Question, guys.....I read the sticky on changing the power steering fluid,( http://www.motorvate.ca/mvp.php/702 ) and then says to replace with Dexron 2 or 3? I am planning to do this procedure this week, and wondering why ATF is suggested rather than power steering fluid. What ATF should be used for a 98 Max? (quote: Fill the reservoir to the COLD MAX line using Dexron II or Dexron III, depending on the year of the car.)

Thanks for the info

 

Use whatever your manual says. My '97 SE shows using Dextron III. I mistakenly used power steering fluid when I did a drain and refill, and there seems to be a subtle difference in the fluids and how the system responds. Actually, my power steering pump started to make noises on sharp turns, so I switched back to D III and have had no problems. The steering actually feels better with the factory recommendation. I was like you and didn't think there was a difference, but there was...even using high quality power steering fluid.

 

Hmm...I doubt that my 98 SE has ever had it changed. I've had it for 3 years now with 105k miles on the car. What does Nissan use and recommend? Thanks, Goldmax.

 

I think it's one of those things they don't have a recommendation on at all...just like the transmission fluid. I suck out the contents of the PS reservoir a couple of times every year or so just to get some fresh fluid in there which I'm hoping will be good for the seals. So far it has worked very well. It's a sealed system, so things don't get nearly as dirty as motor oil, but I still think it's a good idea to refresh it every year or two.

 

So you just replace it with power steering fluid, Goldmax? I was wondering if the ATF would be harsh on the seals, with all of the detergents in it. I definitely dont want to put the wrong stuff in.

 

I've used ATF per the manual's recommendations for the last 10k miles or so. Power steering works fine, no ill effects so far.

 

ATF is the factory P/S fill. the fluid is pink. replace it using a turkey baster at every motor oil change (you will only get a small amount out, hence do it often to keep the fluid fresh).

 

Correct to Skyjumper and Business 810. Use ATF as recommended by the factory. Do not use PS fluild...as I said, it seems to perform different and made my PS system noisy on sharp turns. When I replaced with normal ATF, the noise s went away.

 

Thanks guys.....Goldmax, is it Dexron III that is used in my 98?

 

Check your manual...I would assume yes based on what they recommend for my '97. Good luck with it.

 

I use a bottle of Mobil 1 ATF and a turkey buster. I repeat the the process (~4 times) until I finish the 1L of ATF.