Dark power steering fluid
So, for a while now, i have been experiencing stiff steering, i have changed the fluid several times, but it ends up turning dark within a short while.
and i jack up the front wheels, turn the steering wheel, while topping up the reservoir, till red fluid comes out [i use dex 3], but within a week, < 70miles, the fluid turns dark again. any clue to what may be causing it. i threw in a new pump 2 days ago, my stiff steering problems are gone, but today..i check again, the fluid is already brownish red again:deadhorse: |
Might be the new pump seating itself in with some initial wear. See if the color stabilizes somewhat over the first month. I try and syringe out the reservoir every oil change and add new ATF. It comes out through the clear tube red but when put into a little jar I collect it in it's dark reddish-brown as you say.
I've never had to replace a p/s pump and have 3 Toys, lowest mileage 140K and 17 years old, highest 220K, 13 years old. Did have the stiff steering you mention but it was the steer shaft u-joint just above the steer gear, new shaft and great! |
I've never had a PS pump failure in my 2005 SR5 4runner/150,000 miles.
I have siphoned off PS fluid when it got slightly dirty once or twice. Currently it is 90% clear. Poster that has dark PS fluid and black PS fluid has "seals" failing somewhere IMO. Chrisfix https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuPALAnHjRM |
Quote:
|
I use clear power steering fluid, not red tranny fluid. My 4 runner came new from factory in 2005 with clear PS fluid.
Universal Steering System Lubricants - CARiD.com Power steering fluid colors What is Power steering fluid color Should Be? Mine is clear/amber also and it was like that on my 4th Gen too. http://5th-gen-t4rs/117098-power-ste...fluid-atf.html |
Quote:
"Check the fluid level through the reservoir. If necessary, add automatic transmission fluid DEXRONII or III. If the vehicle has been driven around 80 km/h (50 mph) for 20 minutes (a little more in frigid temperatures), the fluid is hot (60C—80C or 140F—175F). You may also check the level when the fluid is cold (about room temperature, 10C—30C or 50F—85F) if the engine has not been run for about five hours. Clean all dirt from the outside of the reservoir tank and look at the fluid level. If the fluid is cold, the level should be in the “COLD” range. Similarly, if it is hot, the fluid level should be in the “HOT” range. If the level is at the low side of either range, add automatic transmission fluid DEXRONII or III to bring the level within the range. To remove the reservoir cap, turn it counterclockwise and lift up. To reinstall it, turn it clockwise. After replacing the reservoir cap, visually check the steering box case, vane pump and and hose connections for leaks or damage" There is 2 different versions of the 2005 T4R owner's manual depending on the build date of your 2005 T4R.....but on page 381 in both versions is says the above. Here's links to both versions of the 2005 T4R owner's manual in PDF form directly from Toyota's website, again look on page 381 in either or both the see the text I posted above concerning what fluid should be use in the power steering pump. https://www.toyota.com/t3Portal/docu...f/OM35843U.pdf https://www.toyota.com/t3Portal/docu...f/OM35860U.pdf |
Quote:
Power steering system is essentially a closed system with no major contaminants (like combustion you see in engine oil) so you shouldn't be seeing substantial fluid change if you have done a complete flush. My suggestion would be to have an oil analysis done through Blackstone Labs or Wix (it's ~$12ish through Rock Auto or NAPA) and see what's going on. |
Vavoline MaxLife ATF, not PS fluid.
|
Quote:
|
the original fluid in my truck was clear fluid, that got gradually dark & i changed it..about 3 years ago
|
Quote:
I still don't think the clear fluid was clear "power steering fluid" but instead ATF without the red dye that has been added to all ATF since around 1968 to avoid confusing it with regular motor oil. why is transmission fluid red - Bing Automatic transmission fluid - Wikipedia |
Quote:
if you are using clear power steering fluid you buy from auto parts stores, you are using the wrong fluid. |
Quote:
my 04 rav4 also has clear power steering fluid. 2ndly, observed my truck has developed a squeal,and a constant slight tap tap sound after the power steering pump replacement, however, the belt was already damaged by the time, i opened the hood to investigate - i then saw that the repair shop messed up, the lowest pulley, the placed the belt groove down on it. after searching through the forum, i was able to replace the belt, with a GATES belt, but the squeak is still there, i checked the idler pulleys before installing the new belt..and they felt fine. anyother way of tshooting this noise, apart from throwing parts at it?? |
Quote:
The squeak could be coming from any of the moving mechanisms that are moving along with the belt, sometime even new parts could be making the noise. |
Quote:
the tensioner sounded a bit different too |
All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:24 PM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Search Engine Optimisation provided by
DragonByte SEO (Pro) -
vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
User Alert System provided by
Advanced User Tagging (Lite) -
vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
***This site is an unofficial Toyota site, and is not officially endorsed, supported, authorized by or affiliated with Toyota. All company, product, or service names references in this web site are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners. The Toyota name, marks, designs and logos, as well as Toyota model names, are registered trademarks of Toyota Motor Corporation***Ad Management plugin by RedTyger