Power Steering Fluid Topoff

I just noticed my power steering fluid is a bit low. The reservoir doesn't specify what fluid to use. From some quick research I've seen people say use dexron II or III, or automatic transmission fluid. I've got a 2009 6 cylinder TRD sport if that makes any difference. What do y'all recommend?

 

dexxron lll works if that's all you have. but power steering fluid is what you want. doesn't have to be anything special. you could put some lucas power steering stop leak in as well

 

Your owners manual says Dex II or III. Use those to meet the manufacturer requirements.

I use MaxLife ATF as it meets those requirements.

 

Thanks. I bought my truck used and have yet to pick up a manual.

 

Download them for FREE!

 

Owner's manual says Dexron III (some $5 a quart at the dealer if you don't have any). Don't use anything else in there.

 

You, sir, are the man.

 

Anyone use Penzoil High mileage synthetic atf? Says its dex 3 compatible, but no dex 2. Hopefully it isn't to thin.

 

I've used both Mobil 1 synthetic atf, and Maxlife Dex/Merc in mine for years with no issues. Been just staying with the Maxlife the last few years because it's cheap, works great. Lots of people here are using the Maxlife in the auto transmissions in place of the WS fluid with good results too. I get it at Walmart for $17 per gallon jug.

 

Valvoline Maxlife ATF

 

Yep picked up 4 today for full tranny flush. Just seeing if anyone had experience with Penzoil high mileage synthetic atf in power steering?

 

My local Walmart does usually, but they don't always have it. You can buy three gallon jugs on Amazon for about $70 I think.

 

I haven't, but anything Dexron should be fine. Our power steering isn't picky... this isn't a Honda. Lol

You should be able to use Dexron VI, it is backwards compatible with previous versions of Dexron fluid. There is no longer a licensed version of Dexron 3 fluid, GM stoped licensing it when Dex 6 came out in 2006. Basically anything that says Dexron 3 compatible is just whatever the fluid manufacturer has decided to put in it. There isn't any spec that they have to conform to. I would check with Toyota before I used dex 6, but it should be fine.

 

I emailed Valvoline and asked them about it before I started using it.

 

Dex 6? The pennzoil I have states directly Dex 3 compatible and no where says dex 6?

 

I saw that a while back. I'd say it would be fine for the transmission, I'm gonna stay with the Maxlife as long as I can get it.

 

Lots of ATFs still say Dex 3, but there is no genuine Dex 3 anymore because it isn't being licensed by GM. I'd use it with no hesitation.

 

That's what I was planning on just making sure and checking if someone else had tried this specific fluid out. Sucks cause i'm replacing entire power steering system except for rack and pinion. 2 quarts should be enough for the whole thing?

 

Yeah, two quarts is plenty. I doesn't take much over a quart to refill the system if you drain it completely, rack included.
Just so we're clear, you're replacing the fluid only? It almost sounds like you're replacing the power steering components? Pump, lines...etc?

 

Got it, thanks