5th gen PS fluid

[JLTD]

So along with all the other fluids I like to do a siphon & refill on the power steering fluid periodically. Would like to do a little brain pickin' here for those that've got a bit more technical savvy or have already done this --

Previous gens allowed/specified transmission fluid to be used for the PS, but I see a different spec in the manual for my '15.

Any harm in using trans fluid, assuming I can get all or most of the old fluid out? My thought is that it is a hydraulic fluid with cleaning properties yadda yadda.

Appreciate any insight/experience/commentary.

 

[Crashnrondo]

My 2010 said Dexron 3 right on the cap, does your cap say something different?

 

[The Waco Kid]

I used this like many others have suggested. I doubt anything has changed since 2010.

https://www.mobil.com/en/lubricants/for-personal-vehicles/our-products/products/mobil-1-synthetic-atf/

https://www.amazon.com/Mobil-112980-Synthetic-Automatic-Transmission/dp/B001VY01XA?th=1

 

[Dynamo]

What does your '15 manual say? The owner's manual for my '19 says:

"Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON® II or III"

ETA: I just wish there was some available out there without the red dye like the factory fill stuff.

 

[JLTD]

Thanks for all the replies.

What does your '15 manual say? The owner's manual for my '19 says:

"Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON® II or III".

Mine says the same, apologies for not expressing myself well this morning.

I'm leaning toward using the same transmission fluid as used in the transmission...rather than the Dexron version. Since lots of folks are using the M1 fluid as Waco stated, I'm thinking that any transmission fluid that's good for the transmission would be ok for the PS pump as well.

 

[Crashnrondo]

What does your '15 manual say? The owner's manual for my '19 says:

"Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON® II or III"

ETA: I just wish there was some available out there without the red dye like the factory fill stuff.

When I changed mine at 75,000 it was reddish brown anyway so the dex 3 I used matched just fine :thumb3:

 

[Dynamo]

Thanks for all the replies.



Mine says the same, apologies for not expressing myself well this morning.

I'm leaning toward using the same transmission fluid as used in the transmission...rather than the Dexron version. Since lots of folks are using the M1 fluid as Waco stated, I'm thinking that any transmission fluid that's good for the transmission would be ok for the PS pump as well.

I would not use Toyota WS transmission fluid for your PS if that's what you mean. The stuff The Waco Kid posted says "Recommended by ExxonMobil for use in applications requiring Dexron III". DEXRON is just a trade name for a group of technical specs of ATF.

 

[EZBR.]

I've used Valvoline MAXLIFE ATF in both trans flush and PS flush.... been well over 30,000 KM's (18-ish k miles) now. No issues

 

[DougEFresh2]

I've used Valvoline MAXLIFE ATF in both trans flush and PS flush.... been well over 30,000 KM's (18-ish k miles) now. No issues

I'll second that for the PS flush! For the transmission though, I personally stick to either WS or AMSOIL. The transmission and engine is not something I like risking, even a little.

ALL Fluids Guide: Beginner Fluid Maintenance

 

[JLTD]

I am currently in the process of replacing my PS fluid via the turkey baster method, aka siphon as much as you can then replace.

Using the same Schaeffer Oil as per transmission, seems to be improved so far after 1 cycle, with lighter steering feel and no leaks.

 

[1jzgte]

I am currently in the process of replacing my PS fluid via the turkey baster method, aka siphon as much as you can then replace.

Using the same Schaeffer Oil as per transmission, sems to be improved so far after 1 cycle, with lighter steering feel and no leaks.

1. siphon as much as you can out of reservoir
2. add fresh fluid
3. disconnect the top return line leave bottom one connected
4. shove a vinyl tube that'll fit into the black hose as far and deep as you can
5. while vehicle engine is OFF but key is in ACC turn the steering wheel all the way left
6. while holding the steering wheel farthest left, turn the key on for 2 TWO seconds (this will pump out a buttload of old fluid
7. add more fluid to reservoir
8. repeat steps 5 and 6 for turning a full RIGHT
9. observe clean bright red fluid
10. get paranoid about the clicking sounds you'll hear as the PS pump works out the air in the lines
11. post about it on 4runner forum

 

[Chilow]

For those who just sucked the old fluid out and refilled with new fluid, did you rotate the steering wheel in both directions a few times to push out more fluid in the lines or is that not necessary?

Is there a bleeding process for this or simply suck out fluid and replace it. Make sure the fluid level is at the appropriate hot min line?

 

[JeuTheIdit]

I'll second that for the PS flush! For the transmission though, I personally stick to either WS or AMSOIL. The transmission and engine is not something I like risking, even a little.

ALL Fluids Guide: Beginner Fluid Maintenance

Another Maxlife user here! Both tranny and PS.

 

[MAXISTYLES]

For those who just sucked the old fluid out and refilled with new fluid, did you rotate the steering wheel in both directions a few times to push out more fluid in the lines or is that not necessary?

Is there a bleeding process for this or simply suck out fluid and replace it. Make sure the fluid level is at the appropriate hot min line?

I replaced my fluid with Valvoline Dex/Merc ATF Fluid,Dexron II and III compliant. I lifted the front end of the vehicle slightly so I can easily turn the steering wheel. Used the turkey baster method. I little time consuming but everything worked out great.

There is no bleeding process that I'm aware of.

 

[Nobody Special]

What does your '15 manual say? The owner's manual for my '19 says:

"Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON® II or III"

ETA: I just wish there was some available out there without the red dye like the factory fill stuff.

Excuse the watermark. (Just thought it was strange you mention "red".
Use it in all mine for years without issue.

 

[DougEFresh2]

For those who just sucked the old fluid out and refilled with new fluid, did you rotate the steering wheel in both directions a few times to push out more fluid in the lines or is that not necessary?

Is there a bleeding process for this or simply suck out fluid and replace it. Make sure the fluid level is at the appropriate hot min line?

This is how I plan on doing it: Absolute BEST Method To Flush Power Steering Fluid!! - YouTube

Here's my fluid guide: Beginner Fluid Maintenance

 

[1000MPH]

The first time I did the turkey baster I cycled the fluid by winding the wheel a couple times. I did this 4-5 times and only used about 1/2 qt. It is time consuming. Sucking out the res only gets 3-4oz. I could have pulled the return line but didn’t have a way to plug the res at the time.
Since then I just suck the reservoir every time I change the oil. Working well so far. I use the M1 Dexron III but I would have no problem using Max-Life. I’ve finally used a qt of fluid over the past 4 years.

 

[JLTD]

Update for anyone that's interested.

I double checked the fluid I'm using, and it's Dexron 6 compatible....after lots of reading, Dexron 6 is supposed to be backwards compatible with 2 and 3.

I did another drain and refill over the summer, and last week did 2 more. Each time it was a short drive to get turns lock to lock and circulate as much fluid as possible.

Smooth like butter now. No leaks.

I'll repeat every 25-30k miles from here on out.

 

[1jzgte]

PS oil is the easiest fluid change ever! I could do it every year and its cheap.

 

[wcjeep]

This is how I plan on doing it: Absolute BEST Method To Flush Power Steering Fluid!! - YouTube

Here's my fluid guide: Beginner Fluid Maintenance

This method is how I change PS fluid. Engine off, no mess. It's thorough. I put the front tires in the air to make it easy.