Power steering (power steering) in Nissan Almera G15 (2013–2019) is a unit that is often ignored during scheduled maintenance, although not only driving comfort, but also safety depends on its condition. The power steering oil of this car degrades faster than its analogues due to the design features of the pump and high temperatures under the hood. If you notice that the steering wheel has become “tighter”, noise has appeared when turning, or the fluid has darkened, it’s time to act.

In this article we will look at how change the power steering oil yourself on Almera G15 with engines 1.6 (HR16DE) And 1.5 (K9K)without resorting to the help of a service station. We will describe each stage in detail: from choosing the right fluid to bleeding the system after replacement. We will also reveal typical errors that lead to failure of the power steering pump and give recommendations for extending the service life of the unit.

When and why you need to change the power steering oil Nissan Almera G15

The manufacturer indicates in the manual that the fluid in the power steering Almera G15 designed for the entire service life of the vehicle. However, in practice, this statement is only true for ideal operating conditions, which simply do not exist in Russia. Real factors that accelerate oil wear:

  • 🌡️ Temperature changes: from -30°C in winter to +35°C in summer, the additives in the liquid are destroyed.
  • 🚗 Aggressive driving style: Frequently turning the steering wheel all the way increases the load on the pump.
  • 🛣️ Bad roads: Vibrations and shocks cause the oil to foam.
  • ⏳ Time: Even if the car is stationary, the oil oxidizes and loses its properties.

Signs that the power steering oil needs replacing:

  • ⚠️ The steering wheel has become harder to turn, especially at low speeds.
  • 🔊 Appeared hum or whistle when turning the steering wheel.
  • 🟤 The liquid in the tank has darkened, become cloudy or has a burning smell.
  • 💧 The oil level drops without visible leaks (evaporation or leakage through seals).
⚠️ Attention! If you ignore these symptoms, the power steering pump will fail after 10–15 thousand km. Replacing it will cost 15–20 thousand rubles, while fresh oil costs only 500–1000 rubles.
📊 How often do you check the power steering oil level?
  • Never
  • Once a year
  • Every 10 thousand km
  • Only when problems arise

What kind of oil to fill in power steering Nissan Almera G15

For Almera G15 Only fluids that meet the specifications are suitable Nissan PSF (Power Steering Fluid). Using unsuitable oil will lead to destruction of the seals and accelerated wear of the pump. Official recommendations:

Liquid type Article Volume, l Notes
Nissan PSF (original) KE902-99932 1 The best choice, but expensive (1500–2000 RUR).
Mobil ATF 220 (analog) 152620 1 Cheaper than the original (600–800 ₽), suitable in properties.
Motul Dexron III 105777 1 A universal fluid, but requires more frequent replacement.
Liqui Moly ATF 1100 7502 1 A good option for cold climates.

Oil volume in the power steering system Almera G15 — 0.8–1 liter. One bottle is enough for a complete replacement. Never mix different types of liquids! If you are not sure which oil was previously filled, perform complete flushing of the system (we'll talk about this below).

Important: The color of the oil does not indicate its type! For example, Nissan PSF - red, but Motul Dexron III also red, although they are different in composition. Refer only to the specification.

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Before buying oil, check its authenticity: original Nissan PSF has a holographic sticker on the lid and a clear barcode. Counterfeits are often sold in bottles with uneven seams.

Tools and materials for changing power steering oil

To work you will need:

  • 🔧 Key for 10 (to remove the power steering reservoir).
  • 🔧 Head for 10 with extension (for unscrewing hoses).
  • 🛠️ Flat head screwdriver (to loosen the clamps).
  • 🧤 Gloves (oil is toxic to skin).
  • 🧻 Rags And cardboard (so as not to dirty the tray).
  • 🔁 20 ml syringe with a tube (for pumping out old oil).
  • 🚰 Drain container (1.5–2 l).
  • 🔄 New oil (1 l).

Also prepare:

  • 🧴 Carburetor Cleaner (for flushing the tank).
  • 📦 New clamps (if the old ones are rusty).
  • 🔧 Torque wrench (optional for precise tightening).

If you plan complete flushing of the system, you will additionally need:

  • 🚿 5–6 liters of new oil (for pumping).
  • 🔄 Two hoses with a diameter of 8–10 mm (to organize circulation).
⚠️ Attention! Do not use metal brushes or hard brushes to clean the power steering reservoir - they leave micro-scratches, which will later become sources of corrosion.

Place the car on a flat surface|Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery|Place cardboard under the power steering reservoir|Wear gloves and goggles|Prepare a container for draining-->

Step-by-step instructions: how to drain old oil

Before starting work warm up the engine to operating temperature (5-7 minutes at idle). Warm oil drains faster and carries more deposits with it.

Step 1. Removing the power steering reservoir

The reservoir is located to the right of the engine (when viewed in the direction of travel). Unscrew its fastening with a 10 mm wrench and carefully remove it without disconnecting the hoses. To avoid spilling oil, first wrap the tank with a rag.

