Power steering fluid top up question

I’m confused... use ATF fluid for Power steering ?

 

That's what the Toyota power steering pumps call for.

 

This comes up a lot.

Toyota uses un-dyed automatic transmission fluid for the P/S pump.

So when you top it up or flush it, its red.

You can use Dextron/Mercon III, but really any modern ATF is fine. Synthetic just howls less in the dead of winter.

 

subd

 

I just removed the bottom hose from the reservoir and drained it. Then reinstalled the hose, topped it off and will drive it for a week or two and repeat. Do this a few times and it will change a lot of it out.
It's a little easier than doing a full flush, but admittedly probably not as good.
I did this to my wife's Sienna minivan a couple of weeks ago and the fluid I took out didn't look too bad. It has 235,000 miles on it.

 

WS atf is not type 2/3, maybe it doesn’t matter but that isn’t what it calls for.

 

You can also pull the fluid out of the reservoir with a big syringe, put new fluid in and then turn wheels lock to lock several times (circulates the fluid through the system), then repeat the process until the fluid looks new. Usually takes me maybe 6 or 7 times total. That's how I do my power steering fluid changes, works really well

 

I use left over WS all the time, its just synthetic dex 3.

 

WS is not equivalent to dex3 it is equivalent to dex VI which is lighter viscosity. Toyota type iv is equivalent to dex3.

WS is not backwards compatible with type IV because of the viscosity difference. You aren’t supposed to run WS in a transmission that calls for type iv. I know we aren’t talking transmissions here we are talking PS pumps, but I would run what it calls for which is type iv or equivalent.

 

What is WS?

 

Toyota auto transmission fluid. I believe it stands for “World Standard”

 

OP got his answer, but if you look closely at the cap underneath “close” it says right there, use atf.

 

I use a battery fluid filler. Works great

 

Added to my Amazon cart!

 

Sucks it quickly and it easily fits in the reservoir hole.

Then I use a very small funnel to help fill it up.

Just note the "cold" or "hot" marks. I always do it cold. That way it's a simple matter of filling up to the cold mark.

Do this at every oil change and you'll always be good.

 

There is. It’s at the bottom of the reservoir right above the return line fitting. It’s nearly impossible to clean and if it’s got so dirty that it makes the pump aerate then it should just be replaced.

 

hmm i had no idea!

 

I get more squeaking from the steering using Mobil1 ATF than when it had Lucas PS fluid in it. Next change I think I'm going to go back to Lucas so see if the squeaks disappear again.

 

I didn't want to disconnect a hose and get a mess so I got a gal at walmart for $14 and a turkey baster from the dollar store - sucked out the old fluid and filled with new fluid - drove it around for a few days - removed fluid - filled fluid - repeat, repeat, repeat etc. until fluid I took out was same color as new fluid I was putting in - no muss no fuss. More details - put paper towel on serpentine belt to catch the drips - used clear plastic bottle - put used fluid in it - marked bottle - dumped - filled to the mark with new fluid and filled the power steering reservoir - didn't have to be careful measuring fluid in reservoir. I still have over 1/2 gal left so total cost about $8 for fluid and turkey baster. Hope this helps make it easier for some of you.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Valvoline-DEX-MERC-Automatic-Transmission-Fluid-1-Gallon/15125788 $14

$10 Turkey Baster, Basting Tool, Classic Kitchen Baster for Cooking

https://www.amazon.com/BNYD-Turkey-Baster/dp/B01GQSTK1O I paid $1