I have a Nissan Murano 2007 and just had the rack and pinion replaced. Now my steering is too tight. What might be causing this?

I would agree it's possible they rotated the steering shaft when they had the steering unhooked, have your airbag codes checked if you have a drivers squib circuit code or a steering angle sensor code then yes they most likely caused the concern.

I am a tech at a Domestic/Euro auto shop, and we have seen your isue arrise when there is worn seals in the power rack and pinion system. I would suspect ta worn power steering rack with what you have stated in your post.

A bad seal in the rack and pinion would have caused low pressure from fluid by-passing the seal. This also would have caused noticeably increased effort to steer the vehicle. Excessively high pressure would indicate an issue between the power steering pump and the rack, and since the hoses have been replaced I would focus on the pump. PS, find a real mechanic, not a parts changer.

things like that usually are not covered after fitting the rack take it for allignment

There are few help links showing exact accurate procedure to replace Rack and Pinion. Click the link below and follow the procedure:-----
Pinion Seal Replace on Dodge Dakota? http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/04/pinion-seal-replace-on-dodge-dakota.html

-----------

How to Replace a Rear Pinion Seal.
http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-to-replace-rear-pinion-seal.html
------------

How to replace Power steering rack and pinion gear on Chevy Silverado 2500 HD? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/how-to-replace-power-steering-rack-and.html

----------
How to replace Power Rack and Pinion Steering Gear on Acura Car Models? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/11/how-to-replace-power-rack-and-pinion.html

-----------
How to replace power rack and pinion steering gear on Toyota cruiser? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/how-to-replace-power-rack-and-pinion.html

----------

How to replace Power Rack and Pinion Steering Gear on Acura Car Models? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/11/how-to-replace-power-rack-and-pinion.html


------------
Front Drive Pinion Seal Removal on Ford Explorer? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/03/front-drive-pinion-seal-removal-on-ford.html

-------------
How to Replace Driveshaft, Pinion Flange & Seal?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/03/how-to-replace-driveshaft-pinion-flange.html

------------

How to Replace Power Rack & Pinion Steering Gear On 2007 Ford Taurus? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/03/how-to-replace-power-rack-pinion.html


----------
How to Remove Power Rack & Pinion Steering Gear on Ford Windstar? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/03/how-to-remove-power-rack-pinion.html

-----------

Power Rack & Pinion Steering Gear replacing details for Buick Park Avenue and Pontiac Bonneville

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/03/power-rack-pinion-steering-gear.html

-------------

How to Replace Power Rack & Pinion Steering Gear on Mercedes Benz Truck? http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/03/how-to-replace-power-rack-pinion.html


---------
How to replace Power Rack & Pinion Steering Gear on Toyota 4Runner? http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/03/how-to-replace-power-rack-pinion_27.html

-----------

Power Rack & Pinion Steering Gear Replacing on Toyota Land Cruiser & Sequoia? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/03/power-rack-pinion-steering-gear.html

----------
Power Rack & Pinion Steering Gear Removal on Toyota RAV4? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/03/power-rack-pinion-steering-gear-removal.html

----------
How to Replace Power Rack & Pinion Steering Gear on Toyota Sienna? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/03/how-to-replace-power-rack-pinion.html

------------
These details will help.
Thanks.

We had the same problem with our 2007 Murano. However, the steering assembly (Box) actually broke and flipped upside down. This caused the car to turn sharp to the right and hit the cub while turning. Nissan said we caused the damage when we hit the cub and refused to pay for the damages. Look into the steering assembly before you also have an accident. Our insurance went up $20 a month.

Hi:
Sometimes air gets into the power steering system, and can cause noises.

often, the technician that installed the hose, could ensure all the air is out, by having the car up off the ground, and turning the steering full left and full right, while bleeding the system, as well as making sure that it has 100% fresh fluid too.

why did you replace the fluid? it could be the pump, but pressure needs to be checked. when you turn steering wheel all the way to the stop, it should whine somewhat. Make sure the belt is tight.

Normally when you get tightening at the steering wheel that means that the rack and pinion is failing. A rack and pinion can cause tightening then before you realize it your steering is back to normal. I would have it checked. Good Luck

I am a Nissan ceritifed Scope Technician with over 10 years experience in a Nissan dealership.

To me, it sounds like your problem is "morning sickness". The problem is there only after the vehicle sits for a period of a few hours (overnight) and then is gone once the vehicle warms up some.

What happens with "morning sickness" is this: there are nylon rings in the pinion section of the steering rack and pinion. Over time, these nylon rings wear grooves into the aluminum housing in which they reside. When the steering rack and pinion is cold, the pressurized power steering fluid can move past these rings causing difficulty in steering or an unsmooth steering condition. Once the fluid warms up some, the nylon rings expand and seal the gap and fluid can't get past anymore and it stays where it's supposed to be, leading to the normal steering you experience the rest of the day.

The only repair for this condition is to replace the power steering rack and pinion. A used one can be a gamble as this could reoccur in a short time. A brand new one is overly expensive. That leaves a good quality aftermarked remanufactured rack and pinion as your best option. And be sure to have the vehicle aligned when that work is completed.

Hope this helps!!!