Power steering fluid level low. Do I use ATF or power steering fluid?

[Arnezie]

I’ve never used ATF in a PS system before so this is new to me...



I got my 02 Sport 6 months ago. How can I tell if there is ATF is the PS reservoir? I’m assuming color? One is red and one is clear?



Also, I’m hooked up to my camper and ready to head out for the week, tomorrow. It needs fluid. Better to add ATF regardless, or mix until I can flush and start fresh with ATF?

Yes if it’s red it’s trans fluid. Just top it off with ATF and go camping , flush and refill with ATF when you get home that way you know your good.


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[Kanoe]

I got my 02 Sport 6 months ago. How can I tell if there is ATF is the PS reservoir? I’m assuming color? One is red and one is clear?

I think you will find that the factory original fill in the PS system was clear regardless of what it actually is. Don't let that convince you that it is Power steering fluid. It could have been changed to PS fluid but it could be original fill also.

Your new ATF will be red.

 

[djr01974]

Well I know on my 1997 4Runner the p/s cap itself says what to use. Mine is dextron atf. You may want to look and see if the top of the cap say anything..

 

[hiker2]

Dextron III ATF for mine.

 

[Rockdawg84]

The major difference is not in the fluid itself but rather the seals and components within the power steering system. The materials used are designed to interact with a specific type of fluid determined by engineers.

While power steering fluid and ATF are similar enough in makeup (generally) not to cause a failure immediately, it is much more likely to cause premature wear of power steering components especially if the system has "settled in" using one or the other.

This is exactly the issue. PSF will eat the seals and you WILL develop leaks in your PS system. Toyotas are notorious in every generation, at least up through 4th gens to leak if someone puts PSF in the system. Now that may be because of some caustic reaction from the ATF and PSF mixing but every Toyota I ever seen that has PSF put in it leaks. Not worth the risk. And by the way on the cap of the reservoir states to use ATF. There is a reason.:fishing:

 

[Lastplace]

F*ck, I mixed the two and now my PS system is leaking on my 06 highlander. Yep written right on the cap. :ybrick:

 

[Jason B]

What’s the difference between the cap saying dextron ATF and the dextron III. Assuming just newer version of the factory fill and you can mix the two.

And what color is the factory dextron?

 

[The Cold War Kid]

Good point. While talking to the previous owner, he said that he never touched the PSF. He does know the original owner and he always got the 4Runner serviced at the dealer. Knowing that, I think I am just going to top it off with Toyota DexIII ATF. But knowing that the fluid is probably 10-15 years old, I think I will just replace it in the near future.

Since the fluid is low, there is a leak.

I would use this: Rubber Bulb Battery Filler, LOW PRICE, Golf Cart & Automotive | eBay

Suck the old fluid dry. Replace it, using dexron 3 atf. The reservoir holds very little. Steer lock to lock. Re-center steering. Repeat several times.

Finally, I would put about three tablespoons of dot 3 brake fluid into the system. That will finish the cleanout and recondition the seals. You just might save yourself a rack and pinion job this way...

 

[JZiggy]

Since the fluid is low, there is a leak.

I would use this: Rubber Bulb Battery Filler, LOW PRICE, Golf Cart & Automotive | eBay

Suck the old fluid dry. Replace it, using dexron 3 atf. The reservoir holds very little. Steer lock to lock. Re-center steering. Repeat several times.

Finally, I would put about three tablespoons of dot 3 brake fluid into the system. That will finish the cleanout and recondition the seals. You just might save yourself a rack and pinion job this way...

Good call on the bulb filler tool. I usually use a turkey baster but this looks better.

I would encourage anyone who is compelled to put brake fluid into their power steering system to do their research on this first. The two fluids are very different and people have ruined P/S systems by accidentally filling with brake fluid and vise versa. Yes, using the wrong fluid should cause the seals to swell because seal rubber is designed specifically NOT to swell in its native fluid. I guess you could call that "reconditioning" them? :rain:

 

[Bad Luck]

Brake fluid doesn't "recondition" rubber seals that aren't made for brake fluid. It causes them to swell and if they swell enough it can cause them to tear or interfere with moving parts. Please only use the correct fluid for your application.

