It is recommended to use ATF for power steering fluid in a Toyota. It even says so on the cap on the power steering fluid reservoir. Look at every other video on this subject and it will verify this. You got your idea from working at a dealer. It is just like a dealer service center to substitute a cheaper alternative to the recommended product.
I own the 2002 Lexus IS300. In 2015 year, I use the Toyota Transmission Fluid (that is what OEM fluid for my Car). And follow your video instruction. Now 2017 my power steering still running good. No problem with my Power Steering system. You instruction really work. Thank You Very Much. I save $100 US dollar.
Do you have any idea what is total capacity of 2004 4Runner power steering? Just changed power steering lines (both high pressure and return line) because they rusted out. While lines were disconnected, turned steering wheel left and right several times to drain as much fluid as possible from the system. The hooked everything back, filled reservoir and bleed system. That only took little over 1/2 qt (including whatever amount I spilled). I bought 2 qt thinking whole system will be about 1.5 qt and ended up returning the other bottle. Is 4 Runner power steering system that small? (I doubt there was more than 1/2 qt remaining in the system..)
Will this same process work for a 2008 Toyota tundra, and thanks your videos are a great wealth of information. Please keep the videos coming very much appreciated.
I'm doing this process now. I am attempting to not get air into the system, so I am only removing just a smidge below the MIN COLD line...I think this process, while easy, might take forever. How long does it typically take to do 2 quarts?
Fj cruiser forum has a writeup on how to do this if you don't have a sucker, or just don't want to use it. You just have to remove the line and turn the wheel lock to lock with the engine off, after jacking the wheels off the ground. It took me about 30 minutes to do mine and it got all of the old fluid out. Just replaced it with amsoil atf also.
Toyota owners manuals in many cases call for Dexron II or Dexron III. Dexron II was replaced by Dexron III years ago. The fluid you see in the P/S reservoir when purchasing a new vehicle appears to be clear and not the cranberry color of Dexron III transmission fluid. That is because auto mfgs. buy untinted Dexron III in bulk. It's cheaper than the tinted Dexron III. I read this somewhere on the WEB and cannot vouch for it's accuracy, but it makes sense as the manual calls for Dexron III. I have used plain-Jane P/S fluid like you see in this video in 3 Toyota vehicles over a 15 yr. period of time and have had no trouble. It's my belief you can use either one. If you are worried about the color a company called IDEMITSU makes power steering fluid for Asian vehicles. I have purchased it from ebay sellers. It's clear like the fluid new Toyota's come with. You can google IDEMITSU and search for more info on it. The method used here is known as a "rotation drain/flush". You siphon/drain whatever is in the reservoir - refill with proper amt. - start car and circulate fluid; then repeat this several times. I like to siphon/refill - then drive car for a few miles at least; then repeat 3 or 4 times. When done - elevate front of car and do the air bleed rotating the steering wheel back and forth.
+john smith That is what I have heard as well. Clear power steering fluid and ATF actually is almost identical (both are hydraulic fluids), but since most off the shelve power steering fluid states use for GM, Ford, and Chrysler and they say nothing about Toyota, I feel safer using Dexron III ATF. I don't know if it is true for all Ford, but Ford states Dexron III for power steering on their trucks (not sure about other models) and have red colored fluid in their power steering.
We have a 1992 Toyota we bought used that was leaking fluid all the time and we couldn't find the source. Someone mentioned to check the fluid type as the problem and guess what, we had been using the clear general GM/Ford power steering fluid the old owner had left with it. Flushing with Dexon II got rid of the leaks, went from topping up once a week or more to set and solid. Use the fluid indicated in your manual. Maybe when it's new and the seals are fresh it's not an issue but they specified a specific type for a reason, why second guess that?
Thanks for the video. I think I will do that on my 2002 Tacoma but I'm a big fan of synthetic lubricants and fluids so I am going to use the Mobil 1 ATF.
I have a 2008 lexus es 350, when i bought it the ps had a atf fluid in it and now i changed the steering rack, what type of fluid should i use? Also when i went to the the dealer they give me toyota EH power steering fluid any idea what that is? Is it good for my car? Thanks in advance
I perform a similar procedure(except I remove power steering line and cap the reservoir nipple). Use Mobil 1 ATF. It’s impressive and especially for a neglected system like PS.
