Wrong fluid for power-steering?

I used Valvoline Maxlife Power Steering Fluid for my 2012 Tacoma, however I realized it was the wrong kind (I need the ATF Dex 3). it seems to be running fine, however since it is the wrong fluid, I'm afraid of causing damage. Will it be fine? or should I just re-do it?

Link to the product used: https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p...BAyiN7agAtvc5msa-AoaAlr-EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

It will be fine, it's Dexron III compatible.
https://www.valvolineglobal.com/en/maxlife-multi-vehicle-atf/

 

Probably the best fluid you can use for PS.



Edit: you mean valvoline max life ATF, right?

 

Ah good catch, I didn't realize they made a Maxlife PS fluid.

Still probably ok although not sure I like that it contains stop leak.

https://valvolinechemicals.com/products/valvoline-maxlife-power-steering-fluid-32oz

 

Yeah I don't want any stop leak if my seals are good. Toyota dealer in Texas was using this:



everyone says just put Toyota WS ATF

 

Yeah I agree with the stop leak. Should I flush it again? Or should I just keep it in mind for next time?

 

If the fluid you used does not indicate dex 3 compatible, then I would flush it. Don't need to go crazy and flush every drop out.

Valvoline Max Life ATF is my preferred choice. Or any dex 3 will work.

 

It's "probably" not gona hurt anything, I'm just not a fan of stop leak of any kind.

At best it's a bandaid, at worst it causes more damage than if you would have fixed the leak properly.

Power steering systems are usually pretty resilient though, most aren't picky about the type of oil used.

 

The manual calls for ATF Dexron II or III, which is not the same as Dexron IV or V. The back of the ATF bottle or spec sheet will say if it is compatible with Dexron II/III.

 

Honestly you could run nearly any kind of red oil in the Toyota PS system, they arent picky.

 

No. Never use toyota WS ATF on your Power steering system. It will destroy your system. Best to stick to Valvoline maxlife atf.

 

Prestone sells an "Asian Vehicle" PSF that is basically Dex 3 without the red dye.. if you want a perfect factory replacement option. It's pricey though.

 

Never?

So valvoline maxlife atf is what to use?

 

Please explain

 

WS is not equivalent to Dex3 due to different friction modifiers and viscosity nor does it specify it is compatible. I also read somewhere in this forum where someone used it in their PS system and it killed the steering rack and had to replace it afterwards. I would only recommend to use fluid that say it is Dex3 or Dex3 compatible.

 

Killed it how? Started leaking or stopped working?

 

Can i use prestones version of dex 3?

 

Yes. Literally any Merc/Dex 3 equivalent is fine

It's not doing anything special in there. ATF is simply Toyota's hydraulic fluid of choice in their p/s systems

 

Ford too

 

Any brand of compatible fluid will work fine. Don't pay extra for some brand name it won't improve your steering lol