Expert: Mike Evans - 10/30/2009

Question
Hey Mike, I have a maxima with power steering problems which i was told is morning sickness because it freezes up in cold weather. I was told to buy Trans x power steering fluid but can"t seem to find it,I'm in newyork.Do u know where i can get it or if there"s something out there that would work. Thanks

Answer
    Go to any auto parts store and buy whichever power steering additive they have, they are all more or less the same.  It will help a little.  What you are going to have to do, though, is replace the rack and pinion with a remanufactured one.  The original equipment R&Ps have an aluminum housing that wears against the steel pistons at the ends of the rack as it slides back and forth.  The remanufactured ones will have a stainless steel sleeve and a specially deigned seal installed that will enable them to last virtually forever.  I don't know what year your car is, but these units are not much more expensive than an alternator or A/C compressor.  Installation is not too bad, an experienced do-it-yourselfer (changes own brakes) could do it.