Removing 4th-gen Power Steering Fluid Reservoir

[aa040371]

Since I am planning on changing/replacing the PS fluid in my 2007 4Runner, I read through the several threads here on forum that discussed this process. I saw one reference from someone who indicated they removed the reservoir to clean it, but the vid that was linked to wasn't clear, or specific to a 4th gen 4Runner.

So...question: does removing the PS reservoir require taking off the three bolts that secures the whole unit to the car? Or does the plastic reservoir part come off of the base, e.g. twist off?

And either way, do I need to worry about having a new O-ring for just this remove-clean-replace procedure? I saw a reference to needing one for a hose end, but that may have been for a different part of the PS system...the post covering this wasn't quite clear.

 

[xtremewlr]

You don't need to unbolt it, it actually clips on to the base. Fairly easy to remove with a screwdriver to pop it free. No o-rings on the reservoir to worry about, your probably thinking of one on the PS pump[ itself.

Also, make sure you are using ATF and NOT power steering fluid. Same ATF that goes in the transmission.

 

[Bluesky 07]

You don't need to unbolt it, it actually clips on to the base. Fairly easy to remove with a screwdriver to pop it free. No o-rings on the reservoir to worry about, your probably thinking of one on the PS pump[ itself.

Also, make sure you are using ATF and NOT power steering fluid. Same ATF that goes in the transmission.

This may be true prior to ’06 but my ‘07 manual specifies DEXRON II or III for the PS reservoir. Maybe it’s b/c of the change to WS transmission fluid.

 

[xtremewlr]

Good call. I assumed it was the same for all years. I run Valvoline MaxLife in both trans and PS system on mine but that's also kind of a "universal" fluid.

 

[aa040371]

it actually clips on to the base. Fairly easy to remove with a screwdriver to pop it free.

Thanks…exactly the guidance I was looking for!

my ‘07 manual specifies DEXRON II or III for the PS reservoir.[/IMG]

[MENTION=114846]Bluesky 07[/MENTION]: I was planning on using a Dexron IV product...as far as my research has gone, that appears to be OK?

Also, thanks for diagram...does it show where to apply a screwdriver to pop the plastic part off of the base?

I run Valvoline MaxLife in both trans and PS system

[MENTION=459231]xtremewlr[/MENTION]: that's exactly what I was planning on using for PS flush-n-fill (I've only ever used actual Toyota transmission fluid for transmission service).

 

[xtremewlr]

Also, thanks for diagram...does it show where to apply a screwdriver to pop the plastic part off of the base?

Pop your hood and take as look. It's pretty obvious when you look at it how it comes out.

"If cold, Add" in the diagram is almost pointing directly to where the tab is that the reservoir clips into. It's on the passenger side of the reservoir.

 

[Montego Murph]

Just a serendipitous moment -- if you happen to break or damage yours, I just found an extra used one in my shop if needed.