I was wondering how often you guys change your power steering fluid out? I did mine today at 40k miles. Emptied the reservoir, refilled turned the steering wheels a few times and drove around the block. I did this enough times to use 3 12oz bottles of PSF. I did notice a few particles in the PSF I removed. Hopefully I just didn’t waste my money.


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I am so happy you used Idemitsu steering fluid, as I SUSPECT that exactly fluid used in original fluid from factory in all Japanese cars, including Toyota - logic just make sense to me. I really wasn't happy to follow Toyota instructions to use Dextron III, however it is may be compatible, just do not like color in steering, makes it feel like GM

I did it periodically on my '97. It, like my 5th gen TRD ORP, is speced for Dexron II or III ATF. I used Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF in the 3rd gen, and will likely do the same eventually on the 5th gen. It only has 3.5k miles at present.

When I do it, I'll loosen the high-pressure line on the steering rack, and let it drain. Then put the pressure line back on the rack, and fill the reservoir back up. Then start the engine to check for leaks. There will be air in the system initially, so there will potentially be some slight whining, until the air makes it way up to the reservoir. Then go for a short drive turning the wheel full right to left several times, then check and adjust to the correct level in the reservoir.

Makes me wonder or I used the wrong PSF and I should have went with the decron 3.


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After doing nothing for the first 4-5 years, I then started with the Turkey baster method every oil change until 100k where I did the “power off” replacement method. You don’t get much out with a Turkey baster. I’ve been using M1 Dexron III but I think I will switch to the Idemetsu.

Whenever I change engine oil, I use a syringe to empty the PS reservoir and hold the syringe up to a bright light to check fluid clarity and presence of suspended particles. No issues since 2011 and 127K miles.

I change it every 30k. Use a fluid extractor on the return line and feed new fluid into the reservoir. Redline PSF works well.


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Just got it done for the first time at 47k miles. Fully flushed it, it was definitely dirty. I need to do it a bit earlier next time.

Maybe I'm the only one doing this, but I thought it was common knowledge?

You can flush the PS fluid by simply jacking the front tires off the ground, removing the PS return line, and turning the wheel clock to clock with the engine off and the key in the on position.
To prevent a mess I plug the return port on the reservoir and extend the return line into a bucket on the floor. As soon as the reservoir is almost empty and before it can suck air, I fill it to the top with new fluid.
Repeat the process a few times until the fluid running out is clear.

No turkey basters, no partial fill, and easy clean exchange of all PS fluid.

75-100K seems about normal. I like Redline products.

I haven't changed the PSF in my 4Runner yet but that's how I did it in my FJ Cruiser. Worked well and was easy.

Yeah that’s how I do a complete flush but I don’t lift the front wheels all the way off the ground, just enough to still give a bit of resistance.

I skipped a bunch of steps in my description, but I also have the tires off the ground, key in the 'ON' position with the engine not running, and then move the wheel/tire assembly from lock-to-lock by hand, to get as much old fluid out of the rack as possible.

On other vehicles I flush the same way. Near 100% fluid flushed. No mess. Have not done this on the 4runner yet.

What do you think about Idemitsu Power Steering fluid that you used in your 5th Gen? I also wonder if this is the OEM/stock fluid used from the factory.

Thanks!