Power Steering. Change or Add?

Hey all,

I have been a Tacoma owner since November. Before it, I drove a 97 corolla for years (car made it to hell and back). Anyway, my question pertains to the power steering fluid. When I was low in my corolla I would just add fluid to it and I'd be good to go. But wanting to be as careful as I can with my Tacoma, I searched some threads on here about power steering fluid and I've seen a lot of guys change it out completely rather than just add fluid. This may be a newb question to car maintenance in general, but I wasn't sure so I thought I'd ask here. So my question is, what is everybody's preference. What are the benefits to flushing it as opposed to just adding. My old man said he never flushed power steering in any car he ever owned and never had a problem.

Any insight is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Doug

 

flush it and replace with new fluid every 40k miles. It is about maintenance, that way ur power steering pump lasts way longer and it turns smoother. All fluids can get dirty and need to be changed periodically

 

I just got off the phone with the service center and they're going to charge me 149 for the whole job (flush and replace). I would do it myself but I've never done it before and its hard to find the time. This sounds like a rip off. What do you guys think? Was thinking of just going to a local mechanic to do it instead, hoping it will be cheaper.

 

Flushing a power steering system is ridiculously simple. There are some good write-ups on Tacoma Forums if you're unsure how to do it. $149 seems like a lot. I flush all of my fluids every 30,000 miles. I just did my transmission and brakes today...

 

Okay I think I'll give it a crack. What fluid/brand do you guys recommend?

 

not sure. my truck is too new. specs should be on the cap. Should be Dexcon IV or V

 

I've found tutorials that talk about disconnecting the return line and sticking it into a a bottle and then turning the steering wheel to get out more fluid. My question is, would it be effective if I just leave the return line connected to the reservoir, turkey bast out all the fluid and then turn the steering wheel to get more fluid into the reservoir to remove by the turkey bast method?

 

I did this a few weeks ago and it's simple. Run the return line to a bottle, add new fluid to the reservoir, as much as you can, and turn the wheel a left/right. The fluid will drain into the bottle. Repeat until the fluid is clean. Reconnect everything and add fluid to the full line, turn the wheel and adjust level. Go for a ride to heat up the fluid and check levels again.

 

Ah duh! That sounds like my best bet. Did you fill it with what was recommended under on the cap?

 

I used what was recommended in the manual, ATF Dexron III. I can't remember the brand but it was Dexron III. Make sure to put some paper towels or rags around the reservoir when taking the hose off and putting it back on. Some fluid stays in the return hose and can spill out.

 

Mobil 1 Dexron III ATF

 

I plan on flushing and refilling my power steering fluid tomorrow. I have read numerous write ups on how to do this. I just want to make sure I remove the correct line. I have read to remove the return line and allow the fluid to run into a container.

Is the smaller rubber line with the 45 degree angle near the bottom of this pic the return line?