Power Steering Fluid Issue and Question

[jaredking733]

At 230,000 miles (a couple weeks ago) I had the 4runner in the shop (Firestone) for regular maintenance services. Coolant change, transmission fluid flush, both diffs serviced, transfer case service, tire rotation, and various other inspections to make sure she's kept in good running shape.

When I was dropping it off and going through the laundry list of things I needed done, I mentioned having the power steering fluid flushed since I had a coupon that would apply to that particular service. The gentlemen at the counter said they don't normally do that on my year 4runner, but they would take a look at it. That's the last that was ever said about it. I forgot to mention it when I went back to pick it up, and later just assumed they hadn't done anything with it since it wasn't on any of the paperwork I was given. All other services I requested were performed however, and everything checked out great. I was even told that it was in exceptional running condition given it's age and mileage.


Anyways, fast forward to today. I decided I was going to perform the power steering fluid flush myself with the assistance of the handy write up I found here. I was gathering all of my tools to get started, popped the cap off of the reservoir, and smeared some of the fluid on a napkin to check it's condition. It was a completely clear/yellow color. I had checked it a couple months ago and it was dark brown/black. I can only assume they performed a service of some kind (full flush perhaps?) but knowing what I know about the power steering systems from researching it on here, I know that Toyota recommends Dexron III ATF.

My question(s) are:

What color is regular power steering fluid? Is it yellow? I'm assuming that's what it was refilled with, but I have to admit, I'm a little puzzled at this yellow colored fluid.

Is there any concern or potential for premature failure of the power steering system components to using power steering fluid instead of ATF? Obviously it's not ideal if Toyota recommends ATF, but everything seems to be working fine. No whining or odd behavior from the PS system. Everything seems completely normal.

Anyone use power steering fluid instead of ATF without ill effects?

 

[pluton]

All my various Toyota trucks/Landcruisers/4Runners have come to me with ATF installed in the steering system, so I have no personal report about what happens when you put the wrong stuff in.
I have read horror stories on forums about bad things that happened when "power steering fluid" was used instead of Dexron ATF.
The good news is that changing the fluid out is easy, and if common sense precautions are taken, not messy.
Set aside a leisurely hour (having gathered all the tools and supplies necessary) and do it right.
You'll only need about a quart of ATF to completely exchange what's in there.
PS: Dexron 3 ATF is a transparent red color.

 

[jaredking733]

Only thing I'm missing is a set of Jack stands. Can it be done without lifting the front of the vehicle?

You just unplug the return line and put it in some kind of container, then work the wheel back and forth draining the old and adding the new a little at a time until all the old is pushed out, right? Then reattach the return line?

 

[BrandonF]

Place cardboard pieces on the ground and drive the front tires onto them. This will make it very easy to turn the steering wheel back and forth without jacking the front end up.

 

[jaredking733]

Place cardboard pieces on the ground and drive the front tires onto them. This will make it very easy to turn the steering wheel back and forth without jacking the front end up.

Genius. :hail:

Going to tackle this first thing in the morning.

 

[jaredking733]

Job complete.

Almost instantaneous better steering. Much more smooth.

 

[BrandonF]

I need to do the same. I had a crazy whiny pump. So, I flushed the fluid with regular ATF, no difference. Then I tried another flush with Mobile-1 Synthetic ATF… still whiny.

I went ahead and replaced the pump and flushed the system a third time with Mobile-1 Synthetic.

But, every time I flush the system, the fluid becomes terribly dirty again after one drive. I've been flushing the system by running the return line into a jug, turning on the engine for a split second and then shutting it off. I then refill the reservoir and repeat. The fluid comes out so fast that the system is quickly flushed (clean fluid coming out into the waste jug). What Im wondering is if my method of a straight through flush without turning the steering wheel is not allowing the entire rack to be properly flushed. Im not sure what the internals of the rack look like, so I don't know if this makes sense or not. Im thinking that all the crap is at the bottom of the system in the rack, and then it re-contaminates the new fluid each time. And when I say the fluid is dirty, Im talking completely brown and opaque. There are no leaks in my system so there no explanation other than crap stuck in the system. It just seems odd that its still dirty after three flushes.

 

[jaredking733]

What I did was lift the front, pull the return line, use one of those brass fittings and connect it to a way longer hose which was guided into an oil catch drainage container.

Then took a Ziploc bag and zip tied it around the return inlet nozzle.

Then, pull the cap off the reservoir, and turn the wheel back and forth a bunch. I did it probably 20 times each way all the way to lock, holding it all the way to lock for 10-15 seconds. Then refill the reservoir to capacity with new fluid, then repeat.

I ran about 1.5 quarts through it before the fluid coming out was pure valvoline Max life ATF. Reattach the return line, filled the reservoir back to capacity, worked the wheels again, then started the truck a few seconds while moving the wheels. Filled the reservoir about half full, and went for a brief drive. Topped off to the proper level.

My fluid is crystal clear with a pink hue.

That sound like what you're doing?

 

[jaredking733]

I forgot to add that I completely emptied the entire system by working the wheels so extensively before I added any new fluid, then, repeated with new fluid. That way, there's no chance of mixing the old fluid with the new as to not change the color.

Just spitballing but try that maybe?