Step 2. Pumping out old oil

Use a syringe with a tube to remove as much liquid as possible from the reservoir. If the oil is very dirty, it is better to rinse the tank carburetor cleaner and dry.

Step 3: Drain the oil from the system

Disconnect return hose (bottom pipe of the tank) and direct it into the drain container. Ask an assistant to turn the steering wheel left and right all the way 5-6 times - this will expel any remaining oil from the system. Start the engine for 2-3 seconds (no longer!) to allow the pump to pump through any remaining residue.

Note: If the oil does not drain or flows very slowly, check filter in the tank - it could become clogged with wear products.

What to do if the oil does not drain?

If oil does not flow after disconnecting the hose, the cause may be a blockage. highways or pressure valve in the pump. In this case:

1. Check the permeability of the hoses by blowing them with compressed air.

2. Remove the main hose from the pump and try to drain the oil through it.

3. If this does not help, the pump will need to be disassembled or replaced.

Flushing the power steering system (optional, but recommended)

If the oil in the system is heavily contaminated (black, metal shavings), be sure to wash the power steering. To do this:

  1. After draining the old oil, connect the return hose back to the reservoir.
  2. Pour into the tank fresh oil to the level MAX.
  3. Start the engine and turn the steering wheel left and right 10–15 times.
  4. Stop the engine and drain the oil through the return hose.
  5. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times until the drained liquid is clear.

To speed up washing, you can use dual circuit system:

  • Disconnect straight hose (from pump to rack) and return hose (from the rack to the tank).
  • Connect separate hoses to them, one of which is lowered into a container with fresh oil, and the second into an empty container for draining.
  • Start the engine for 10-15 seconds - the pump will pump clean oil through the system.
⚠️ Attention! Do not keep the engine running for more than 20 seconds without oil in the system - this will lead to power steering pump overheating and its failure.
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Flushing the power steering system increases the service life of the pump by 30–40%. This is especially true for cars with a mileage of more than 100 thousand km.

Filling with new oil and bleeding the system

After draining the old oil and flushing (if done), we proceed to filling in the new one:

  1. Reinstall the tank and secure it.
  2. Fill with fresh oil to the level MAX.
  3. Without connecting the return hose, direct it into a container.
  4. Start the engine and slowly turn the steering wheel left and right until it stops 3-4 times.
  5. As soon as clean oil comes out of the hose, turn off the engine and reconnect the hose.
  6. Add oil to the level MAX and repeat pumping 2-3 more times.

After pumping:

  • Check the oil level - it should be between MIN And MAX.
  • Make sure there is no air bubbles.
  • Check for leaks on hoses and connections.

If after bleeding the steering wheel remains “stiff” or noise is heard, it means there is air left in the system. In this case:

  • Repeat pumping, paying attention extreme steering positions (hold it in the left and right positions for 2-3 seconds).
  • Check hose tightness — air leaks can occur through microcracks.

Typical mistakes when changing power steering oil and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes, which later become costly. Let's look at the most common ones:

  • 🔄 Incomplete drainage of old oil. If you leave 20–30% of the old fluid in the system, it will mix with the new one and shorten its life. Solution: Use a vacuum pump or flush.
  • 🚗 Pumping at high speeds. This leads to foaming of the oil and the formation of air pockets. Solution: Pump at idle speed.
  • 🔧 Using unsuitable liquids. For example, ATF instead of PSF corrodes the seals. Solution: Follow the specification strictly.
  • 🛠️ Re-stretching clamps. This deforms the hoses and causes leaks. Solution: tighten the clamps with a force of 1.5–2 Nm.
  • 🌡️ Ignoring oil temperature. Cold oil does not pump well, hot oil is dangerous for your hands. Solution: Operate at an oil temperature of 40–50°C.

Another common problem is hose damage when removed. To avoid this, spray the clamps before disconnecting WD-40 and wait 5-10 minutes.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about changing power steering oil Nissan Almera G15

Is it possible to fill it into the power steering? Almera G15 automatic transmission oil (ATF)?

No! Although some liquids (eg. Mobil ATF 220) are close in composition to PSF, they do not contain the necessary additives to protect power steering pump seals. Usage ATF will lead to leaks and reduction of node resource.

How much oil is needed for a complete change?

In the power steering system Almera G15 contained 0.8–1 liter liquids. One bottle is enough for replacement. If you are flushing, you will need 1.5–2 liters.

How often do you change power steering oil?

Recommended interval - every 60–80 thousand km or once every 3–4 years. If operating conditions are difficult (frequent off-road trips, frosts below -25°C), reduce the interval to 40–50 thousand km.

What happens if you don't change the power steering oil?

The consequences depend on the mileage:

  • 50–80 thousand km: deterioration in handling, noise when turning the steering wheel.
  • 100–150 thousand km: pump wear, leaks through seals.
  • 150+ thousand km: failure of the rack or pump (repair will cost 20–40 thousand rubles).

Is it possible to mix different oils in power steering?

Only liquids can be mixed same type and manufacturer. For example, Nissan PSF with Nissan PSF another party. Mixing PSF And ATF unacceptable!