12/92 (i.e. 93) Maxima has apparently been using/losing power-steering fluid. This is my daughter's car, and when I checked yesterday after hearing stranges noises as she turned the wheel, the P/S fluid reservoir seemed dry! Then behind it I saw traces of an oil/fluid leak. Could they be related?
The traces seem to be on a metal pipe with a large hex nut/bolt behind the suspension top, and on the black rubber pipe which is crimped to the metal pipe and which drops down behind the engine, in front of the VIN plate.
I'd like to fix this myself if I can...

Also the manual says to use Dexron2 but my Pep Boys gave me a Valvoline P/S fluid. Is this likely to be a problem?

 

About the power steering problem itself I cant help you much there, but Dexron2 is type of fluid, not the brand, so just make sure the Valvoline bottle says its Dexron2 certified.

 

From your description of the situation, it would seem that it is a power steering fluid leak. The location you are describing is the pressure hose for the power steering unit, and it is a common thing to have to replace at this age, especially if it has not been done before. It is not a horrible job, but messy, and the lower fitting is a real pain due to not much clearance to turn a wrench. We discussed the process a while back. Do a search, cause there was some good info on it. Good luck with it. Hose should cost between $30-$50 at PepBoys or Autozone.

 

Just make sure you get the right hose because the people in the parts stores seem to think are 3rd gen Maxima's use the same parts. Make sure to tell them what model you have and after they give you the part make a point to tell them again what model you have.

 

Or buy it from who knows their parts.
Like Me!