I installed a freshly DIY rebuilt power steering pump. While I was in there, I replaced the fan clutch bearing bracket with a new Febi, and removed the air pump for inspection.

Well, the power steering pump rebuild failed. After trying for hours to bleed the system, I pulled the filter out and found a chewed up o-ring. I got the bright idea to pull the power steering pump out to put the old leaky one back in without removing the radiator again. I just tried to lean it back to get the wrenches in there.

So I hear a loud "ting" followed by coolant spraying out. I was wiggling the A/C condensor when it happened. It was a Nissens that I installed a year ago.

Bummer. Having to share the 2013 Altima with my wife until the new radiator arrives. She doesn't work, but it's gonna be a fight all week long.

Thanks for sharing. I just pmmed a member a link to this thread. I sent him a message yesterday about taking shortcuts.Sorry you had to go through this.

__________________

1990 190E 3.0L

New radiator arrived yesterday. I had actually ordered two PS pump rebuild kits in case something went wrong. I had put the plunger/spring assembly in backwards. Maybe too many beers during rebuild. Going to get it all back together this weekend.

Power steering pump mystery solved. I didn't lube the veins during the rebuild and they got corroded and froze. I actually had to hammer them out. I did get it back together right. I'm not sure where the mystery chewed up o-ring came from because they were all still in place. Hopefully it was from the old pump and not from the steering gear.

I've been sick with a 102 fever but finally back in action. This is record downtime for this car. Two weeks.