P/S fluid

[Larry]

Does anyone out there remove all the p/s fluid and replace it with new transmission fluid?

 

[pat161]

Yes.

 

[pat161]

After 90k my p/s fluid was black and sludgy and smelled terrible, I just felt better about flushing the system as I plan to keep this truck forever. BTW, I've helped replace a rack in a Tacoma before and it is a huge PIA.

 

[greasefingers]

I take a turkey baster, from the dollar store, and siphon out as much as I can. I do this once a year. So it sort of gets changed over time by dilution.

 

[greasefingers]

Power steering fluid is almost clear in color; but the T4R calls for Dextron which is red like most ATF. So I can see it going black

 

[pat161]

Maybe sludgy was a poor choice of words. It was definitely black, stunk terrible and clearly was not working the way fresh fluid would. I just can't imagine why anyone would think power steering fluid would last forever, it makes no sense.

 

[greasefingers]

BTW, the fluid doesn't smell very good even when fresh. [/B]

However it does beat gear oil. I have finally leaned to use vinyl gloves for this. Especially since I know my wife will not go near me

 

[pat161]

I agree that most would never change their p/s fluid, but that doesn't mean it's not a good idea. Like I stated in the first post, to each their own, I figure I'll do a little more maintenance now and hopefully I will reap the benefits in the long run. As for new ATF smelling bad, it doesn't smell half as bad as the used stuff, as I also stated I swapped out a whole rack, and clearly have some experience with this type of thing.