How to Replace Power Steering Fluid For a 2007 Nissan Altima

You can replace your 2007 Nissan Altima’s power steering fluid by removing the black reservoir cap, draining the old fluid, and refilling it with Prestone fluid.
Written by Bonnie Stinson
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
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To replace a 2007 Nissan Altima’s power steering fluid, start by draining out the old fluid. Then, fill the reservoir with Prestone fluid. The PSF reservoir in an Altima has a black cap and a light-colored, opaque container.
You might need to replace the power steering fluid in your Altima if you observe stiffness in the steering wheel or screeching when turning the wheel. Thankfully, replacing the fluid is easy if you know what to do. Here’s a quick guide from
Jerry
, the super app that helps car owners save money on
car insurance
(and regular maintenance!).
Keep reading and you’ll learn how to replace your Altima’s power steering fluid, which brands will work best for a Nissan, and key indicators that it’s time to drain and add new fluid. We'll even throw in a tip to help lower your
Nissan Altima insurance costs
!
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How do I replace my 2007 Nissan Altima’s power steering fluid?

If you can pop the hood and you have a clean rag on hand, then you can
service your power steering fluid
all by yourself. Follow these steps to replace your 2007 Altima’s power steering fluid:
  • Find the power steering reservoir. It is a white opaque container with a black cap on the passenger side of the vehicle under the hood. Make sure the engine is cold.
  • Insert a clean pump. Once you remove the cap, you can insert a clean pump (a pump from an old shampoo bottle will work!) into the reservoir. Lay some rags over the surrounding parts to protect them from spills.
  • Pump out the old fluid. You will need an old container to catch the fluid. Use eye and hand protection. 
  • Refill the reservoir with new fluid and replace the cap. Carefully add new fluid to the reservoir. Clean around the lid with a rag before replacing the cap. 
That’s the quick and easy guide to replacing your power steering fluid! In some situations, a vehicle may need to be completely flushed of old power steering fluid. If your Nissan Altima needs a full flush, here are the extra steps:
  • Disconnect the fluid line. Make sure you have a container to catch the fluid.
  • Drain the system completely. Move the steering back and forth between lock positions to squeeze out every drop of old fluid.
All mechanics can help you replace the power steering fluid if you’d prefer to hire a professional to handle this service. There are a few pros and cons you should be aware of when it comes to hiring a mechanic.
MORE: How to check and add power steering fluid

Should I change it myself or take it to a mechanic?

Unless you’re really comfortable around mechanical equipment, the truth is that hiring a trained mechanic is the only way to guarantee that this service is done correctly. Luckily, a professional power steering fluid flush and replacement should take less than an hour and cost you about $120.
You can
save money on your car expenses
by doing this service yourself if you have the tools and skills. Expect to spend about $20 on power steering fluid.

Which power steering fluid is best for a 2007 Nissan Altima?

As long as you use a full synthetic power steering fluid intended for Nissans, your Altima will work beautifully.
Prestone’s power steering fluid
is a popular choice, and it works well with mainstream brands like
Toyota
and
Lexus
.
Here are a few approved power steering fluid options for a 2007 Nissan Altima:
Power steering fluid
Amount
Cost
Prestone PSF
12 ounces
$12.99
Peak Full Synthetic Asian
12 ounces
$16.49
Mobil 1 ATF
1 quart
$20.80
Valvoline MaxLife ATF
1 quart
$17.66
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When do I need to replace my 2007 Nissan Altima’s power steering fluid?

Aim to replace your power steering fluid every three years, or 30,000 miles (whichever comes first). It’s okay to get this maintenance service performed even if you’re not currently experiencing problems. Replacing the fluid regularly allows your Altima’s steering system to operate smoothly, prolonging the life of the vehicle and increasing your safety.
It’s possible that you may need to replace the fluid sooner. Stay alert to any of the following symptoms, which indicate that you may need new fluid:
  • Screeching when you turn the wheel 
  • Stiffness when moving the wheel
  • Bubbles in your power steering fluid
  • Fluid is leaking from the reservoir
  • Color change from clear to yellow
In addition to changing out the power steering fluid every three years, remember to follow a
routine car maintenance schedule
to keep your Altima running well for years to come.
MORE:

How to save money on Nissan insurance

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FAQs

Yes! If you’re comfortable working on cars—and you have personal protective equipment at home—you can do it yourself. Get new fluid, remove the black reservoir cap, drain the old fluid, and refill your Nissan Altima with new power steering fluid. You just saved yourself 100 bucks!
In general, you should flush and replace your power steering fluid every three years or 30,000 miles. It’s okay to change the fluid sooner if you observe problems with the steering system.
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