Just fixed that problem on a Mitsubishi L300 4x4. Steering column has 3 universal joints. Lowest one was rusted up. Lots of CRC and oil, and it's as new. Also had a problem with the steering bevel box. Someone must have adjusted it in mid-summer. In winter, at 0 degeres C. there was zero backlash between the gears, so it felt like the bearings were seizing up. Dismantled it, reset it, and all the steering stiffness was gone.
I had this happen and as there is no grease fittings I've gone to hitting the joints with lubricating spray every oil change. At first it was more often but now it last until the oil change each time. 200000 and going strong
With Altima the retaining bolt is semi recessed and you need a thin wall socket to remove or you strip the bolt head. U joint for steering that is not shielded from spray will deteriorate
I have a 2012 fusion. No power steering. Electronic power assist means there’s no fluids, and no hydraulics. Why oh why can’t Ford keep things simple!? If 1A auto has a solution to this without me forking out $1500 for a whole new rack, then please make a video.
I have that problem with my 2005 Nissan Altima hard to steer the powering steering fluid reservoir is full? And there's times it doesn't do it at all for days or a week then out of the blue you parked the car started back up and it's doing it again and my rack-and-pinion is not leaking at all. I've even change the fluid in the reservoir with new fluid there's days it's okay and there's times where it's doing it again hard to steer?😊