Nissan Maxima Service and Repair Manual: Power steering fluid

Inspection

FLUID LEVEL

• Check fluid level with engine stopped.
• Make sure that fluid level is between MIN and MAX.
• Fluid levels at HOT (A) and COLD (B) are different. Do not confuse them.

HOT (A) : Fluid temperature 50 - 80 C (122- 176F)
COLD (B) : Fluid temperature 0 - 30C (32- 86F)

CAUTION:

• The fluid level should not exceed the MAX line. Excessive fluid will cause fluid leakage from the cap.
• Do not reuse drained power steering fluid.
• Recommended fluid is Genuine Nissan PSF or equivalent.

FLUID LEAKAGE

Check hydraulic connections for fluid leakage, cracks, damage, looseness, or wear.

1. Run engine until the fluid temperature reaches 50 - 80 C (122 - 176F) in reservoir tank, and keep engine speed at idle.
2. Turn steering wheel several times from full left stop to full right stop.
3. Hold steering wheel at each lock position for five seconds and carefully, check for fluid leakage.

   CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel in a locked position for more than 10 seconds. (There is the possibility that oil pump may be damaged.)

4. If fluid leakage at connections is noticed, then loosen flare nut and then retighten. Do not overtighten connector as this can damage O-ring, copper sealing washers and connector.
5. If fluid leakage from oil pump is noticed, check oil pump. Refer to ST-28, "Removal and Installation".
6. Check steering gear boots for accumulation of fluid indicating leakage from steering gear.

Draining

1. Disconnect both high and low pressure lines from power steering gear.
2. Drain into a suitable container.

Refilling

FILLING HYDRAULIC SYSTEM

1. Fill power steering reservoir while checking fluid level.
2. Bleed air from hydraulic system.
3. Check for fluid leaks.

AIR BLEEDING HYDRAULIC SYSTEM

If air bleeding is not complete, the following symptoms can be observed.

• Bubbles are created in reservoir tank.
• Clicking noise can be heard from oil pump.
• Excessive buzzing in the oil pump.

NOTE: Fluid noise may occur in the steering gear or oil pump. This does not affect performance or durability of the system.

1. Turn steering wheel several times from full left stop to full right stop with engine off.

   CAUTION: Do not allow the fluid level to drop below the MIN line.

2. Start engine and hold steering wheel at each lock position for three seconds at idle to check for fluid leakage
3. Repeat step 2 above several times at approximately three second intervals.

   CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel in a locked position for more than 10 seconds. (There is the possibility that oil pump may be damaged.)

4. Check fluid for bubbles or white contamination.
5. Stop engine if bubbles or white contamination is present. Perform step 2 and 3 above after waiting until bubbles or white contamination disappear.
6. Stop the engine, and then check fluid level.