Is a Power Steering Flush necessary???

[Trdsupranick]

I want to know if I got taken advantage of. My 2004 4Runner was due for my 60k mile check up and Toyota Service Center told me I should flush my power steering because it looked dirty. I said no thanks. The next oil change I took it to a regular goodyear service center and asked them about it, they told me it would be a good idea because it was in fact fairly dark colored when it should be the color of Karo syrup. I told them to do it. It was $60. Did I need to get that done????? I talked to a few people and 40years of driving their vehicles they never had a "power steering flush".

 

[Baba Booey]

My commuter car is a 1997 Subaru Legacy with 240,000 miles on it. I have never flushed or added PS fluid to that car, and the PS system works like new.

That being said, I bought a quart of Mobil 1 synthetic ATF (Dexron III rated, which is spec'd for the 4Runner PS fluid), and every once in a while I use a gear oil pump ( a few $ at an auto parts store) to suck out the PS fluid in the reservoir and add the new M1.

This is not quite as effective as a flush because only ~4 ozs. of fluid is exchanged each time. However, it takes about 5 minutes and is extremely easy to do. It cost about $5.

Most cars probably go to their grave without having any PS fluid exchanged without issue.

 

[toyota4life]

I like the above idea.... my brother had a 91 Camry which now has 180K miles and never had Power Steering fluid touched... not implying that is the example to follow... but it still runs great with no issues

 

[Trdsupranick]

GRRRRR... i wish i would of asked this question before i took the 4runner in!

 

[sharp4runr]

Yes and no. The power steering systems uses brake fluid like your brake system does. Brake fluid absorbs moisture through the air and over time it degrades, just like in your brake system. It's not a bad idea to do it as the moisture in the fluid can degrade the power steering components over time, but is it absolutely necessary, not as often as you'd think. For your brake system though, getting your brake fluid flushed every 3 years or so is not a bad idea. The brake fluid absorbs moisture and when you use the brakes a lot, the fluid gets hot. The moisture in the fluid causes the brake fluid to expand a bit and that causes your brakes to feel "mushy" or if really bad, can cause your brakes to overheat. That musy feel on your brakes can be dangerous, but on your powersteering system is doesn't have as dangerous effect if you ask me.

 

[Uneek]

I beg to differ, power steering fluid should be transmission fluid. The owner's manual calls for Dexron II or III transmission fluid.

I've never flushed power steering fluid before. Brake fluid needs to be flushed, some recommend intervals as close to one year.

 

[jeober]

Replacing the power steering fluid is
easy in the 4runner. Here are the steps although this probably isn't detailed enough to stand alone:

0) Jack up front wheels off ground,
1) Aspirate reservoir with hand pump
2) Remove pump return hose (catching the little bit remaining in reservoir) and attach an 3/8" id extension hose using a double barbed connector leading to a 1/2 gallon milk jug.
3) Refill reservoir with new ATF.
4) Run engine for several seconds until reservoir is down close to empty to purge the PS pump. (need a second person for this)
5) Refill reservoir and turn steering (engine off) from lock to lock to purge rack, until the reservoir is close to empty again.
6) Repeat from step 3 again. (You'll about 2 liters of ATF to do all of this.)
6) Replace lower hose and top off reservoir.

 

[sharp4runr]

I beg to differ, power steering fluid should be transmission fluid. The owner's manual calls for Dexron II or III transmission fluid.

I've never flushed power steering fluid before. Brake fluid needs to be flushed, some recommend intervals as close to one year.

Damn, just checked the manual and sure enough you're right. My last two vehicles both used Brake Fluid for their power steering, but both were cars. The 4Runner is my first "truck" so I guess I shouldn't have assumed they were the same.

 

[toto]

On an older truck I've changed the PS fluid in a manner like Baba Booey above, except that instead of using a pump, I was really cheap and used a turkey baster to get the fluid out.

 

[Mr. Baseball]

I recently flushed my 2004 4Runner power steering system using full flush method. Old fluid was very dark and stained reservoir. I went all out and installed a MagnaPure inline power steering filter in the return line. It is screen/magnet and easily disassembled for cleaning and makes future flushes easier. I also replaced stained reservoir to see level and know I have a clean screen. They do clog.
Yes it requires a Dex III ATF. A mechanic suggested Valvoline Maxlife which I used.
Now second guessing the Maxlife. I was told the seal conditioners are a good thing as I am close to 100k but read they may be harmful on another thread.
Any comments/suggestions? Thank you

 

[tollboothwilley]

I do it the easy way - I use a pump and suck all the reservoir fluid out - and replace with new fluid. Drive around a bit. Repeat.

If you do this process 4-5 times you will have changed out a lot of the fluid to new and keep it operating good.

