How to do a Power Steering Flush?

My fluid level is below the cold line, the fluid color is a light brown/amber. From what I can gather, it calls for Dexon 2 or 3 ATF which should be red in color, so I figured I should do a flush. Im no mechanic and have basic tools.

Ive done research on how to do a flush on other vehicles but I really just want to be sure that Im doing it properly for the 3rd gen Tacoma. Can somebody go through the steps for this process in a noob friendly way? I will need shown which hoses to disconnect.

Thanks, this is my first post!

 

Welcome to TW!

1. Attain a $10 fluid pump from
your local auto parts store

2. Extract all the fluid from the power steering pump reservoir

3. Fill the reservoir with new fluid

4. Start the truck, let it run 5 min while you turn the wheel completely left then completely right

5. Repeat steps 2-4 two more times

 

That pump hose was too large to fit in the PS reservoir hole but luckily they had a smaller one in stock. I did steps 2-4 about 6 times until it started becoming a clear red. Still some brown in it but im about out of fluid so oh well. Steers much better now! Thanks!

 

$30 Mityvac MVA6851 Fluid Extractor, Syringe Action to Extract and Dispense Fluids Into or Out of Small Reservoirs Including Master Cylinder, Transaxles and Power Steering and Coolant Reservoirs

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MPQ8RBG works great. I initially did several drain/refills, but now I'm making a point to do the reservoir once every oil change using Redline D4 ATF.

 

That sounds like a good idea.

 

If you use one of the above pumps and drain the reservoir, then remove the return hose going to the reservoir put a small cap on the reservoir and then extend the return hose into a 1 gallon jug ( old coolant jug ) then with the help of a mate the flush can begin. Fill the reservoir with fresh fluid have your mate start the engine as you keep adding more fluid have him turn the wheel side to side after you've poured 2 qt thru the system rehook the return line fill it 1 last time start the engine let it idle turn the wheel side to side shut it off let the air rise in the reservoir for a few minutes then restart if pump makes noise turn it off again and let the air rise again. that is the true flush method. but draining and filling works its just not flushing lol

 

Why do you think the fluid was below the cold line ?
Leak or not topped off completely to begin with ?
How many miles do you have ?

 

Thanks for this dude. I know how to do that too, but just reassuring. Anyone else's below the cold min when hot? I'm guessing I have a small leak in the system somewhere...

 

My was low at 51000. I couldn't find a leak, but should probably change it out I guess.

 

I use one of these and Maxlife ATF.

 

I would just top it off with OEM fluid and get on with life. Most vehicles live their entire life on the factory fill of power steering and brake fluid. I get changing it on a race car, but a late model daily driver, not so much.

 

Frankly....the simplest thing to do is a simple suck-and-fill of the reservoir at each oil change. This keeps the fluid fresh and is easier than a full replacement.

 

I bought my truck used and it was already like that. No signs of leaks. Beats me, but it never continued to go lower. Ill be keeping an eye on it.

 

Few demographics waste their money like a Tacoma owner.