ak1

Hello, I did 60K recently and replaced manual transmission oil (I have manual), differential oil, engine coolant, engine oil, filters. Brake fluid was replaced recently.

Clutch fluid and Power Steering fluid are listed as inspection items in all maintenance types in the manual, including Premium maintenance. I assumed that I do not need to change them ever? And about inspection, what should I look for if I inspect myself? Fluid level? Color?
Thanks!

canucklehead

iTrader: (9)

Just change those out now. 60k is plenty of miles on the original fluid. Use Nissan PSF or automatic transmission fluid for the power steering. And use dot 3 or 4 brake fluid for the clutch fluid. Both are very easy DIY projects. Fluid will set you back about $20 tops.

Power steering fluid will appear reddish and not murky when it is replaced. Clutch fluid will be clear with a yellow hue. Make sure to clean out the clutch fluid reservoir while swapping fluid. I just did mine and there was sludge on the bottom of the reservoir.

Black Betty

iTrader: (60)

Clutch fluid (same as brake fluid) should be clear. It should look just like the brake fluid. At 60K it's time to flush it. The fluid in the reservoir is probably dark, iced tea color or darker. As the above poster mentioned, there will probably be some dark sediment on the bottom of the reservoir. That's normal.

You can do a full power steering flush by removing the hose and flushing the system completely while it's under pressure but it's a PITA. IMO this is probably unnecessary. An easier DIY method is the "turkey baster" method. You can use a turkey baster or syringe or whatever you have handy to suck our as much of the fluid as you can from the reservoir. Top it off with new fluid. After the next time you drive the car, repeat this again. Do this about 3 or 4 times or until you've used up an entire quart of fluid refilling what you remove each time. It's probably not really needed to remove the hose and do a complete flush under pressure. Unless you like overkill.

EDIT: I just Googled "turkey baster method" because I thought I might find link to a simple DIY PS fluid change. I was wrong.
Google "turkey baster method power steering" for better results including a video.

shivers

iTrader: (2)

Definitely do your clutch fluid. I changed mine at 30k since I got my car used and wanted to make sure everything was fresh. It looked ok in the res, but it was pretty nasty looking when it came out.

ak1

It is good information, thank you for your responses! Can I use turkey baster style for clutch fluid? If you DIY, what method do you use for clutch fluid?

Glenn2008

iTrader: (3)

This is what I do: http://www.rangeracceleration.com/Clutch_Care.html

It works great.

Black Betty

iTrader: (60)

Yes you can, but bleeding the clutch isn't particularly difficult if you can get underneath the car easily and have a second person who can pump the pedal and top off the reservoir while you bleed it.

Glenn2008

iTrader: (3)

^Or you can purchase a Motive power bleeder. I haven't used it on the clutch yet, but it works great on the brakes.

Black Betty

iTrader: (60)

DO NOT use a power bleeder on your clutch. 1) It wont fit the cap. 2) The clutch system should not be pressurized as it will damage the clutch master cylinder.