How to Maintain Power Steering Fluid Levels in a Nissan Maxima

Since the 1990s, the Nissan Maxima has been a popular and powerful family sedan with up to date features and functionality. Performing basic maintenance on your Nissan Maxima is easy to do and can help prolong vehicle life and prevent the need for expensive repairs. Power steering fluid maintenance is a good place to start, since checking fluid levels is simple and fluid leaks can be especially damaging.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Power steering fluid

1. Check the power steering fluid level in your Nissan Maxima every 15,000 miles, or sooner if you experience difficulty steering or suspect a leak. You should not have to add fluid before 60,000 miles.

2. Park your Nissan Maxima on a level surface and allow the engine to cool completely before checking power steering fluid. An inclined car or warm fluid will cause an inaccurate reading of the fluid level.

3. Locate the power steering fluid reservoir in the engine department. The reservoir should be clearly labeled, and have level markings visible on the outside of the reservoir.

4. Check that the fluid is above the low level mark. If necessary, remove the cap and add fluid slowly so as not to fill above the maximum level mark. Use Dextron-III fluid or another Nissan-approved fluid.

5. Inspect other components of the power steering system when you check the fluid level. Look for breaks or cracks in the hoses and replace any worn parts to avoid hot fluid leaking into the engine and causing severe damage to your vehicle.

Tips & Warnings

• If you over fill the power steering fluid reservoir when adding fluid, drain excess fluid by detaching the hose at the bottom of the reservoir.

Who Can Help Sponsored

[jiminycricket20]

on 10/21/2009 Thanks. Is Dexron III a valvoline product? I am trying to order some. What quantity does a 97 Maxima req to do a P/S flush?

thanks.