2nd Gen Power Steering Fluid Recommendations

Ive recently noticed my power steering fluid is a bit on the low side. The manuel and cap on the reservoir calls for Dexron type ATF. My question is, What type of fluid are you guys using on your Taco? So many options available I dont want to add some crappy fluid that could mess things up. Also, have any of you ever drain/replaced your power steering fluid? Was it hard to do? Thanks guys.

 

Bump...

 

repclace fluid.YES..........take a turkey baster and suck out all the old fluid and replace with whatever you decide. i also do this with my brake master about once a year.

 

I changed mine out to mobil 1 ATF when I installed the magnefine @ 20k miles. At almost 47k it's still looking good, no issues to report.

 

Also, I use the following method for a change:

1) Suck out the fluid in the reservoir (turkey baster or other fluid pump)
2) Disconnect the return line to the reservoir (it's the one that's higher on the reservoir, feeding into the side)
3) Close off the return line hose barb on the reservoir, then top it off with the new ATF of your choice.
4) Jack up the front wheels
5) With the engine off! - place a container under the return line, then rotate the steering wheel from one side to the other, each full cycle will force about 8-10 ounces of fluid out, so be sure you have a big enough container.
6) Repeat the top off / steering cycle until you have new clean fluid coming out of the return line, and the level of the reservoir is BELOW the return line input.
7) Reconnect the return line - still with the engine off, top off the reservoir, then cycle the steering, top off the reservoir, cycle the steering .... do this until the level is correct.
8) Let the vehicle down off the jack, double-check all of your hose connections then start it up.
9) With the engine running cycle the steering a couple more times then shut it down.
10) re-check the level in the reservoir and top up if necessary.
11) You're done!

 

Would the Toyota type 4 ATF work?

 

I would think that would be fine if that's what you have laying around.

 

There's a "how to flush your powersteering fluid" around here somewhere. I used some extra AMSoil synthetic ATF that I had. Toyota T-IV and Dextron II/III are compatible, at least in transmission applications, not 100% sure about in PS applications.

 

Doesn't anyone rtfm anymore?

 

True true, If they Toyota T IV and Dextron III/IV are compatible then they should it should be fine in the power steering system,,, I hope. (Anyone ever try this)? And yes i saw the PS flush thread....Thanks.

 

MassTaco: That was a great Write up as I just completed my Power Steering Fluid Change on my 2008 2nd Gen Tacoma TRD Off Road.

I would like to add to your write up the following:

1. The Turkey Baster head was not long enough so I had to add a piece of 1/4" inside Dia x 4" long clear tubing to reach the bottom of the reservoir. (It was too tight to fit so a few seconds above the stove fire made it pliable for it to fit over turkey baster head.)

2. I used a 1/2" Rubber Cap I got at NAPA Auto Parts to close the return line hose barb on the reservoir.

3. I used a 2 liter plastic soda bottle for the ruturn line, and it fit perfectly standing straight up on the Tacoma's frame right next to Power Steering Reservoir.

4. I bought 2 Quarts of ATF DEXRON lll, and I used 1 full Quart of Dexron lll to do entire fluid exchange.

If you think any of the added info is worth adding to your Directions, take what you want and included it into a new sticky...

Pzzzzz from Cali'

 

used mobil 1 ATF in mine and it has been good the last 30k miles or so

 

yea i did Mobil 1 synthetic ATF in my WRX about every 25-30k! about $10 a bottle. you should be fine with 1 bottle unless you do a complete flush and fill

 

I read through most of this thread and did go through some others and I may have missed it but I have a question....so this may have been asked for the 07 Tacomas, the Power steering fluid in mine is amber or yellow and the Toyota Parts dealer sold me red ATF DEXRON lll fluid. Dealer said its ok to top up and mix them. The red is only a dye and he thinks the amber or yellow is the fluid used in Japan. So, is it wise to mix it or just change it all together? I can't see it hurting anything. Maybe I am wrong but just like to be sure.

 

I had an 84 Corolla diesel and the reservoir called for ATF. I got some Casterol ATF and replaced it. Within two days I could hardly turn the wheel. I went to K-Mart and bought the cheapest crap power steering fluid on the shelf. Replaced the fluid again and 5 minutes later was back in business.

 

I need to do this

 

I use the turkey baster method once a year. I use Dextron III ATF I got from Wallys World

 

On my 97 4runner I changed it ONCE in 250k miles before I sold it. I used the cheap stuff from malwart. Same thing on my 2005 325xi. My BMW doesn't like synthetic
ATF for some reason. Turkey baster over multiple weeks with no work at all.

 

I used Max life because I had a extra quart after servicing the transmission. The steering actually felt smoother after that, which was when my truck had 50k miles.

 

MY taco is leaking power steering fluid from the return line..Anyone replaced this themselves the stealership want a few hundred to replace it any input would be GREAT