I also highly recommend the Lucas PS fluid w/ conditioners. It helps keep the gaskets from leaking and can even stop small leaks if they exist.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I beg to differ, power steering fluid should be transmission fluid. The owner's manual calls for Dexron II or III transmission fluid.

I've never flushed power steering fluid before. Brake fluid needs to be flushed, some recommend intervals as close to one year.

Damn, just checked the manual and sure enough you're right. My last two vehicles both used Brake Fluid for their power steering, but both were cars. The 4Runner is my first "truck" so I guess I shouldn't have assumed they were the same.

Haven't heard of brake fluid being called for in the P/S system before, usually its transmission or a special fluid.

That being said, its still a fluid and fluids get contaminated, degrade, and pick up crap in the system. For example, look at the reserviour bottle, no its not black that's sludge accumulating on the inside (cleaned mine out a while ago so I could actually see the fluid level...) Under normal conditions with no leaks, I would guess the fluid should be good up to 100k; after that I'd just flush it for peace of mind.

If your fluid looks like crude oil then I would say flush it and also check for fluid leaks. Anywhere the fluid can seep out is where dirt and stuff will get into the system! I'm more concerned about the fluid degrading and debris gunking up the system more than the fluid "failing" persay as it doesn't have too much hardwork to deal with. Normally I like to flush the P/S when I do a major service around 60~90k ish depending how I feel about the condition at the time.

 

[eddiebx]

[MENTION=66389]BlackWorksInc[/MENTION] does Toyota use any "special" fluid for the power steering system? I remember back when I had Hondas, they required a proprietary fluid to keep the seals in good condition; and if you used standard off the shelf stuff the rack eventually starts to leak. Found that out the hard way

 

[wolf4runner]

I always thought that P/S flush is for high performance vehicles.
Most of time the P/S system will break at certain mileage/time or it will keep working no matter if the fluid has been changed or not. JMO

 

[2uzrunner03]

If the fluid was the wrong color then I'd say you made the right choice since it was probably contaminated by something.

 

[LobstaMobsta]

Yes and no. The power steering systems uses brake fluid like your brake system does. Brake fluid absorbs moisture through the air and over time it degrades, just like in your brake system. It's not a bad idea to do it as the moisture in the fluid can degrade the power steering components over time, but is it absolutely necessary, not as often as you'd think. For your brake system though, getting your brake fluid flushed every 3 years or so is not a bad idea. The brake fluid absorbs moisture and when you use the brakes a lot, the fluid gets hot. The moisture in the fluid causes the brake fluid to expand a bit and that causes your brakes to feel "mushy" or if really bad, can cause your brakes to overheat. That musy feel on your brakes can be dangerous, but on your powersteering system is doesn't have as dangerous effect if you ask me.

I'm not so sure about this. I have never heard of anything using brake fluid as power steering fluid! Brake fluid is not a lubricant itis a hydraulic fluid. If you we're to put power steering fluid in your brakes you would ruin anything and everything in your brakes that uses rubber. Ie: master cylinder, wheel cylinders, brake calipers....

 

[BlackWorksInc]

[MENTION=66389]BlackWorksInc[/MENTION] does Toyota use any "special" fluid for the power steering system? I remember back when I had Hondas, they required a proprietary fluid to keep the seals in good condition; and if you used standard off the shelf stuff the rack eventually starts to leak. Found that out the hard way

You know what? Usually its been Type IV Transfluid for the Power Steering system, but I have seen a lot of leaky 4Runner racks... I wonder if its due to non-standard fluid being used?

We also use MOC P/S Fluid, I'd just refer to what ever the Owner's manual calls for to be safe.

 

[LobstaMobsta]

I would recommend flushing your power steering system. The first time I checked my ps fluid at 80k it was black. As have every 4runner I've seen since. Never noticed this on anything but late model Toyotas. Anyways at 105k my ps pump began leaking by the seal on the shaft. Replaced the pump with a napa reman unit and napa had a tsb requiring an inline filter to preserve warranty on the reman pump.

 

[chitown40]

Toyota usually puts standard power steering fluid in their cars at the factory. However, all if their manuals and power steering reservoir caps state to replace with Dextron type ATF fluid when changing it out. Both power steering fluid and ATF are SIMILAR type fluids - both highly detergent and slippery oils.

Do what your owners manual and maintenance schedule says.

As far as did you get ripped off? My answer is that if your fluid was dirty, replacing it for $60 is worth the cost.

 

[Mr. Baseball]

Good question. I know they have brake fluid with added lubricants (Toyota mechanic explained) so I will call him and ask about Toyota fluids for power steering. I just know my manual says Dex III ATF. I will post soon as I find out.