How to Replace Power Steering Fluid For a 2016 Nissan Altima

You can replace your 2016 Nissan Altima’s power steering fluid by removing the black reservoir cap, draining the old fluid, and refilling it with fluid for Asian vehicles.
Written by Katherine Duffy
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
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Change out your 2016 Nissan Altima’s power steering fluid in just a few steps: pump out the old fluid, pour in new fluid, and screw the cap back on. The Nissan Altima power steering reservoir has a black cap and is on the left side of the engine. 
Has your steering wheel become sticky or difficult to turn? Even worse, is your car making screeching noises whenever you turn your wheel? Chances are, you need to replace your car’s power steering fluid to make sure your wheel turns smoothly again. 
Interested in learning how to do this simple car maintenance job yourself? This complete guide from
Jerry
, the
trustworthy super app
for
car insurance
savings, will make it simple to switch out your power steering fluid yourself at home.
Here’s everything you need to know about when it’s time to change your fluid, what type you need, and how to proceed. Plus, we've thrown in some tips to help cust your
Nissan Altima insurance costs
.
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* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

How do I replace my 2016 Nissan Altima’s power steering fluid?

Luckily, it’s easy to replace your 2016 Nissan Altima’s power steering fluid even if you’ve never performed a lot of car maintenance before. Follow these easy steps to do this job at home: 
  • Pop the hood and locate the power steering fluid reservoir. The power steering fluid reservoir is located to the far left of the engine when you’re facing your Altima. It has a black cap labeled “PSF” and the reservoir is a light beige color. 
  • Drain the reservoir with a pump mechanism, such as a shampoo bottle dispenser. Insert the tube end of the dispenser into the reservoir and pump out the old fluid into a container.
  • Refill the power steering fluid reservoir with brand new fluid that’s compatible with Nissan vehicles. 
  • Screw the cap back on and close the hood of your car. 
And that’s all there is to it! Now, you’re ready to get back on the roads and your steering should feel smooth again.  
If you have some extra time (or are a little of a grease monkey), here are some extra steps you can take: 
  • Disconnect the fluid line.
  • Drain the system completely. If you gently move the steering wheel back and forth, this will expel the last drops of fluid from the line. 
What if you’d rather leave this job to the professionals? No worries—you can always
take your car to a repair shop or mobile mechanic
. Let’s assess the pros and cons of sending your car to a professional. 

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

If you’re uncomfortable with changing your Altima’s power steering fluid at home, you’ll be much happier taking your car to a mechanic. Professional
power steering fluid service
will set you back $120, but you can be sure it’s done correctly, which is worth your peace of mind. 
On the other hand, if you’re confident you can do this job at home and you’d like to save a bit of cash, try to change your power steering fluid yourself! The fluid only costs you about $10-$20, and the whole process shouldn’t take more than an hour. 
MORE: How to check and add power steering fluid
Jerry sends free alerts to keep your car up-to-date so you can avoid costly repairs
* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score
Get ahead of my car maintenance
* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

Which power steering fluid is best for a 2016 Nissan Altima? 

There are tons of great power steering fluid options on the market to choose from. For the best bang for your buck, we recommend
Prestone’s power steering fluid
. It’s a great choice for many popular brands, including
Honda
,
Toyota
,
Lexus
, and
Infiniti
These are some of our favorite picks:
Power steering fluid
Amount
Cost
Prestone PSF
12 ounces
$12.99
Peak Full Synthetic Asian
12 ounces
$16.49
Idemitsu Lubricants
12 ounces
$5.51
Pentosin ATF 44
5 liters (170 ounces)
$71.99

When do I need to replace my 2016 Nissan Altima power steering fluid?

As a general guideline, you should aim to replace your Nissan Altima’s power steering fluid 
every three years or 30,000 miles, whatever’s earlier. Changing your power steering fluid on a routine basis will keep you steering smoothly, which prolongs the lifespan of your car and keeps you safe and in control of your vehicle. 
Sometimes, you’ll have to replace your fluid earlier than the 30,000-mile mark. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s probably time to change your fluid: 
  • Screeching or squealing noises when you turn
  • Steering is harder than it used to be
  • Bubbles in your power steering fluid
  • Fluid is leaking
  • The fluid changes color from clear to yellow
Keep up with a
basic car maintenance schedule
to ensure your power steering fluid is changed (and the rest of your car is happy as can be) before these issues arise! 

How to save money on Nissan Insurance 

Adhering to a basic maintenance schedule, including changing out your power steering fluid on time, will help keep your car performing its best for years to come. But car ownership doesn’t just come down to maintenance. You’ll need to find a great insurance policy, too—and luckily, it’s easier than ever to make sure you’re paying the lowest rate.  
Jerry
, the
trustworthy insurance comparison app
, is the best way to find great insurance at affordable rates. Jerry will save you money on car insurance and get you the best coverage for your Nissan. 
Jerry partners with over 50 top name-brand providers, so you can rest assured that you’re always getting the best bang for your buck. 
And the savings are real: the average Jerry user saves over $800 a year on car insurance payments through comparing quotes and switching providers. 
 “
Jerry
saved me so much time and money! I went from $230 to $150, still with full coverage! The whole process was amazingly simple!” —Ronda S.
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FAQs

Absolutely! Locate the power steering fluid reservoir under the hood, pump out the old fluid with a shampoo bottle pump or something similar, replace the fluid with new power steering fluid for Asian cars, and remember to screw the cap back on when you’re done.
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