Power Steering Reservoir

[heatherlrader]

Please see the pic's below of my '07 SR5. Not sure if this is good or bad, as far as I can tell the steering seems fine. I drive this daily and it has about 232,000mi on it. I haven't noticed any leaks on the driveway and I've never flushed the power steering. Thanks!

 

[gomoboo]

Well, it appears to be over filled. What happens if you take the cap off with the engine running?

 

[LTDSC]

yeah looks about 1/2" over filled.

 

[blackoutt]

I noticed mine puking out some fluid when I bought it too. I flushed it and overfilled it a touch. It puked out fluid until it was at it's happy level. Cleaned up the mess and all good now.

 

[JimInTN]

If it's never been changed I think I'd drain it all and then refill it to the proper level with new fluid.

 

[Sungod]

I wouldn't necessarily be concerned with the level. If the pic was taken when it was hot, it is over filled. If it was cold, it is really over filled. It is a reservoir so a long as it isn't below the line and isn't over flowing, you are fine.

That is some nasty looking stuff. You really need to flush it refill. It isn't an easy process and you will waste a lot of fluid, but it appears to be in need. Your rack will thank you.

 

[JeffMerr]

Is the easiest way to flush it to suck out the fluid from the reservoir and put the same amount back in? I'm guessing 3 times or so?

 

[having fun]

Is the easiest way to flush it to suck out the fluid from the reservoir and put the same amount back in? I'm guessing 3 times or so?

Suck the fluid out of the reservoir, remove it and clean it out, more than likely it will look bad color and that will tell you.
Reinstall and leave the return line off and put in a drain bucket. Fill the reservoir up, and slowly turn your steering left then right, keep an eye on reservoir and keep it full. When fluid is coming out all clean, button it back up and top off.
Run the vehicle so it can pump out the air in the system.

 

[gomoboo]

Maybe I misunderstood your question. Are you just asking about the color of your power steering fluid, or do you think it is leaking fluid out at the spots pictured? I just replaced the fluid in mine, and it doesn't look that much different from the outside. You might get a sample in a clear container and see if it is still a good color or not. Or just replace it.

 

[bob3dsf]

power steering fluid flush

Here is a link with pics that basically shows the method Having Fun described. Its pretty easy and you'll feel much better with fresh juice in there

I did it the way in the Toyota Nation thread described (post #2 by Ken4). I didnt take the reservoir all the way out to clean it, bit maybe I'll do that on my next flush.

Linky: Changing Power Steering Fluid - advice needed - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

The pic I took as I was finishing mine: