there’s no steering assist. Instead, the power steering fluid is directed back to the reservoir. The normal fix would be to replace the rack & pinion assembly. But before spending the money on an R&P replacement, you might want to try this product. [http://lucasoil.com/products/problem-solvers-utility/lucas-power-steering-stop-leak](http://lucasoil.com/products/problem-solvers-utility/lucas-power-steering-stop-leak) I’ve used this product many times for seal leaks with great success. Tester ---
**Author:** ![Stpatrick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce73a5/32.png) [@Stpatrick](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Stpatrick)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2018, 4:36pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-nissan-xterra-steering-stiff-when-turning-to-the-right/92731/7 "2018-05-23T16:36:56Z")
was the steering wheel box. needed replacing. thank you