@@Brightly747 Yes you can potentially introduce air. However, I always keep the reservoir half full, and as a precaution, Jack up the vehicle, and then bleed the system by turning lock to lock several times running, until no more aeration is noted. Typically I have none. Always follow manufacturers recommendations for this procedure. While the vehicle is not running and you are effectively purging the old fluid by turning the wheel, even if some air gets in, it’s of no consequence UNLESS you don’t follow up bleeding it after the fact. Power steering pumps must ALWAYS have a good head of fluid before being run.
I would double check, but it looked like you pulled out red ATF (automatic transmission fluid) and put in regular power steering which is clear. I know on 3rd Gen 4runners the power steering uses ATF fluid.
it looked and smelled like red ATF….i stick with what i have learned working for Toyota Dealer….as said in video, owners manual says to use ATF. Thanks for watching.
@@ToyotaMaintenance I think you have some memory issues - you clearly poured standard Oreilly Power Steering fluid into this car which is incorrect for this vehicle. No certified Toyota dealer or Toyota school teaches this so don't BS people. I'm a retired tech. Use Dexron ATF people (and preferably a good quality fluid).
Toyota Maintenance, from what I understand it's pretty much the same stuff. the difference is the dexron helps with anti foaming and the seals. if you use power steering fluid it can eat the seals and lead to pump failure. from what I understand at the dealership some of the power steering fluid the technicians use contains dextron in them, this is why they use them. I personally would prefer to have a clear fluid myself. I find that the red or pink ATF stains the power steering reservoir and turns them a ugly brown color.
I'm really struggling to find information on where the knock sensors are located on a 2002 4Runner. And info would be greatly appreciated. Is there any way to contact you.
my power steering pump was damaged when my serpentine belt broke. I replaced the power steering pump. is there anything i need to to (flush,etc...) my oil light on my dash will blink once when i come to a stop
You said you never saw a Toyota with the red fluid that the manual says only to use in the system, and that no cars came in with that red fluid that you saw either….But what about the old fluid thatyou removed in the beginning of this video?!?! Looks like it was dirty, but to me it looked like it was probably red at one point before it got dirty!!!!
DON'T USE REGULAR POWER STEERING FLUID!! This toyota uses ATF. Read the cap on the fill cap. I'm switching out pumps now because I used regular stuff got maybe 30k out of it but oil is leaking out of the seals.
It doesn't appear that you jacked up the vehicle at the front. If you do this on the pavement, I would make sure you do the steering wheel spinning on smooth concrete vs rough pavement. Else you're gonna have some rubber worn off in a flat shape. Best to raise up the front of the vehicle if you ask me.
not true my fj cruiser recommends dextron ii or dexron iii (ATF) FLUID....a lot of people get weirded out when hearing transmission fluid with power-steering...but it's correct.
Don't follow this advice! Please use Dexron ATF and NOT standard power steering fluid. ATF has the additives required to keep the system functioning correctly and is what Toyota specifies. It even says so on the reservoir cap and in the owners manual. Also, don't use the cheapest thing you can find-use a quality fluid. As a retired technician I can tell you that no Toyota school or reputable dealer tells you to use regular power steering fluid.
This video is NOT a good video for those that are not familiar with Toyotas- you absolutely should use ATF and it is supposed to be red in color. Using regular power steering fluid is the reason for loud power steering pumps before failing prematurely and it can also damage and break the steering rack itself. Very expensive to replace and the labor cost is astronomical if you are unable to do the work yourself. This video is junk- NO GOOD!!!
This guy is wacky and I would never use his maintenance standards as the Toyota owners manual clearly state ATF DEXRON II OR DEXRON III. The fact that he tells you to use fluid that is not records a major flag and he looses all credibility.
It is recommended to use ATF for power steering fluid in a Toyota. It even says so on the cap on the power steering fluid reservoir. Look at every other video on this subject and it will verify this. You got your idea from working at a dealer. It is just like a dealer service center to substitute a cheaper alternative to the recommended product.
Maxlife works great
Petr has changed his ways over the year and not uses automatic transmission fluid only!
Love your videos on 4th Gen 4Runners ! Keep up the good work!
I own the 2002 Lexus IS300. In 2015 year, I use the Toyota Transmission Fluid (that is what OEM fluid for my Car). And follow your video instruction. Now 2017 my power steering still running good. No problem with my Power Steering system. You instruction really work. Thank You Very Much. I save $100 US dollar.
you are welcome...
Simple yet so helpful! Greatly appreciate this video!
