Need to replace the power steering fluid in your 2005 Nissan Altima? Look for the power steering fluid reservoir, on the passenger’s side of the vehicle next to the coolant reservoir. Uncap the black cap, pump out the old fluid, and top it off with new Prestone fluid.
If you turn the wheel of your trusty, reliable Nissan Altima and suddenly find it’s stiffened up, or even screeching, it’s time to check on the power steering fluid. Although it sounds intimidating, have no fear—Jerry
, the trustworthy comparison shopping super app
for car insurance
savings is here with this guide for what you need to know about power steering fluid. We’ll walk you through how to replace it, what to replace it with, how often to replace it, and some tips on how to save some serious cash on your Nissan Altima car insurance costs
. 
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 How do I replace my 2005 Nissan Altima’s power steering fluid?
When replacing your Nissan’s power steering fluid, here’s what you’ll need to do:
Locate the power steering fluid reservoir. In this year and model of Nissan, the power steering fluid reservoir has a black cap and is on the passenger side of the vehicle, right next to the coolant reservoir.
Take off the cap and insert a pump into the reservoir. You don’t need to buy anything fancy, a turkey baster or pump from a bottle of shampoo or soap will do the trick.
Pump out the old power steering fluid. Have a container (like an old bucket or even an empty two-liter bottle of soda) on hand to catch the old fluid.
Refill the reservoir with new power steering fluid and replace the cap. We recommend using a plastic funnel so you don’t splash fluid all over your engine.
And there you go! Pat yourself on the back—you now know how to replace the power steering fluid in your 2005 Nissan Altima. Just following the steps above will get the job done, but if you want to go more in-depth, you can do the following bonus steps:
Disconnect the fluid line. Use a pair of pliers to disconnect the fluid line from the power steering fluid reservoir.
Grab a plastic tube (about ⅜ inch in diameter) and insert one end into the fluid line and the other into your container.
Start up your car and turn your wheel back and forth. Doing so will flush any remaining old power steering fluid from your fluid line.
But DIY car repair isn’t for everyone! If you’re wary of opening your hood or just don’t have the time, you can always take it to a trusted local mechanic instead. Let’s take a look at just what that would cost in comparison to doing it yourself.
MORE: How to check and add power steering fluid
Should I do it myself or take it to a mechanic?
The added peace of mind you’ll get when a mechanic drains and replaces your power steering fluid is arguably priceless—but, when it comes down to dollars and cents, having a mechanic do it will cost you around $120 and about an hour of your time.
However, if you opt to handle the power steering fluid service
yourself, you’ll only shoulder the cost of the fluid itself, which is about $10 to $20. MORE: How to dispute your mechanic bill
Which power steering fluid is best for a Nissan Altima?
If you just Google “power steering fluid,” you’ll probably feel a little overwhelmed by the results. There are tons on the market, and choosing the wrong one could do more harm than good. When shopping around, make sure you purchase something specifically designed to work with Nissans.
For a 2005 Nissan Altima, we’re partial to Prestone's power steering fluid
. You get a generous amount of fluid for the price, and it’s compatible with Nissan engines. | | |
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Peak Full Synthetic Asian | | |
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When do I need to replace my 2005 Nissan Altima’s power steering fluid?
To maintain your car, you should replace the power steering fluid in your 2005 Nissan Altima every three to four years. Regularly replacing your power steering fluid not only helps you steer with ease but can actually lengthen the lifespan of your car!
Sometimes, though, you may have to swap out the power steering fluid before you hit the three to four-year mark. If you notice any of the following, you should probably take a peek under the hood:
Strange noises when you turn the wheel (screeching, squeaking, etc.)
Yellowed or bubbling power steering fluid
Fluid leakage from the power steering fluid reservoir
How to save money on Nissan insurance
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