Parts for your 2014 Nissan Navara-Power steering fluid

2014 Nissan Navara power-steering-fluid — what it is, what it does, and how to look after it

Power-steering fluid is absolutely relevant to the 2014 Nissan Navara. According to Nissan technical sources — the Navara D40 Series Workshop Manual (Steering, ST section) and the 2014 Owner’s Manual — this model uses a hydraulic power-steering system with a belt-driven pump, reservoir, hoses and a rack-and-pinion assembly. Those documents specify using Genuine NISSAN Power Steering Fluid or an equivalent Dexron III/MERCON automatic transmission fluid. It’s not an electric power-steering setup, so it does rely on fluid for proper operation.

In the Navara, power-steering fluid does the heavy lifting. It transmits hydraulic pressure from the pump to assist turning the wheels, while also lubricating internal parts and helping to carry away heat from the pump and rack. Healthy fluid keeps the steering light, quiet and consistent — handy whether it’s daily commuting, towing the boat, or crawling around a worksite.

For this ute, stick with Genuine Nissan PSF or a high-quality Dexron III/Mercon ATF. Don’t mix different fluid types, and skip “stop-leak” products unless it’s a short-term get-by, they can swell seals and mask the real issue. Fresh fluid will usually be a clear red to amber. If it’s gone dark, smells burnt, looks milky/foamy, or shows glittery particles, it’s time for service.

While Nissan typically calls for inspection rather than a fixed change interval, a sensible schedule in Aussie and Kiwi conditions is to replace the fluid roughly every 60,000–100,000 km or 4–5 years — earlier if the Navara tows often, spends time off-road, or sees hot conditions. A full flush takes more fluid than a simple top-up, and the system should be bled by turning the steering from lock to lock with the engine running (without holding it on the stops).

1. Check the level on level ground. Wipe the cap/dipstick, refit and recheck. Observe hot/cold marks as labelled.
2. Top up only with the correct fluid. Don’t overfill.
3. After driving, recheck the level and scan for leaks at the pump, hoses and rack boots.

• Warning signs: heavier steering, whining or groaning, fluid leaks or low level, fluid that’s foamy or very dark, steering shudder at low speeds.

If any of those show up, get a technician to inspect the pump, belt, hoses and rack before expensive wear sets in.

Popular questions

What power-steering fluid does a 2014 Navara use?
For the 2014 D40, use Genuine NISSAN Power Steering Fluid or an equivalent Dexron III/MERCON ATF. Don’t use CVT fluid, brake fluid, or “universal” fluids that don’t explicitly meet Dexron III/Mercon specs.

How often should the power-steering fluid be changed?
There’s no hard-and-fast interval in many manuals, they call for regular inspection. For typical Australian and New Zealand use, changing it about every 60,000–100,000 km or 4–5 years is a good rule of thumb, sooner with heavy towing or off-road work.

Does the 2014 Navara have electric power steering?
No. The 2014 Navara (D40) uses a hydraulic system that requires fluid. Later NP300 (D23) models introduced electric power steering on some variants, but that’s 2015-on in most markets.