Need a Power Steering Fluid Recommendation

Was at my local Toyota dealer today picking up parts for my wife’s car and asked the dealer to put a small bottle of power steering (PS) fluid on my order. I get home and after working on my wife’s car, I see this.

What brand are you using? What PS fluid do you recommend?

 

I’ve been pretty happy with

https://www.amsoil.com/p/oe-multi-vehicle-synthetic-automatic-transmission-fluid-otf/

I drain and fill my p/s every oil change (5k/6mo OCI) or if I feel the system has been pushed hard…

 

Castrol Transmax Dex VI.

 

00718-ATF00

 

ATF Dexron IV.... previous owner of my SC400 used power steering fluid and the high-pressure hose has started spraying fluid, maybe it's just old, but it states Dexron II on the lid and when I drained the fluid it came out as some bluish brown fluid. Probably not good for the health of the power steering pump.

 

Yep, this is the way to go.

 

Idemitsu Lubricants W0133-1939905.

https://www.partsgeek.com/vlq25gx-infiniti-g35-power-steering-fluid.html

 

For p/s. Can this be used? toyota oem is expensive @ $15/quart.

 

Any regular atf is fine no need to overthink it

 

Probably be fine, I used the OEM 00718-ATF00 personally. It only takes around 2 quarts.

 

Thanks. I’ll use OEM for the transmission but doesn’t appear the P/S is as picky on the fluid, especially since everyone is using a blend of different things.

 

Fwiw many people also use Maxlife in the transmission. Just dont use the part number I posted for the transmission, thats just the OEM P/S even though it also says ATF. This is the part number for the Toyota WS fluid

$79 00289ATFWS Toyota 00289-ATFWS Automatic Transmission Fluid, 192 Ounces, 6 Pack

00289ATFWS

 

Yes, almost wish there was a clearer distinction between the two.

 

As long as it meets Dexron II or III, per manual and cap spec.

 

Ok, you and @TRDFerguson play out in the desert a ton more than me. My 2WD Tundra is a pavement princess. I want to replace my PS fluid (I use AMSOIL also. How do you drain the system?

 

Hook up a fluid extractor to the outlet tube. Fill and extract until fluid coming out is the color of the new fluid.

 

Pardon my ignorance, where is the outlet tube you speak of?

 

The top hose that is connected to the reservoir. Extract the fluid in the reservoir first, remove top hose and hook up to your extractor. Don't forget to plug the reservoir inlet port.

Before you start extracting through the hose, fill the reservoir with new fluid. Extract until fluid comes out the same color as new. Do not let the reservoir go empty. This should go without saying, but make sure fluid is at the right level when done.

Reassemble everything after replacing fluid. Lift the front just enough to lift the tires just above the ground. Turn the ignition on but do not start the truck. Turn the steering wheel full lock each way 5 to 10 times to remove any air in the lines. Drop the truck, check level again.

 

Wow. That is extremely helpful! Thank you!

How did you block the inlet port?

 

Just buy a universal plug kit at any parts store.

 

Got it! This is on my list of maintenance items in the very near future.

 

If you own a mityvac mine came with a bunch of different plug caps I used one of those

 

Me, I just use my manual fluid extractor and pull as much outta the reservoir as possible. My fluid exchange is so frequent that it doesn’t matter if I “get it all” out at once.

 

I don't change mine nearly as often as you do, so I'm leaning toward the entire system flush. @Chip_Tundra has his method down and seems pretty easy. Quite frankly, if I off-roaded my truck even half as much as my fellow East Valley members I would just do the reservoir exchange more frequently and be done with it.

 

I do have a Mity Vac extractor. I think my son has it in Tucson. I may just buy a new one so he'll have one too.

 

Lol fluid is cheap. Time is expensive, takes me about a minute to r/r the reservoir…

 

Ok! THAT is a very convincing and compelling argument! I have nothing to counter that argument. You win, Sir!

 

Mityvac MVA6851 Fluid Extractor, Syringe Action to Extract and Dispense Fluids Into or Out of Small Reservoirs Including Master Cylinder, Transaxles and Power Steering and Coolant Reservoirs

$26 Mityvac MVA6851 7oz Fluid Evacuator Extractor and Dispensing Syringe, Lightweight, Easy to Clean, 7-1/2" Flexible Tube, Non-drip Cap, for Master Cylinders, Transaxles, Power Steering and Coolant

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MPQ8RBG

or

Mityvac MVA6852 1.5-Liter Manual Fluid Extractor/Dispenser - Master Cylinders, Power Steering, Coolant Reservoirs, Transaxles and Diesel Fuel Filters https://a.co/d/0IC41Nj

Quick and easy..

 

I have the big, manual extractor. It is very effective and equally inconvenient for small tasks. Your solution is easier to manage for smaller jobs. I should have it Tuesday from Amazon. Thank you!