This post has 2 parts, and I've searched but haven't found good answers:

1) My local mechanic told me my power steering fluid is dirty and recommended a power steering fluid flush, asking $129.99 total for it (includes labor, new fluid, and a power steering "kit"). I'm not sure how "clean" or "dirty" power steering fluid differs in color. I popped the hood and checked; it looks brown, almost like used engine oil. Is he trying shaft me? Or is this a legit fluid change (and price for it)?

2) I've read a number of posts about the best manual transmission fluid, or gear oil. I picked up four quarts of Mobil 1 75W-90 the other day, but I'm thinking of leaning toward Redline 75W-85 (or 75W-90) or Motul 300. Has anyone had better experiences with any of these? I have 56K miles, and I'm in Texas, so we get 100+ degree days in summers if that matters to the weight or viscosity of the oil.

I'm planning on doing this at 60K if needed.

TIA, everyone!

 

I can't comment on the power steering fluid, but for some odd reason, I feel like I've read on the boards that a 60K power steering flush was in fact needed. I really don't remember though sorry!

As for your 6MT fluid -- flush it religiously with OEM fluids. I've heard about Redline. People've reported back heavier shifts and much stiffer syncros. More grinding and non-smooth shifts from Amsoil's MT fluid for sure -- I had it in mine for several thousand miles and swapped back out to OE fluid.

GL!

 

I'd service the power steering before your seals start to leak. Those steering racks and associated labor to R&R is not cheap. I'd recommend the Amsoil Low Viscosity ATF for the power steering. I'd insist on a complete rack drain and refill - no need for any special kits - just replace the fluid and bleed out the air.

Use Redline MT-85 for the manual trans or OEM fluid, nothing else will make it shift the way it's supposed to. Don't forget to replace the drain/fill gaskets with new ones.

 

+1 on OEM tranny fluid. I've read a lot of negative reviews on redline MT-85. Many people end up switching back to OEM after experiencing gear crunching.

 

Thanks @eksigned for your suggestion.
and thank you, @bythabay for these tips on the power steering fluid flush.

My mechanic told me that kit includes solvents (cleaning solutions), which I'm assuming are used to clear out the lines. The brand he uses is Penray, which, surprisingly, there was no match on this forum for that name. I think I've seen this at my local Autozone or O'Reilly. Anyone have experience with Penray's power steering kit? The reason I ask about this is because the shop is charging me the same amount whether I bring in my own fluid or use their Penray fluid.

 

I was thinking of changing the power steering fluid myself. Is this hard? I've read that I can use a turkey baster to get all the old fluid out... Is there a sticky or video on this?

 

It's actually really easy. No video yet, but jack up the car, take off the undercover. Take off the power steering fluid reservoir cap. Find the return line that goes from the rack to the reservoir and disconnect it. The fluid will drain out - you can facilitate this by turning the wheel a few times. Once all the fluid comes out, close everything up. Refill the fluid through the reservoir and bleed out the air by turning the wheels lock to lock a bunch of times. Top off the fluid as it goes down. When the fluid level is no longer dropping, start up the car and that last bit of air will come out bringing the fluid level down to the min cold mark - top if off to max cold and you're done. Do not run car with the fluid level below min, you will damage the PS pump.

 

wow, first time I've heard of that... seems like redline engineered that fluid specifically for this application. I'll look into it some. I have played around with different tranny oils and I know from personal experience that I couldn't tell the difference between the factory fill and redline mt-85 except performance (mabye the mt-85 was better). I recently replaced someone's factory fill with mt-85 and he actually said the shifting quality was a lot better.

 

Thanks for your help, all.

I think I've decided to go to the turkey baster route haha (actually, using a siphon) mainly because I don't want to make a mess, screw things up, or trap air in the line. I plan to run 2 qts of Lucas Power Steering Fluid w/ conditioner for a few days or weeks before filling it up with AMSOIL.

I've read a few posts on it, some on bobistheoilguy.com.
Any thoughts on this?

 

inf does not have a rec to flush power steering fluid, never rec a power steering flush to any customer, i think it is bs, i have 200k veh comming in with the same fluid, no probs

 

huh?
"inf" = ?
"rec" = recommend?

 

inf = Infiniti (I'm assuming, and you know what that can get you)

 

thanks you

 

Agree with this completely.
If you are not having any issues with your power steering, I would leave it alone. Otherwise power steering issues are something best left to infiniti trained technician IMHO.
Cheers,
Daniel