# Power steering going in and out

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/power-steering-going-in-and-out/64515>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [May 9, 2011, 4:03am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/power-steering-going-in-and-out/64515 "2011-05-09T04:03:06Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![loki240](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f05b48/32.png) [@loki240](https://community.cartalk.com/u/loki240)\
**Post date:** [May 9, 2011, 4:03am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/power-steering-going-in-and-out/64515/1 "2011-05-09T04:03:06Z")

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I have a Nissan '04 Altima. Last winter, in temps near zero, my power steering seemed to go out. It worked fine when it got a little warmer. Figured maybe a stuck valve or something on the pump. Works fine sometimes and sometimes it doesn’t. Asked my mechanic to check this out when I went in for my last oil change. Not sure they checked anything (it was working when I brought it in) they recommended a fluid flush. Did the fluid flush, it continued to work for a few days, then stopped working again. Just wondering if anyone knows what could cause this so I can have them check specific components. And so I don’t spend money on things that I don’t need to. Thanks

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**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:** [May 9, 2011, 1:00pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/power-steering-going-in-and-out/64515/2 "2011-05-09T13:00:50Z")

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This could also be indicative of a worn or damaged steering rack.

Because this is a potential safety issue, I would suggest that you make it a priority to have the rack & pinion checked.

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**Author:** ![loki240](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f05b48/32.png) [@loki240](https://community.cartalk.com/u/loki240)\
**Post date:** [May 9, 2011, 4:43pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/power-steering-going-in-and-out/64515/3 "2011-05-09T16:43:28Z")

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Thank you, thought it was something like that. luckily I don’t have to drive it much, I will get that checked.