quick power steering qustion!

[Brian32]

notice i was low on it the other day.. i have a 2002 sport manual says use dexron 11 or 111....can i use just power steering fluid?

also since i was low does the fluid over time fad away? i always check under my car to see if anything is leaking and havnt noticed anything.

 

[fourwd1]

If PS fluid would be the best choice, the manual would tell you to use it.

The fluid doesn't fade away over time, but any hydraulic fluid wears out over time.
A good flush and fill every few years is always good.
If it keeps disappearing, you may have a leak.

 

[<<<<]

ATF DEX III is what you should use. Bevare store brands are pink which have color added for easy ID as ATF. It works the same as toyota's gray stuff. GL

 

[Theslammer21]

remember that the power steering system doesnt ever consume fluid. so it its low. there may be a leak somewhere ex front seal on pump, high pressure line to power steering rack from pump, return line or lines from reservior, the most expensive one would be the power steering rack, those boots on either tie rod are not sealed like cv boots, they are simply dust boots to keep dirt out of the outer seals on the power steering rack. if it looks wet on there or the boot is torn out it is because there is a leak.