Nissan Primera P11 Power Steering Fluid

fitzgese

I've a 1997 Nissan Primera P11 that's low on power steering fluid. The manual says use only DEXRON type automatic transmission fluid, so is this stuff http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_270369_langId_-1_categoryId_165750 suitable? I note it doesn't specifically say it's DEXRON type ATF, but if you look here http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_213983_langId_-1_categoryId_165750#dtab the Halfords web guys specifically recommend using the above power steering fluid for a Nissan Primera (4th question down in the Customer Q and A)?

Is there any reason why the power steering fluid level could have dropped other than a leak, and is there much of a potential for damage (or loss of steering control) if the car is driven with low power steering fluid levels?

Thanks.

8vjohn

The only reason could be a leak as far as I know. Have you checked the system for signs of leaks? There should be cold level and hot level markings on the dipstick for measuring when the fluid is hot and cold. I'm no mechanic but hope this helps a bit

fitzgese

Gonna have a good look at the system tomorrow when there's more light, but I have a feeling there's a leak there somewhere. Yep, I see the hot and cold levels, but it's definitely low, it's way below the cold min. (It's a see through reservoir, and it's barely half full).