The 2003 Nissan Sentra Power Steering Rack & High PSI Power Steering Hose Replacement video is the 3rd video in the Nissan Sentra SE-R repair series. Yes, the video is almost 50min long, but trust me, it took a lot longer than that to do. In fact, this one left my arms cut and sore for days after the repair. As I say in the video however, it’s nothing compared to what Jerry Hall, the owner, went through during his time in the service when an airplane fell on him. For more on that, watch this video.
Jerry Hall’s 2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Fixing it Forward Project -Fixing it Forward: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2XDBXSEvYI
With that said, this is a comprehensive video covering the replacement of the power steering rack and high psi power steering hose in the 2003 Nissan Sentra. I throw in the tie rod ends just for good measure. So if you’re looking to see what you might be in for with this job, watch the video.
We still have a few more things to fix on this vehicle before it goes back to Jerry so stay tuned.
Camera: Brian Kast
Eric Cook
Thanks for watching!
The best place for answers to your automotive questions: http://www.ericthecarguy.com
If you’re not familiar with the Fixing it Forward series, here’s the introduction video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfBnTwpEBu0
You can donate to Fixing it Forward here: http://www.gofundme.com/3a3s27dg
Previous video in the series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9W4OxJ463sg
Special thanks to CarPartKings!: http://www.carpartkings.com
Discussion about this video: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/kunena/18-The-EricTheCarGuy-Video-Forum/62386-nissan-sentra-power-steering-rack-high-psi-hose#159067
Tools
Zep Penetrating Oil: http://www.zepautomotive.com/product/Super-Rust-Breaker
Hose pliers: https://www.jbtoolsales.com/gearwrench-82107-3-piece-double-x-hose-pliers-set#oid=1002_1
Line Wrenches: https://store.snapon.com/Open-End-and-Flare-Nut-mm-5pc-6-Point-Open-End-Flare-Nut-Metric-Wrench-Set-10-mm-14-mm–P630777.aspx
Beta Flex Nut Driver: http://www.jbtoolsales.com/beta-tools-009430320-943-fl-s6-6-nut-spinners-943fl-in-box#oid=1002_1
Mini Bolt Cutters: http://www.jbtoolsales.com/knipex-7101200-8-lever-action-bolt-cutter#oid=1002_1
Lady Slipper: https://www.jbtoolsales.com/k-tool-71616-lady-slipper-pry-bar-16-long#oid=1002_1
Ironclad Gloves: http://ironcladexo.com/motor-utility/
DeWalt 18v 3/8″ Impact: http://www.jbtoolsales.com/dewalt-dc823ka-3-8-18v-cordless-impact-wrench-kit#oid=1002_1
Related videos
1999 Civic Power Steering Rack (Part 1): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDhnrS1Y96w
2002 Cavalier Power Steering Rack (Part 1): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPvYE7fM-Os
Toyota 4Runner Power Steering Rack (Part 1): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdTMY109hQ0
Do You Need an Alignment?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBUxJSeYiow
Useful articles.
Engine overheat: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/what-to-do-when-your-engine-overheats
No start problems: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-no-start-problems
Idle issues: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-idle-problems
Performance issues: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-performance-issues
Diagnosing Noises: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/diagnosing-noises-in-your-car
Diagnosing Vibrations: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/determining-the-causes-of-vehicle-vibrations
Electrical Problems: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-electrical-problems
Brake Issues: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-brake-problems
Buying a Used Car: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/what-to-look-for-in-a-used-car-purchase
Leaks: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/finding-and-fixing-leaks
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Stay Dirty
ETCG
Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information.  EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video.  Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy.
Losses a nut🤣🤣🤣come on u all laughed at that too🤣🤣.
Now i understand why nissan so cheap when get old 😂😂😂😂
If you remove the two hard lines from the old steering rack, it will slide out relativity easily without removing anything else. Before reinstalling, loosen the sway bar mounts. This will allow the new rack to go back in. Loose fit the new rack, re tighten the sway bar and the torque the rack mounting bolts to spec.
And yep, Nissans make your forearms lot like you've tried to pet a feral cat!
Another great video, thanks!
Gracias Eric Exelente video
We love you man however you have way to many annoying ads very annoying ads that is to bad i would like to experience your wisdom but i put distractions above wisdom. I cannot subject my people to such torment.
Lol 😂
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What a nightmare 😲🙌🧨
Buen video Gringo, gracias por compartir, eres bueno haciendo talacha.
STUPID NISSANS
Well gotta say this video helped so freaking much over the past couple days. Had to do the rack on a 05 and man was it a giant pain in the ass. Got it done tho however after spending over an HR trying to get the u joint back on the rack I had to remove the boot panel from cowl to get enough room to work it on there. Not sure how tf u did it without removing that stupid panel from the cowl but that's how it worked out for me lol
video very well produced & precise thankyou Eric, found myself watching the video 20 mins after HP line removal as if i was netflix
At 34:13: a rather wholesome (though very subtle) Sesame Street reference. (:0) y
Great video!!! What kind of pliers are the ones you are using at 34:33? couldn't find them on your link.
