06 Maxima Power Steering Fluid

[mlov(NJ)]

Hi, Trying to find out w/o going to Nissan, what fluid will work in my 06 SE. The owners man. says genuine nissan psf. Thanks.

[MaximA32]

You can get it from any parts store or hell, any gas station for that matter. There are only 2 different types. There is one that is clear and on that is red. Check the color of your fluid and go from there.

[mlov(NJ)]

It's red, so does that mean I could use ATF? If so, which ATF?

[MaximA32]

You could but it would have too many detergents in it and it may foam and cause air bubbles. I'd go pick a quart up from your local parts store. Make sure that they know you need the red kind.

[Markc]

The service manual for my car states that Dexron II transmission fluid can be used for the power steering.

[mlov(NJ)]

The service manual for my car states that Dexron II transmission fluid can be used for the power steering.

Do you think it's the same for the 06 Maxima as the 02 Infiniti?

[Markc]

I would think so. Mine states to use Nissan PSF, but dexron II transmission fluid may also be used. I'll bet someone here has access to the online service manual for your vehicle and could verify for you.

[MinisterofDOOM]

The '06 indicates Dexron III compatible ATF as an alternative to Nissan PSF. But that shouldn't make much difference as Dexron III has generally replaced Dexron II on store shelves, so that's what you'd buy for Dexron II cars, too.

[loystock]

Earlier Nissan/Infiniti vehicles (most pre-2000) require Dexron II/III for power steering fluid. Newer vehicles require Nissan PSF or EQUIVALENT. In Canada, that equivalent is Dexron III. Dexron III has been superceded with Dexron VI (Dexron III license from GM expired in 2006). Dexron VI is backward-compatible with Dexron II/III.

By law, Nissan/Infiniti or any other car manufacturer in the US cannot insist on using company branded fluids. Hence there is always an equivalent fluid.

I've been using Dexron III for PSF in all my cars and will switch to Dexron VI once my current stock is depleted.

You can drain and refill multiple times until the fluid is pinkish-red. To ensure fluid exchange, jack up both front tires, run engine, then turn to maximum left/right position multiple times then drain and refill. I personally limit max turn position to 3 seconds but others in the forum use 15 seconds - your call.

You can use a turkey baster or equivalent to 'suck' the PSF from reservoir. I use a Toyota Supercharger kit with 1/8"-tube extension to drain the PSF.

[mlov(NJ)]

Dexron III it is. Thanks for all of your prompt replies and assistance.

[Markc]

Actually, after checking, my manual also says Dexron III. Guess I was a little blurry eyed this morning.