Your Nissan Frontier has a hydraulic power steering system, which means you’ll need to change your Frontier’s power steering fluid every 3-4 years. This service can cost over $100 at your local auto shop, but if you’re willing to DIY it, the job will cost as little as $10.

Your Nissan Frontier’s hydraulic power steering system is a vital part of your car. If your current power steering fluid gets old, contaminated, or reaches a low level, you’ll start to notice that your steering is less smooth, and you might even hear concerning noises when you turn the wheel.

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What type of power steering fluid does the Nissan Frontier use?

The type of power steering fluid your Nissan Frontier uses depends on the specific model year of your truck. The number one choice for all Nissan Frontiers is the manufacturer’s power steering fluid—Genuine Nissan Power Steering Fluid.

However, if you can’t get your hands on your Frontier’s OEM power steering fluid, you’ll have to turn to the best alternatives out there. Recommendations for power steering fluid alternatives depend on your truck’s model year:

2013-2015, 2017 Nissan Frontier alternative:

DEXRON VI type ATF

(Automatic Transmission Fluid)

2016 Nissan Frontier alternative:

DEXRON VI type ATF

, but it’s recommended to visit a dealer for this service.

2018-2022 Nissan Frontier alternatives:

DEXRON VI type ATF

MERCON LV type ATF

While ATF (automatic transmission fluid) is not the same as power steering fluid, they’re the same kind of hydraulic fluid, and ATF works well as an alternative with most Frontier model years. Make sure to check your owner’s manual before using ATF in your Frontier.

MORE: How to check and add power steering fluid

How to change a Nissan Frontier’s power steering fluid

When it comes to changing your Nissan Frontier’s power steering fluid, learning how to do it from the comfort of your home can save you a lot of money, especially if you have an older Frontier that’s past its warranty.

Thankfully, changing your power steering fluid at home is a pretty straightforward task that involves minimal tools and materials. You’ll just need to gather the following items before starting:

A suction device, such as a turkey baster, a food syringe, or even an old shampoo bottle with a pump

The correct power steering fluid or ATF for your Frontier’s model year

Pliers

Paper towel

Step 1: Find your Frontier’s power steering fluid reservoir by popping the hood. The reservoir will be on the passenger side of the engine bay and should look like a light beige cylinder with a black cap.

Remove the reservoir cap and pump out all of your old fluid using your pump device.

Step 2: Pour your new fluid into the reservoir and put the cap back on tightly to avoid any leaks.

Step 3: Using your pliers, loosen the set of clamps keeping the power steering return line connected to detach it. Let all of the old fluid drain out the system from the line.

Step 4: Now it’s time to cycle the steering, which means you’ll have to turn your steering wheel all the way to one direction back to the other direction, or “from lock to lock.” Doing this ensures the new fluid is pumped through the power steering system.

Continue to cycle the steering until you see new fluid coming out of the disconnected line.

Step 5: Reattach the power steering line to the clamps and fill the reservoir with a bit more fluid before letting your engine run for 10 seconds. Turn off your car and top up the fluid level one last time.

After finishing all of these steps, look thoroughly around and underneath your car for any signs of leaking fluid. If you don’t see any leaks, take your car out for a few minutes to test the steering.

If your steering feels smooth and your car is running like usual, then you’ve completed the steps correctly—congrats!

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What is the power steering fluid change interval for a Nissan Frontier?

Your Nissan Frontier needs a

power steering fluid service

and replacement about every 3-4 years or every 50,000 to 75,000 miles, whichever comes first.

While this is a great benchmark to keep in mind, you should check on your power steering regularly to make sure it’s still in good condition. Keep an eye out for these signs that it’s time to replace your Frontier’s power steering fluid:

It’s tough to turn the steering wheel

Your steering feels looser than normal

Your car makes groaning noises when you make a turn

Your power steering fluid looks black or dark brown

Any of these signs could mean you have a leak or that your power steering fluid is old or contaminated and your Frontier is in need of new fluid.

MORE:

2015 Nissan Frontier 4.0 oil capacity

How to save on Nissan Frontier insurance

Basic car maintenance

and upkeep, like power steering flushes, contributes to the overall cost of owning a Nissan Frontier—but insurance costs for the Frontier are an even bigger expense.

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