Great video as always. It never fails when I need to do something to my Tacoma, you've already got a video to help me out.
Nice, that's awesome
Proceed with caution when someone tells you not to follow the owners manual.
Good thing is Petr is a Toyota mechanic-specialist so he kinda knows what he’s talking about. Probably more so than you or I do reference Toyota’s.
Do you have any idea what is total capacity of 2004 4Runner power steering?
Just changed power steering lines (both high pressure and return line) because they rusted out. While lines were disconnected, turned steering wheel left and right several times to drain as much fluid as possible from the system.
The hooked everything back, filled reservoir and bleed system. That only took little over 1/2 qt (including whatever amount I spilled).
I bought 2 qt thinking whole system will be about 1.5 qt and ended up returning the other bottle.
Is 4 Runner power steering system that small? (I doubt there was more than 1/2 qt remaining in the system..)
You really got me bent on taking my transmax out and getting some O'Riley's fluid and flush
I am definitely using what has been stated by Toyota to use since the beginning of Toyota's... Which is automatic transmission fluid...
Great video great advice thank you !!
Very good video. Thank you!!!!
Straightforward and to the point. Some people who do these yap and yap and yap? Thank you sir
Thanks man ! Definitely make more videos with 4th gen 4runners . Subscribed this channel
Casper Werner I will…Thanks.
This guy is the best
you're awesome
Will this same process work for a 2008 Toyota tundra, and thanks your videos are a great wealth of information. Please keep the videos coming very much appreciated.
I used Valvoline Maxlife ATF for this and flushed it out until it was cherry red
That or Castrol transmax is what I use too
I'm doing this process now. I am attempting to not get air into the system, so I am only removing just a smidge below the MIN COLD line...I think this process, while easy, might take forever. How long does it typically take to do 2 quarts?
If the owners manual say put the dexron shouldn't we use the dexron red ?
Should have used ATF. The fluid from factory is always clear but needs to be changed with ATF
Fj cruiser forum has a writeup on how to do this if you don't have a sucker, or just don't want to use it. You just have to remove the line and turn the wheel lock to lock with the engine off, after jacking the wheels off the ground. It took me about 30 minutes to do mine and it got all of the old fluid out. Just replaced it with amsoil atf also.
Toyota owners manuals in many cases call for Dexron II or Dexron III. Dexron II was replaced by Dexron III years ago. The fluid you see in the P/S reservoir when purchasing a new vehicle appears to be clear and not the cranberry color of Dexron III transmission fluid. That is because auto mfgs. buy untinted Dexron III in bulk. It's cheaper than the tinted Dexron III. I read this somewhere on the WEB and cannot vouch for it's accuracy, but it makes sense as the manual calls for Dexron III.
I have used plain-Jane P/S fluid like you see in this video in 3 Toyota vehicles over a 15 yr. period of time and have had no trouble. It's my belief you can use either one.
If you are worried about the color a company called IDEMITSU makes power steering fluid for Asian vehicles. I have purchased it from ebay sellers. It's clear like the fluid new Toyota's come with. You can google IDEMITSU and search for more info on it.
The method used here is known as a "rotation drain/flush". You siphon/drain whatever is in the reservoir - refill with proper amt. - start car and circulate fluid; then repeat this several times. I like to siphon/refill - then drive car for a few miles at least; then repeat 3 or 4 times. When done - elevate front of car and do the air bleed rotating the steering wheel back and forth.
john smith thanks for sharing, i agree.
+john smith
That is what I have heard as well.
Clear power steering fluid and ATF actually is almost identical (both are hydraulic fluids), but since most off the shelve power steering fluid states use for GM, Ford, and Chrysler and they say nothing about Toyota, I feel safer using Dexron III ATF.
I don't know if it is true for all Ford, but Ford states Dexron III for power steering on their trucks (not sure about other models) and have red colored fluid in their power steering.
We have a 1992 Toyota we bought used that was leaking fluid all the time and we couldn't find the source. Someone mentioned to check the fluid type as the problem and guess what, we had been using the clear general GM/Ford power steering fluid the old owner had left with it.
Flushing with Dexon II got rid of the leaks, went from topping up once a week or more to set and solid.
Use the fluid indicated in your manual. Maybe when it's new and the seals are fresh it's not an issue but they specified a specific type for a reason, why second guess that?
Thanks for sharing your experience…..
So,it’s ok..to use ATF or clear Power steering fluid it will work the same,It won’t be any issues?
