To replace your 2008 Nissan Altima’s power steering fluid, start by draining the old fluid from the reservoir located near the back of the engine bay, on the passenger side. Then, refill the reservoir with fresh power steering fluid, clean any spilled fluid, and replace the reservoir cap.
You’ll need to replace the power steering fluid in your 2008 Nissan Altima every few years. You’ll know it’s time if the steering wheel starts to stiffen up or if there is a loud screeching sound whenever you turn.
Replacing your power steering fluid might sound complicated, but it’s easy with a little help from your pal Jerry
, the car insurance
broker and policy shopping super app that saves drivers money on their Nissan Altima insurance costs
! In this article, we’ll walk you through how to change your Altima's power steering fluid, what type of fluid to use, and how to know when it’s time for a fluid change. Let’s get started!
How do I replace my 2008 Nissan Altima’s power steering fluid?
Replacing the power steering fluid in your Nissan Altima is not a challenging project; it's perfect for beginners! However, before starting, you’ll need to have a few materials handy—some fresh power steering fluid, an all-purpose fluid transfer pump
, and a container to store the old fluid. Once you have those things, just follow these steps: Locate the power steering reservoir. In a 2008 Altima, the reservoir will be towards the back of the engine bay, on the passenger side. It’s a white plastic container with a flat black cap.
Remove the cap and insert a pump into the reservoir. Your pump should have an attached hose that you can fit into the reservoir. If you don’t have a pump, you can pick one up for $9-$10 at any major retailer. In a pinch, you can try using an empty shampoo bottle or a turkey baster—but that will take much longer and not be nearly as effective.
Remove the old power steering fluid out of the reservoir. Pump the old power steering fluid out of the reservoir and into the container you’ve decided to use.
Refill the reservoir with new fluid and replace the cap. Once the old fluid is out, pour in the fresh fluid and put the cap back on. Make sure to wipe up any spills.
If you want to finish the job like a professional mechanic, there are a few more steps, but they aren't necessary. Disconnect the fluid lines, insert the pump hose directly into them, and pump out every last bit of old fluid while wiggling the steering wheel.
Just like that, you’ll have changed your own power steering fluid!
MORE: How to check and add power steering fluid
Should I change it myself or take it to a mechanic?
If the steps above sound like too much hassle, you can always take your car to a repair shop or mobile mechanic
. Whether or not you replace the power steering fluid in your 2008 Nissan Altima yourself or have a professional do it is entirely up to your own preference. However, if you do it yourself, you’ll save about $118, which is what a mechanic typically charges for power steering fluid service
. On the other hand, professional mechanics will disconnect the fluid lines and use special tools to drain the old fluid more completely.
Which power steering fluid is best for a 2008 Nissan Altima?
You’ll have a few options regarding the type of power steering fluid you use—Nissan’s are reasonably flexible in this regard. To be safe, you can always go with the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) fluid that Nissan
makes themselves. Alternatively, any Dexron-VI type ATF product should work just fine as well. If you’re not sure what type of fluid to buy, consider going with one of these:
These are some of our favorite picks:
| | |
|---|
Genuine Nissan Power Steering Fluid | | |
Valvoline Max Life Dexron VI ATF | | |
| | |
| | |
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers When do I need to replace my 2008 Nissan Altima’s power steering fluid?
In general, you should replace the power steering fluid in your 2008 Nissan Altima about every three to four years or every 30,000 miles—whichever comes first. Keep in mind, though, that sometimes you may need to replace the fluid early.
Keep an eye out for the following issues—if you notice any of these, you’ll need to replace your power steering fluid right away:
Screeching/squealing noises when you turn the steering wheel
Difficulty steering resulting from a stiff or unresponsive steering wheel
Bubbles and/or debris in your power steering fluid
How to save money on Nissan insurance
Changing your own power steering fluid in your 2008 Nissan Altima is a great way to save money on your car expenses
. Another great way is to save money on your car insurance
by using the free policy shopping super app called Jerry
! Among other things, Jerry is a fully licensed and fully automated insurance broker. It saves users an average of $800+ a year by instantly finding and comparing quotes from the top name-brand insurance providers, such as GEICO
, Allstate
, and State Farm
. Download the trustworthy super app
, answer a few basic questions, and you could have a new policy in place and ready to go in just a few minutes! “I was paying $350 a month for my new car. With Jerry
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