CVT fluid, power steering fluid in 2011 Maxima

[daveburch235]

Having just acquired a 2011 Maxima, I am looking to change any fluids that might need changing.

1. The Nissan Service and Maintenance Guide contradicts itself on how often to change the CVT fluid. The paragraph on this says to change it at 60,000 miles, but Schedule 2 includes it every 30,000. Which should I take as good advice?

2. Should I insist on replacing the CVT fluid with "genuine Nissan CVT fluid"?

3. The guide has no recommendation for changing power steering fluid. I am inclined to do it anyway at 30k. Opinions?

Thank you!

[centralcoaster33]

Hi Dave,

I looked into this a bit a few days ago. I didn't have much luck. It seems the transmission chapter is missing from several Maxima FSMs. Does your book describe a difference between schedule 1 and schedule 2, like heavy load, trailers or light use maybe? Lot's of Nissan CVT's are best serviced and flushed at the dealership. They require special tubes and fillers and want a computer to monitor the fluid temperatures and such. But, not all of them, so I was looking to see if I could find out specifics about yours and have had no luck. You could ask the dealership about your specific car.

For PS fluid. If no whine, then you're fine. Inspect the level, color and quality. I'd flush with the large interval maintenance, like the 60k service or so. It's easy and if you're bored you can do it more often.