I love this videos always very easy to follow
I have an ‘02 Spec V. Identical steering rack. This video went a long way since this was my first rack replacement. I pulled the rack from driver side but didn’t need to loosen any supports even with my beefy FSB. You were so close though Eric. That hole looks impossible to clear but if you rotate it like you did and push up on the other end of the rack you hit just the right angle and comes out with ease. Took me about 8min, got super lucky! Putting new one in was a breeze. Wish I could say about the rest of the project. Hate working with hard lines!
Also I couldn’t detach the high pressure hard line from soft line. I didn’t have a line wrench, tried with regular wrench and wouldn’t budge, started rounding it. I figured since the whole line needs to come out anyways there was no point for separating the two. You can wiggle the entire line out no problem.
For anyone who has the time and is determined to make the stubborn hose accept the bracket it can be done(unless the metal crimping part is too high on the hose, which seems to be on Erics hose). To see if this will work attach the entire bracket system to the hose. New hose doesn’t have the girth of the OEM so you may need to wrap the metal crimp part of the hose with rubber tape. I then smeared it with silicone grease and attached the bracket to hose. Don’t tighten all the way. This will provide some swivel movement so you can attach the bracket to frame and the hose will position itself naturally. The mounting holes don’t line up immediately, this is the part where you will see if it reaches the frame. There was a little bit of distance with mine and I felt comfortable forcing it down without putting too much pressure on the hard line. If it bends to much don’t do it. I should’ve mentioned all this is done with the line not tightened all the way on each end. Just enough so the line can move around while fastening the bracket to frame. Everything loose is the key and once line is comfortably in place tighten the flare nuts up.
Side note: I’m disappointed that the aftermarket line is nowhere as robust as the stock one. Eric’s replacement looks identical to the one I got from Advance except both flare nuts use a 14mm line wrench.
I hope this information saves you some time like your videos save me.
Can you make how to change pawer steering change on Nissan centra 2008 please? Thank you for your video it is helpful.
That is the last good-looking generation of Sentra. It's nice to see this one being preserved!
very helpful ideas thank you.
I would like to see guy who has no experience on cars work on this.
There was an orange plastic protection you did not swap…
I find your videos very interesting, and the ones where you do a whole bunch of things wrong is even more interesting especially when you get Thor out. You are a very mysterious car repair guy.
Never ceases to scare shit out of me when I get a bolt like that. Starts by hand no problem then dosen't want to play without some lube and extra effort. Hang on captive nut!
i love this kind of videos
While I'm not a huge fan of the steering feel of a lot of modern electric racks I am a fan of the reliability. As this video proves, rack replacement/servicing can be a complete bitch access wise, anything that helps to remove sources of failure is a good thing.
Thank you Eric, my 2005 Nissan Sentra barely had the power steering rack repair today, the only thing that I feel different is a little vibration in the accelerator pedal, what do you think could be the root cause of this? based in your video my mechanic guy worked into the car close to the pedal, so maybe I will check around there…
Watched yo vid .. got some good info of what I had to take off… took off that short hard line u cut and took the whole rack out with tie rod ends on it out the top on drivers side … never touched the engine support….. FYI
interesting, what coffee do you drink?
Dude, I have a Sentra 2001 and the power steering rack is leaking badly, now that I saw you replacing the whole thing, man. I'm having second thoughts.
Greetings from Costa Rica, your tips had helped me a lot.
I have a Nissan sentra 2006 1.8S that needs a steering rack and high pressure hose replacement. I was researching it and one individual mentioned that you have to disconnect the cruise control and remove the SRS cable. Did you do that here?
Very helpful as I have this same car, year and everything – found my power steering high pressure hose has been leaking and tbis has been a tremendous help in not only identifying the problem part to get a replacement but also consider using the notch screwdriver method for making my alignment a bit more straighter.
Eric you have convinced me to take my car to the garage. That was HARD!
Would this be the same for a 2005 Nissan sentra?
I hit the tie rod ends with a little spray paint then when you put the nut back on you run it to the bare spot
Power steering racks are no fun
makes me glad I have a GM and only had to have the pump and return line replaced. small car = small space. no thanks lol
Hey Eric my Nissan Sentra S ER is loosen oil and I don’t know from there. what do you recommend
Hey erick just wondering how would u know the high pressure hose is completely tight or is there a certain amount of thread it should have..
Love your fixing it forward videos Eric! ✌︠#EricTheCarGuy
Considering that the camera can see what you cannot see, perhaps you could do a live feed from the camera to a monitor? It would be better than a mirror, since at least everything will be right side up, so to speak. For future jobs, since this one is long done.
Can you tell me at what point of the video that you start working on the power steering pressure hose? I got a little confused, thankyou
Hole in the intake boot? Pirate air? On the SE-Arrrgh? Oh, the irony!
Eric have you tryd using two hammers each side on ball joints to release the pin?
Eric- RESERV  OIR
job look like a pain in the ass to do. least eric the car guy shows details. 💯 scotty kilmer does it in 3min lol
My kind of drama! Thanks Eric. A good end to an awful day. Phil