 

[19963.4lsr5]

I use an old turkey baster


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[Cloud9]

What’s the difference between the cap saying dextron ATF and the dextron III. Assuming just newer version of the factory fill and you can mix the two.

And what color is the factory dextron?

I have the same questions. My 3rd gen has only about 85k miles, never touched the power steeting fluid so what's in there is the factory dextron. If I want to add some to it - what should I add?

 

[Bad Luck]

I have the same questions. My 3rd gen has only about 85k miles, never touched the power steeting fluid so what's in there is the factory dextron. If I want to add some to it - what should I add?

Dexron III or compatible transmission fluid.

 

[19963.4lsr5]

I’ve been using ATF+4 for PS fluid that requires ATF for years. It’s synthetic and I have a huge amount of it when autozone had a close out and they were 1 dollar per quart. I’ve now gotten rid of most vehicles that use it. Still have plenty of it left.


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[Cloud9]

Apprecaited thanks. and it's ok to mix dextron and the dexton 3 ?

 

[Bad Luck]

Apprecaited thanks. and it's ok to mix dextron and the dexton 3 ?

There is only Dexron, but there are several versions of Dexron. Dexron VI is backwards compatible and mixable with Dexron IV and Dexron III. Any transmission fluid that says it is compatible with Dexron III will mix fine. The power steering system isn't as picky about fluid as our automatic transmissions are.


Edit: Just to make it clear Dexton/Dextron/etc are just wrongly spelled versions of "Dexron".

 

[The Cold War Kid]

Brake fluid doesn't "recondition" rubber seals that aren't made for brake fluid. It causes them to swell and if they swell enough it can cause them to tear or interfere with moving parts. Please only use the correct fluid for your application.

I'm not going to argue with you. I've only been working on cars for 55 years... what do I know?

 

[pluton]

My 3rd gen has only about 85k miles, never touched the power steeting fluid so what's in there is the factory dextron. If I want to add some to it - what should I add?

You should change out the old fluid at that mileage/age. I use the stuff labelled "Dex-Merc". ATF Dex/Merc - Valvoline™

 

[T4R2014]

Brake Fluid in the power steering is the dumbest thing I've ever heard pertaining these systems. Stick to ATF. If you have the urge to condition those seals without rebuilding the whole system, then the closest thing I can offer is that I stopped a slow power steering leak in my Volvo 850 by flushing it with the Maxlife ATF with stopleak additive. Not a fan of these products either but I had the car for 6 years after that and it never leaked again. Level was always full and red. No sludging or whining in the cold. Worth a shot to any of you.

 

[The Cold War Kid]

Brake Fluid in the power steering is the dumbest thing I've ever heard pertaining these systems. Stick to ATF. If you have the urge to condition those seals without rebuilding the whole system, then the closest thing I can offer is that I stopped a slow power steering leak in my Volvo 850 by flushing it with the Maxlife ATF with stopleak additive. Not a fan of these products either but I had the car for 6 years after that and it never leaked again. Level was always full and red. No sludging or whining in the cold. Worth a shot to any of you.

I don't appreciate being called dumb.

Lau Tsu is credited with the phrase: "A wise man makes few enemies."

Don't worry about what I am. You can't change that. It would seem that you have some homework that needs doing and would be a more profitable way, to pass your time.

The things I give to this community do not come from books. I am not a "technician" and I have little respect, for them.

Instead, they are what has worked for me in my 55 (or so) year romance with the automobile. They are TRIED AND TRUE ways to do things and solve problems and my gifts to those that read this.

If my gifts are not well received I will simply stop contributing. While I am appreciative of the information I found here and, therefore, willing to give as well as take, I will tolerate no disrespect.