Power Steering Fluid

2012 Tacoma 2.7L. The owners manual states dextron ii or iii I’m pretty sure ii is no more but I could be wrong. The color of the fluid in mine is a clear brown color not red. I have read from other forms that regular power steering fluid is just fine to use. What’s y’all’s opinion on this. Thanks.

 

I used what the manual said to use.
Dex- III

 

Use Valvoline Maxlife which is compatible with ATF 2&3. The power steering system is based on using ATF fluid so it is best to use that. The stuff that the manufacturer uses is just undyed ATF. Also the steering will feel smoother than what it used to be.

 

Got 2 quarts of this today to do this weekend, hopefully. I wouldn’t use power steering fluid when it calls for ATF.

 

I found the least expensive source for Dexron III was actually at my local Toyota dealers, which carry Mobil ATF D/M, compliant to the Dexron III standard.

I would avoid the low-viscosity stuff like Valvoline Max-Life, Dexron 6, etc. to minimize the chance for leaks. The Taco steering rack is already notorious for leaking. No need to encourage it!

 

Here is the back of the same but bigger bottle.

 

I don't know about that. As far as I know it will leak if you leave it with dirty fluid. Never heard complaints about Maxlife and it is usually the most recommended by people here.

 

I'm not advocating leaving it with dirty fluid. Max-Life is intended to be a replacement for Toyota WS, Dexron 6, etc., so it's thin, therefore more likely to leak. Less risky to use something closer to actual Dexon II or III, which is cheap and widely available.

 

Even if it says in the back of the bottle that it is also a replacement for Dexron 2&3?

 

^Dexron 2 & 3 is different from Dexron 6, so a fluid can't really be a replacement for both.
Dexron 3 is 7.2 CSt at 100C: https://www.mobil.com/en-ca/passenger-vehicle-lube/pds/io-ca-mobil-atf-dm
Dexron 6 is 5.8 CSt at 100C: https://www.mobil.com/en-ca/passenger-vehicle-lube/pds/io-ca-mobil-dexronvi-atf
MaxLife is 5.9 CSt at 100C: https://sharena21.springcm.com/Down...5ca3517a-e29c-e711-9c10-ac162d889bd3&pdf=True

Max-Life is closer to Dexron 6 in viscosity.

 

C’mon now, I’ve done my research on this site of what kind of power steering fluid to get and almost everyone says to get Valvoline maxlife atf. I haven’t read anyone having any issues with using it.

 

If I’m not doing a flush just a pump out some old put in some new how much will I need?

 

A quart will be enough for that. Why not do a flush it’s quick and simple

 

Less than a quart. Beware the reservoir opening is quite small. A turkey baster won't fit. You'd need a suction gun if you aren't flushing by disconnecting the lines.

 

I could not locate dexron 2 or 3 at the auto parts store. The parts guy said dexron 6 would work. He said look at the back of the bottle. I flushed the system and put in the 6. The pump moaned and groaned and the wheels would not turn easily. Something was definitely wrong. Seemed way to thin. Stopped the truck immediately. Went to Toyota and bought Toyota ATF / power steering fluid. Worked perfectly.

 

Also there is a filter in the reservoir so you won't be able to get all of it in there. Best to do a flush as it will clean the system of any contaminants and will prolong the life of the power steering system.

 

Been using red Mobil 1 ATF. Idk why Toyota falls for that. German cars use Pentosin mineral or synthetic. I’m sure their steering systems work the same; pump, rack, and hoses/lines

might add some Lucas power steering stop leak, as I’ve heard good things about it in general.

 

@Alealexi do I just disconnect the line at the reservoir turn the wheel and add fluid keep repeating that until it’s clean red fluid? Thanks.

 

I contacted Lucas oil they said to used this…it’s such a huge rabbit hole of different answers lol. The book says dextron atf which is what I’ll use as that’s what the book calls for I do find it odd that other companies say different things but that’s the name of the game I guess.

https://lucasoil.com/products/problem-solvers-utility/lucas-oil-power-steering-fluid-w-conditioners

 

Here is a guide for a DIY PSF flush for the Tacoma.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/power-steering-fluid-flush.396536/