Power steering flush question

[StreetCreeper]

I'm going to be flushing the power steering fluid soon and noticed that instead of ATF fluid, the previous owner used power steering fluid. How will this affect me putting in and flushing with some Valvoline max-life synthetic ATF? Any cross contamination issues or other things to consider?

 

[absalom]

I'm going to be flushing the power steering fluid soon and noticed that instead of ATF fluid, the previous owner used power steering fluid. How will this affect me putting in and flushing with some Valvoline max-life synthetic ATF? Any cross contamination issues or other things to consider?

The exact same thing just happened to me. The PO had used PS fluid as well. I bought a gallon of Dex 2/3 and cycled about half of it through. Steering effort was reduced by about 25%.

I'm waiting a week and going back to flush the remaining 1/2 gallon of ATF. From what I understand, both fluids contain lots of detergents. I was initially worried about sludging but several industry techs laid those fears to rest.

Out of curiosity, how long ago did the PO fill w/ PS fluid? I'm curious if the thicker fluid took a toll on the PS pump over time.

 

[StreetCreeper]

The exact same thing just happened to me. The PO had used PS fluid as well. I bought a gallon of Dex 2/3 and cycled about half of it through. Steering effort was reduced by about 25%.

I'm waiting a week and going back to flush the remaining 1/2 gallon of ATF. From what I understand, both fluids contain lots of detergents. I was initially worried about sludging but several industry techs laid those fears to rest.

Out of curiosity, how long ago did the PO fill w/ PS fluid? I'm curious if the thicker fluid took a toll on the PS pump over time.

Good to know!

As for how long, I don't really know, maintenance was never a priority for them with the truck and I doubt they ever read the manual, so I suspect it has had "top-ups" when needed with power steering fluid ever since they got it at around 150k. I took the truck for free off of them (inlaws) at around 355k.

There haven't been any issues with the steering, I am just doing regular maintence. I am curious if it improves the feel/effort though.

 

[Unner]

Even though the cap says ATF I think the fluid Toyota puts in them can be clear and look like PS fluid, or even be it possibly. My dad has had both my mom's 05 4Runner flushed at the dealer and his 09 Tacoma done as well there. The Tacoma had a clear fluid in it from the factory, and so did the 05 4Runner. The 4Runner has been owned by my parents since new and the 09 Tacoma since like 15k miles so they were the original fluids.