DIY: Power Steering Flush (4th gen specific)

[Arthur4R]

So, I'm I understanding correctly that we use Auto Tranny fluid in our 4th Gen Power Steering system??



If so, what would you recommend for that?



When I search "toyota power steering fluid" on amazon the first item that shows is Toyota Genuine Fluid 00718-ATF00 Dexron III Transmission Fluid.

This is what I used, manual states automatic transmission fluid, I went down to my local dealership and they gave me these bottles.



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[poncharello]

It's there any difference between those two? They look like they're the same thing with an added "type" on the label.


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[Rdf5186]

Does it matter what kind of fluid I use. In particular can I just go to autozone and get and atf dextron III for the flush


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[mizak82]

Does this work?

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[Rdf5186]

Yep.
That does. Just trying not to go to the dealer.


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[ben550]

I did this using your method a year or so ago... Worked well. I used Valvoline ATF. I believe it was 2 quarts total. I bought three and have an extra on the shelf.

 

[Rdf5186]

Thanks. That is what I was looking for


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[smokey7722]

Just did this today using this Pennzoil ATF Dex/Merc oil. As [MENTION=142118]Arthur4R[/MENTION] said by about 3/4 of a quart it was nice and pink coming out. I used a little more than a single quart and probably have 3/4 of the other one left. I was going to take the reservoir out to clean it but given the rust (used to be an east coast truck) I didn't want to chance removing the bolts and I didn't bother spending a ton of time playing with the metal clip that looked like it held the plastic reservoir in place. I'll just keep an eye on it and flush it again in the future.

No HUGE noticeable difference though in driving/steering to be honest. What came out was basically sludge though so I am sure that once the new oil gets more time to cycle through the system it will clean it up a bit more.

Thanks for the writeup!

 

[smokey7722]

Quick update - while steering isn't easier or smoother I have noticed that it is MUCH more sensitive. The 1" of play or so I had previously is no longer and is now sensitive at all times to movement. So definitely an improvement with the flush!

 

[Morphyne]

I have a half jug od valvoline maxlife in the shop. I am assuming that would work in this situation?

 

[Arthur4R]

I highly suggest using Toyota transmission fluid for the flush. On Honda's if you use other fluid then oem steering components start to fail. The quart of Toyota fluid is inexpensive I think $10-$12 a quart. Some will notice more improvement then others probably do to when it was changed out last time. My fluid most likely had 160k miles on.

 

[radlynx]

just an addition to your diy.

1. remove the oil from the reservoir
2. disconnect both connection
3. remove the reservoir
4. clean it up.

this way, you'll know if your new oil is becoming dirtier again. that's what I did.

 

[smokey7722]

just an addition to your diy.

1. remove the oil from the reservoir
2. disconnect both connection
3. remove the reservoir
4. clean it up.

this way, you'll know if your new oil is becoming dirtier again. that's what I did.

Did you release the metal clip to slide the reservoir out or did you remove the 3 bolts on the metal framing holding it to remove it? I haven't loaded up alldata to look at for any official docs on the removal but from looking at it it looked like those were the two options. The bolts on mine are pretty solid based on rust and I didn't want to bend the metal clip too much.

 

[JeffMerr]

I highly suggest using Toyota transmission fluid for the flush. On Honda's if you use other fluid then oem steering components start to fail. The quart of Toyota fluid is inexpensive I think $10-$12 a quart. Some will notice more improvement then others probably do to when it was changed out last time. My fluid most likely had 160k miles on.

How many quarts are needed?

 

[Arthur4R]

1 quart is enough, after 3/4 if the quart you start seeing pink fluid coming out. I used 1 1/4 quarts to do it I easily could of done it with 1 .


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[Morphyne]

Just finished up on my t4r and gx. I spilled most of my old reservoir fluid. I would recommend hang some kind of plug ready when you do this. Also when you are done you need to start the engine and give it. A few turns. I took my t4r for a test drive and thought I broke somethi ng bc the ps pump was whining. Added more fluid and now it's good.


I can say after 170k on the old fluid the steering feels better.

 

[radlynx]

you'll need at least 2 quarts.

How many quarts are needed?

 

[radlynx]

I actually don't remember how I removed it. all I remember, I took it out, cleaned up the gunk inside until it's squeaky clean.

Did you release the metal clip to slide the reservoir out or did you remove the 3 bolts on the metal framing holding it to remove it? I haven't loaded up alldata to look at for any official docs on the removal but from looking at it it looked like those were the two options. The bolts on mine are pretty solid based on rust and I didn't want to bend the metal clip too much.

 

[Morphyne]

you'll need at least 2 quarts.

I needed exactly 1 quart. 3/4 quart until it runs pink and then the rest when you start the truck and it sucks down a bit.

 

[S Brake]

I did this today, my fluid was nearly black. Super easy process.