Power Steering Fluid

Are you all changing out your power steering fluid at a certain mileage? If so, how many miles and what type of fluid? I have what seems original fluid at 244K.

 

Yes, would probably be good for you. Here's a really good writeup on the best way to do it - I've used it on my 2 Tacomas and my 4th Gen 4Runner. Takes no time at all. Keep in mind the fluid mentioned is for a 4th Gen, no idea if 5th Gen went with something new.

 

I have always just done the turkey baster with PS. Suck out the old in reservoir and refill with new. Yes it doesn't get all out but so easy can replace as often as needed.

 

What fluid do you put back?

 

I haven't needed to worry about this in the 4runner yet since low miles. Past Toyota and Lexus I have used a good synthetic ATF. My 03 Tacoma I still have with 200k doing this and the fluid is still bright cherry red.

First time replacing i did several times. Extract and replace. Drive around a bit to recirculate. Repeat until fluid looks the color I want.

 

More instructions on how to change the power steering fluid:

 

I use the Toyota fluid. Did it at 40k.

 

Mityvac and fill Redline Power Steering Fluid (Dexron 3 compatible). Whenever I think to do it.

 

If i recall its done every 35-50,0000mi? Sounds like you are way overdue, so anything is better than where you are now.

 

My 2016 owner’s maintenance manual is totally silent to fluid flush on power steering. I guess this is my excuse for never changing it and now at 75,000 miles.

just watched video for vacuum pump flush procedure. Ridiculously easy and can’t believe I have not done this yet.

 

I found an easier method. No pump. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxqXOHwNHHo&ab_channel=LooseAxles. Was super easy.

 

Since the fluid is living an easy life I’m not gonna worry about it for a while.

Maybe turkey-baste it over the course of two-three oil changes around when I do the transmission at 40-60,000-ish miles.

 

Much more of a PITA that total flush and done.

 

How is it a PITA? Literally takes couple minutes with truck on the ground no hoses removed. I started this week jumping on it before fluid degraded. Probably 6 drain and fills and will slow down on frequency now that I have most of old fluid out.

A flush is great just not the extra effort when drain and fill so easy to do as often as wanted.

 

It will take many many times of sucking and refilling and in the end you still won't get all the dirty old fluid out.

 

Agreed and that is where a full flush is always better. PS I think is probably one of most neglected maintenance items. Drain/fill has worked for me over 20 years multiple Toyota/Lexus.

Getting fresh fluid in the system is what matters. I don't mind doing this frequently because so easy. This week I have been replacing after every drive. Most failures I suspect are from no maintenance. Anyone doing either method before factory fluid is nasty is in better spot than most.

Out of curiosity in your opinion is a flush of transmission needed or drain/fill worthwhile? Different system but same concept. Refresh with new fluid.

Probably also matters how bad the fluid is. I am starting at 20k which is overkill. Maybe that's why I am not as concerned removing all the old fluid. It's not in bad shape. Introducing air into system or a leak are some reasons I have chosen not to flush.