Recommend Power steering fluid

Hi guys, quick question what fluid do you recommend for my taco steering wheel. Doing a flush, I now it used transmission fluid. Just wanna know if I should get the one from the stealership. Also how many qtrs do I need??

 

Toyotas use ATF for the power steering, not power steering fluid. Dextron III/IV ATF, pick whichever brand tickles your fancy. Don't need to waste money on the Toyota stuff imo
When I change mine out I just buy a couple quarts and usually have some left over, but I don't do a flush. I do the syringe/turkey baster method of replacing the fluid in the reservoir, turn the wheels then repeat until it looks clean

 

been eyeballing this - tired of that damn turkey baster

$110 OEMTOOLS 24397 10 Quarts (2.5 Gallons) Manual Fluid Extractor, Oil Extractor Pump, Transmission Fluid Pump, Oversized Handle Manual Oil Pump Extractor

https://smile.amazon.com/OEMTOOLS-24397-Liter-Evacuator-Dispenser/dp/B01BW393E2/

 

I have something like that from MityVac. For two of my cars, I can run the extractor tube down into the PS reservoir return line area and then place a small funnel in the top. That allows me to fill and extract at the same time. I haven't' tried it on the Taco because the reservoir opening is smaller. A small diameter metal tube may make it possible on the Taco. I've also used it for "power bleeding" a very difficult clutch. I used a clear tube that I could place over the clutch bleeder valve and then pumped up the vacuum.

I've had the Mityvac for so many years that the pump diaphragm dried out and stopped working. I think its good to find one of these where you can buy the seal kit at a later date.

 

If you have an air compressor this work great for removing an automotive fluid. Works really good at bleeding brakes too.

https://www.harborfreight./brake-fluid-bleeder-92924.html

 

I call it the turkey baster method but I use one of those hand pumps you can buy in the gear oil section at the local parts store...just put one end in the reservoir and the other end in an empty bottle then pump a few times and it pulls all the fluid out.

 

but this one has so many uses... @CS_AR nailed it - power bleeding

I hear you, I have one of those hand pumps from the gear oil section as well.

 

Mine said use ATF. So I used Valvoline MaxLife, same stuff I put in the transmission.

 

This is the best cheap way of doing it you will need the following

20ml Syringe with plastic tube i got mine for $2 https://www.ebay.com/itm/20ml-Plast...ation-Kit-with-18cm-Tube-Tool-US/232964230264

At least 2 quarts of ATF i use the 1 gallon non synthetic in the blue bottle from walmart $15

3" piece of 3/8 tube and a bolt that will fit tight enough to plug it off completely

Step 1: Suck all of the fluid out of the reservoir with the syringe
Step 2: Remove the return line from the reservoir and point it down into a bucket or catch pan.
Step 3: Put short piece of 3/8" line with a bolt stuck in the bottom back onto the reservoir so it will not leak
Step 4: Jack up front end so both front tires are off the ground so you can turn the wheel easy without the truck running
Step 5: Turn wheel back and forth pushing all of the old fluid out of the return line and into the catch pan
Step 6: Fill up reservoir up to the top with fresh ATF and turn wheel back and forth pushing fresh fluid through the system until the fluid coming out of the return line is red and clean
Step 6: Re-attach return line to the reservoir and top off the fluid and turn wheel back and forth until all of the air is worked out of the system.
Step 7: Once fluid is bled check fluid level and adjust as necessary drive the truck around and check it again.

It's never a good idea to bleed power steering fluid with the truck running it's a good way to ruin the pump

 

Yup, +1 for this, way better than the turkey baster. I tried the turkey baster but it just leaks all over. Using actual syringe with tubing is way easier for all the bleeding/flushing jobs (brakes, clutch, power steering) IMO

 

not to mention you won't get in trouble for ruining your wife's brand new turkey baster (learned that the hard way)

 

lol yikes

 

This inexpensive set-up works good for removing fluids.

 

Huy guys quick question, How often should this service be done?

 

Thank you so much, took me forever to get an answer.

 

I just buy a case of the Napa of the current number ATF then it lasts.

 

Of all the methods i have seen and tried this one works the best.
I disconnect and plug the in line on the PS reservoir and drain as much fluid as I can from it and then fill with new fluid

I hook up the suction side of the electric pump below to the line that returns fluid to the reservoir and the pump output line to a pop bottle.




I turn on pump and it draws the new fluid all the way through the whole system. I do turn the pump off before the reservoir is empty, refill and repeat until fluid being drawn thru is clear and clean (takes about 3 fills on the reservoir)


Note.. Never run the pump such that the reservoir is empty to keep from getting air in the system


I also run a magnefine filter in the return line to the reservoir and use Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01HT9M5I4


Just did this last weekend. You can see the magnefine filter in this pic as well.

 

How often are ya'all changing your fluid?
And when doing so, is it because of recommended interval, or is it because of the fluid going bad?