I am running low and the manual really doesn't say what kind to use, it mentions something about Dexron (3??) transmission fluid so I am wondering what is the proper type I need to use.

Thanks.

 

Dexron 3 will do just fine!

 

X2 Dextron III should do fine if that is what the manual says.
I'd first figure out where the leak is. You should not be leaking or need to add any fluid.

 

Isn't the fluid a "lifetime fluid" from Toyota?

 

^x2

 

why automatic transmission fluid and not power steering fluid?

 

^^^You can use either one, it's the same fluid.

 

Yeah, only difference is the color.

 

Regardless of what ANY car maker says, there is no such thing as "lifetime fluids" unless you think no car should go more than 120K miles.

All fluids wear out and/or become contaminated.

PS comes filled with power steerting fluid from the factory only because it costs less than ATF. ATF will serve your PS system better and protect it longer.

 

You must be a tech like me cause that's what I was gonna say...

 

Metro273 & HeathenBrewing, I love you guys! Any Dexron III should suit your power steering system just fine. Why not drain and refill it instead of just topping it up? Dead simple to do, and even if it only lowers your risk for pump or rack failure by 10% it's well worth it.

I used the Mobil1 synthetic when I flushed mine at 30K. Good luck to you.

 

You must be a tech like me cause that's what I was gonna say... [/quote]

Nope, just a car nut, thats all.

 

Personally, I dont see a need for syn in the PS.

Once or twice a month, I siphon out ~150 mls of fluid from the PS reservoir with a custom tool I made ( a large syringe body w/ length of hose that fits the syringe 'nipple' tightly) and replace w/ fresh ATF. Ive been doing this since new.

I dont really want to disconnect the hoses.....but thats just me.

 

The synthetic is some I had laying around from something else already, so I figured why not. Where'd you pick up the syringe body? I tried the 'turkey baster' method but since the reservoir hole was so small, it was a PITA. Luckily, the return (low pressure) line just has a spring clamp on it under the car so pulling the hose was simple; no threaded fittings to mess with. Seems like some of the stuff on these cars (maintenance wise) was thought out really well.

 

Yeah, if I had some syn ATF lying around, Id try it as well.

Syringe body - you can find 'em anywhere…..I found mine at a local swap meet….3 for $1 if I remember correctly. It’s the syringe tips that are much harder to find.

I tried the turkey baster as well, but the bore was too wide and you cant get a substantial amount of fluid out using it. Another reason I like the syringe method - you know EXACTLY how much you take out, so you can put EXACTLY the right amount back in.

Really? Just a clamp? Hmmm…..Im going to have to take a peak down there soon. Thanks!

And you said it, maintenance-wise, these cars are great! I couldn’t believe how easy it is to do oil changes on these things…BRAVO Toyota!

 

Yup, just a clamp. Follow the lines from the pump down to the rack and you'll find it on the return (plain rubber) line. Take it off and you can just turn the wheel back and forth (car NOT running) to pump the fluid out. Fill it back up and turn the wheel back and forth a couple times to bleed out the air.

I'm gonna check around for a syringe body and try that maybe. Mines normally done with other 30K/2 year stuff (plugs, brake fluid, trans fluid) so the car is already up on jack stands, but with the syringe I could just swap some at each oil change. Hmm.

 

Yeah, thats what I liked about the syringe....takes all of 5 minutes to do, no jacking/lifting of the box and the most important part......I like doing this kind of stuff on my car.

 

I use a fluid transfer pump from servicing my outboard motor lower end lube.

 

New tip: similar to what bb2ner uses, but cheaper.

My girl threw away a bottle of lotion away this morning and I looted the empty bottle for the pump top:



I filled up some hot water in a cup and pumped it through to rid the top of any lotion, then wiped it down w/ rubbing alcohol to get rid of any film on the outside, then let it dry.

Took me 2 minutes to pump out 12 ozs of fluid and replace w/ 12 ozs of Dexron III. This is not only faster than my syringe method, but it removed MUCH more fluid as well.

 

^^^^^^^^

Great idea!!

I was using my MityVac, but they are a pain to clean each time.

Might I add to your idea? I think I'll save as many of those pumps as I can, then I can label them for different fluids, ie. brake, P/S etc.

Note to self:
Get pumps from girlfriend's millions of different types of soaps.