A few questions about changing the power steering fluid.

This will be the first time I do this. I'm thinking of doing it the simple (but time consuming) way of using a turkey baster and sucking up all the fluid, refilling, driving for a bit, sucking out the fluid again...repeating until the fluid looks good.

1. Should I warm up the car before doing this or does it not matter?

2. What line should I fill to when I refill it?

3. Which fluid should I use? Is synthetic beneficial in this case? Can I mix synthetic and regular fluid or do I have to do a whole system flush for synthetic?

Thanks

 

Use recommended fluid, I'm a stickler so I get Toyota fluid.


Also there's a way more efficient way of doing it. If you have an extra long piece of 3/8s hose, attach that to one of the lines, plug the 3/8 return line at the reservoir, and direct that long hose into a bucket. All the fluid will puke out of that hose, and fill up the reservoir as it it runs for a few seconds, to prevent running it dry. That's a quick fluid flush. You'll only need about a litre of fluid if you're good. I'd get two to be safe. Put the hose back into the reservoir and fill it up...

 

I'm assuming your vehicle calls for Dexron ATF

I've done it just as you described. it works well.

1 I do it after it is warmed up, the fluid flows a little more easily.
2. I haven't done yet to my Tacoma, haven't owned it very long so I'm not sure where the line is on this one. Doesn't it have a 'dipstick' attached on the cap that is marked?
3. I use synthetic and it is fine to mix it, no problem.