The last couple of days there is a groaning noise of sorts when turning the steering wheel and the steering feels heavier than before (and that's saying something on these rigs). For those reasons I suspect the power steering pump may soon go kaput.

The stealership is quoting over $700 plus a core charge for OEM. I can find after market for $110-200 range, but quality is unknown. Figured I'd ask the group if they had any experience with replacements. Also, is there any value in attempting a flush or do these symptoms suggest the pump is on its last leg?

Application is a V8 LE. Video below is a pump replacement on a Titan with the same engine. Doesn't look like a breeze but not too terrible either. Any and all feedback welcomed. Thanks!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGRs8cuLvnA

Went ahead and performed the pump swap this afternoon. Took about 3 hours going slow and revisiting that YouTube video from time to time to make sure I wasn't missing a step. The fluid flush took about a quart and a half. All in all pretty pleased with the value and now the steering is buttery smooth.

For comparison, the dealership quoted a genuine Nissan OE replacement pump (part # 49110-ZV00A) at $742 plus a $75 core charge.

Autozone offered a Hitachi brand replacement (part # PSP00006) for $380. Although it is cheaper at RockAuto, it only had a 90 day to 1 year warranty depending on the retailer.

Autozone sells Duralast (part # 5898N) for a tad over $200 but with a lifetime warranty.

Ultimately I went with the Duralast because of the warranty and with 2 qts. of Dexron VI ATF the total bill was about $240. That compares to probably $1000-1200 if serviced at the dealer and likely somewhere in the $700ish range at the local independent mechanic.

If you have a metric socket set and a couple of pliers I would say save yourself the money and tackle this one on your own.

Forgot to mention - the old pump that came off the truck had a sticker on it that said Hitachi 9826A372 ZV00A. Elsewhere on these boards it has been said that Hitachi is an original equipment manufacturer. That appears to be the case with the power steering pump. Therefore there is no reason to buy from the dealer when Hitachi can be found in the aftermarket for fractions less than the dealer part.

The V-6 pump goes for $343 from Nissan?

My pump is fine but the leaky hoses are getting bad.