You’ll need to replace your 2003 Nissan Altima’s power steering fluid every two to three years—but that doesn’t mean you have to foot a hefty bill! Instead, save money by replacing it yourself. Just uncap the reservoir, pump out the old fluid, and refill with Genuine Nissan PSF.

Most of us don’t think twice about our power steering system—let alone the hydraulic fluid that makes steering smoothly possible. Maybe we’ll remember to top off the levels from time to time when we find ourselves under the hood for some other reason. But when you notice your steering wheel feels stiff while turning, or you suddenly have trouble maneuvering into that tight parking space, it’s probably time for you to replace your power steering fluid.

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Nissan Alstima insurance costs

along the way.

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How do I replace my 2003 Nissan Altima’s power steering fluid?

Now and then, you’ll need to do more than just top off the power steering fluid level. If you’ve noticed your wheel feels stiff or locks up, or (god forbid!) your car makes noise when turning, it’s probably time to replace your power steering fluid entirely.

Thankfully, replacing your 2003 Altima’s power steering fluid is pretty simple. Here’s what to do:

Make sure your car is off, wait until your engine has cooled, then pop the hood

Locate your power steering reservoir. In this model, you’ll find the reservoir behind your engine coolant tank on the passenger’s side of the vehicle

Remove the cap and insert a pump. Use household items—like a syringe or turkey baster—to suck out the old fluid, or purchase a gear pump for cheap to get the job done

Pump out the old power steering fluid. Keep a container on hand to catch the old fluid, and make sure to clean up any spills when they occur to avoid causing damage to other engine components

Refill the reservoir with new fluid and replace the cap

If you’re having trouble getting all of the old fluid out, you can repeat the process again after driving your car for 50-100 miles. Three or four repeats should be enough to clear out most of that old fluid (and dilute whatever’s left enough that it doesn’t matter). Alternatively, you can try doing this:

Disconnect the fluid line

Drain the system entirely by having a friend or family member wiggle the steering wheel back and forth. This will help squeeze out those last few drops of old fluid

MORE: How to check and add power steering fluid

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

If you don’t have much car maintenance experience, you may feel more comfortable taking it to a mechanic. Most repair shops can perform a

power steering fluid service

in about an hour, although it’ll cost you roughly $118.

On the other hand, you can save close to $100 by changing the power steering fluid yourself—all you’ll need is a bottle of fluid, which typically costs between $10 and $20.

Jerry sends free alerts to keep your car up-to-date so you can avoid costly repairs

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Which power steering fluid is best for a 2003 Nissan Altima?

Now that you are thinking of changing your power steering fluid, what kind of buying power steering fluid should you use in your Altima?

The manufacturer's recommendation is Genuine Nissan PSF. However, if you can't get your hands on a bottle of genuine Nissan fluid, there are several other high-quality alternatives. For your 2003 Altima, we’d recommend Valvoline Dexron IV/Mercon LV ATF or Mobil 1 Dexron VI ATF.

Here’s a comparison of our top picks:

Power steering fluid	Amount	Cost
Genuine Nissan PSF	35 ounces	$4.00
Valvoline Dexron IV/Mercon LV ATF	32 ounces	$7.71
Mobil 1 Dexron VI ATF	32 ounces	$8.50
Idemitsu PSF Universal Power Steering Fluid	12 ounces	8.99

Pro Tip Whichever power steering fluid you choose, pick one compatible with Asian vehicles!

When do I need to replace my 2003 Nissan Altima power steering fluid?

Generally speaking, you’ll need to replace your Altima’s power steering fluid every two to three years, or 30,000 to 50,000 miles. Sometimes, you may have to change it even sooner—here’s what to watch out for:

Unusual noises (whining, screeching, etc.) when turning the wheel

Difficulty steering or parking

A change in fluid color from clear to yellow

Bubbles in your power steering fluid

Fluid leakage

Any of the issues above could indicate it’s time to replace your Altima’s power steering fluid. If left unresolved, you could cause damage to your engine and face dangerous driving conditions, including an all-out failure of your vehicle's power steering system.

Ultimately, the best way to stay on top of your power steering system’s health is to check the fluid levels often. Incorporating regular fluid level checks as a part of your car’s

maintenance best practices

can keep your Altima running (and turning) smoothly for years to come.

How to save money on Nissan insurance

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FAQ

Can I replace the power steering fluid in my 2003 Nissan Altima myself?

Yes! You can save yourself a trip to the mechanic and a $100+ bill by replacing your Altima’s power steering fluid at home, so long as you don’t mind getting your hands a little dirty.

How often should I replace my 2003 Nissan Altima power steering fluid?

You should replace your 2003 Altima’s power steering fluid every two to three years, or between 30,000 and 50,000 miles. Watch out for warning signs like difficulty steering or noise when turning, which are your car’s way of letting you know it’s time to change the fluid.

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