How to Replace Power Steering Fluid For a 2016 Nissan Pathfinder

You can replace your 2016 Nissan Pathfinder’s power steering fluid by removing the black reservoir cap, draining the old fluid, and refilling it with Peak fluid.
Written by Melissa Harvey
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
You can replace your 2016
Nissan
Pathfinder’s power steering fluid by draining the old fluid from the reservoir, then replacing it with fresh Peak fluid. In Pathfinders, the power steering reservoir has a black cap marked “E-PSF” and is often to the right of the oil dipstick. 
Having a stiff and noisy steering wheel can be an indicator that it's time for a power steering fluid replacement in your
Pathfinder
. While this may seem like a big job, don’t fret—this guide from
Jerry
, the
super app
for all car owners, will make it a piece of cake. 
We’ll go over everything you need to know: how to replace your Pathfinder’s power steering fluid, which brand is best for a Nissan, and when it's time for a refill.  As a bonus, we’ll even show you how to slash your
car insurance rates
! Ready? Let’s go! 
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How do I replace my 2016 Nissan Pathfinder’s power steering fluid? 

It’s your lucky day because replacing the power steering fluid in your Nissan Pathfinder is relatively simple! Follow these easy steps to complete the swap: 
  • Find the power steering reservoir. Look for a black cap that says “E-PSF,” it should be near the oil dipstick 
  • Wipe off the cap, remove it, and insert a pump into the reservoir. You have several options for a pump–like a tube from a shampoo bottle or a turkey baster 
  • Pump the old steering fluid out of the reservoir. Use a coffee can or similar container to catch the extra power steering fluid 
  • Refill the reservoir with your new fluid and replace the cap 
Hey, look—you did it! After you’ve replaced the power steering fluid in your Nissan Pathfinder, you’re all set. If you don’t mind putting a little more elbow grease, you can level up your fluid replacement by completing a couple of extra steps
  • Disconnect the fluid line
  • Turn the wheel back and forth to remove all of the old fluid from the steering system 
What if you’re not the DIY type? No worries—you can take your Pathfinder to
your favorite mechanic

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

At the end of the day, if you want peace of mind knowing that your replacement was done correctly, it’s a good idea to take it to a repair shop. They’ll be able to service your vehicle in about an hour, leaving you with a bill of about $150
However, if you’d rather try it out yourself and save some money, go ahead! The power steering fluid will be around $10 to $20, but you won’t have to cover a mechanic’s labor. 

Which power steering fluid is best for a 2016 Nissan Pathfinder 

There are several fantastic options you can choose from when picking out a power steering fluid for your Pathfinder. We like
Peak’s power steering fluid
for Asian vehicles for our money. It will also work well for other brands like
Acura
,
Kia
,
Hyunda
i, and
Toyota
These are other great picks:
Power steering fluid
Amount
Cost
Genuine Nissan Fluid 999MP-EpsF00P
32 ounces
$21.85
Peak Full Synthetic Asian
12 ounces
$16.49
Idemitsu PSF Universal
12 ounces
$5.51
Pentosin ATF 44
5 liters (170 ounces)
$71.99
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When do I need to replace my 2016 Nissan Pathfinder’s power steering fluid? 

As a general rule, you should plan on replacing your Pathfinder’s power steering fluid every three years or 30,000 miles—whichever happens first. Regular maintenance will keep your vehicle in tip-top condition and improve your driving experience. 
Sometimes, you’ll want to replace your fluid before the scheduled time. If your Nissan experiences any of these symptoms, it’s likely time for a replacement: 
  • Screeching or squealing noises when you make a turn. 
  • You have trouble turning the wheel
  • Bubbles in your reservoir
  • Any leaks 
  • Color change from clear or slightly pink to anything else or smells burnt

How to save money on Nissan insurance 

If you’re busy shuttling kids from one activity to the next, you probably want a couple of extra dollars in your monthly budget. We’ve got great news: Jerry can help! 
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comparison and
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“It never occurred to me to look for more insurance quotes, but I’m so happy I saw
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FAQs

Yes! If you want to save some money on labor costs, remove the black reservoir cap (marked “E-PSF”), drain the old fluid, and refill your Pathfinder with a brand-new power steering fluid.
The rule of thumb is to replace your Pathfinder’s power steering fluid every 30,000 miles or three years. You may need to replace it sooner if you’re having issues steering.
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