How Do I Change the Power Steering Fluid on a 2002 Nissan Maxima?

The power steering pump on the 2002 Nissan Maxima will be mounted to the top of the engine on the driver side of the engine. The fluid reservoir will be mounted to the fire wall on the rear of the engine compartment. The fire wall is the large metal wall that runs the length of the engine compartment going from the left to right. The fluid inside the power steering pump and the reservoir must be drained to complete this process. Changing the power steering fluid will help to keep you Maxima in running order for years as long as you change the fluid correctly.

Things You'll Need

• 32-oz. cup
• Wrench
• Ratchet
• 5/8-inch socket
• 1 qt. replacement power steering fluid

Instructions

1. Open the hood of the Maxima and position the drain cup under the hose valve on the fluid reservoir on the fire wall. Loosen the nut that secures the hose to the bottom of the reservoir. Pull the hose from the bottom of the reservoir and drain the fluid into the cup.

2. Replace the hose to the bottom of the fluid reservoir and tighten the nut using the wrench until the nut is snug. Remove the cup from under the reservoir and discard the fluid accordingly.

3. Place the cup under the power steering pump. Remove the plug on the bottom of the pump using the ratchet and 5/8-inch socket. Completely drain the fluid into the cup and replace the plug to the bottom of the pump once all of the fluid has been drained.

4. Remove the cap from the top of the fluid reservoir. Slowly pour a quart of replacement power steering fluid into the reservoir and then replace the cap to the reservoir. Turn the Maxima's engine on and turn the steering wheel to the right and left to circulate the new fluid.

References

• "Nissan Maxima 1993 thru 2004 (Hayne's Automotive Repair Manual)"; Bob Henderson and John H. Haynes; 2005