Thanks for the video.
Yes i agree, you have to use what Toyota specs, dextron atf
Thanks for the video. I think I will do that on my 2002 Tacoma but I'm a big fan of synthetic lubricants and fluids so I am going to use the Mobil 1 ATF.
Great videos. How often should you do the power steering flush in a 4runner?
it depends how and where is truck driven ? I look at quality of fluid, when dirty and residue, time to flush.
👍🏼
I have a 2008 lexus es 350, when i bought it the ps had a atf fluid in it and now i changed the steering rack, what type of fluid should i use?
Also when i went to the the dealer they give me toyota EH power steering fluid any idea what that is? Is it good for my car?
Thanks in advance
I will stick with what owners manual says or dealer gives you….
Why not use a good synthetic atf like mobil1, amsoil, or redline d4?
I perform a similar procedure(except I remove power steering line and cap the reservoir nipple). Use Mobil 1 ATF. It’s impressive and especially for a neglected system like PS.
@@nordicpride9708 is it possible you could be putting air in system by disconnecting PS line? Thx
@@Brightly747 Yes you can potentially introduce air. However, I always keep the reservoir half full, and as a precaution, Jack up the vehicle, and then bleed the system by turning lock to lock several times running, until no more aeration is noted. Typically I have none. Always follow manufacturers recommendations for this procedure.
While the vehicle is not running and you are effectively purging the old fluid by turning the wheel, even if some air gets in, it’s of no consequence UNLESS you don’t follow up bleeding it after the fact. Power steering pumps must ALWAYS have a good head of fluid before being run.
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS!!! How OFTEN do you recommend replacing the PS fluid?
I heard one mechanic say every 70K miles. But look at reservoir everytime you open hood to spot loss of fluid.
Where can I get a oil extract pump like that?
Harbor Freight Tools
Use Valvoline Maxlife Dex III fluid - tried and true in the PS system.
Thanks for sharing….
What color was it?
I would double check, but it looked like you pulled out red ATF (automatic transmission fluid) and put in regular power steering which is clear. I know on 3rd Gen 4runners the power steering uses ATF fluid.
it looked and smelled like red ATF….i stick with what i have learned working for Toyota Dealer….as said in video, owners manual says to use ATF. Thanks for watching.
@@ToyotaMaintenance I think you have some memory issues - you clearly poured standard Oreilly Power Steering fluid into this car which is incorrect for this vehicle. No certified Toyota dealer or Toyota school teaches this so don't BS people. I'm a retired tech. Use Dexron ATF people (and preferably a good quality fluid).
i need to do this to my PS fluid, its not a nice colour. thanks!
most Toyotas use ATF, automatic transmission fluid. power steering fluid even though similar may burn up your pump.
you are right, I got trained at dealership to use BG Power steering clear fluid, but manual says ATF.......
Toyota Maintenance, from what I understand it's pretty much the same stuff. the difference is the dexron helps with anti foaming and the seals. if you use power steering fluid it can eat the seals and lead to pump failure. from what I understand at the dealership some of the power steering fluid the technicians use contains dextron in them, this is why they use them. I personally would prefer to have a clear fluid myself. I find that the red or pink ATF stains the power steering reservoir and turns them a ugly brown color.
Thanks for the video. . Saved me money at the dealer. Does it matter how you suck out the fluid as long as it does?
Odin31b it's about removing old fluid and adding new one…good luck.
Odin31b Just as long as it's sucked out, it's fine. You can use a handsoap pump, baster, etc.
I'm really struggling to find information on where the knock sensors are located on a 2002 4Runner. And info would be greatly appreciated. Is there any way to contact you.
what engine ?
Check this out www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/194340-knock-sensors-harness-diy.html
my power steering pump was damaged when my serpentine belt broke. I replaced the power steering pump. is there anything i need to to (flush,etc...) my oil light on my dash will blink once when i come to a stop
That70sRabbit i will flush it when installing new pump and go from there..hard to diagnose sitting at my computer….good luck !
You said you never saw a Toyota with the red fluid that the manual says only to use in the system, and that no cars came in with that red fluid that you saw either….But what about the old fluid thatyou removed in the beginning of this video?!?! Looks like it was dirty, but to me it looked like it was probably red at one point before it got dirty!!!!
DON'T USE REGULAR POWER STEERING FLUID!! This toyota uses ATF. Read the cap on the fill cap. I'm switching out pumps now because I used regular stuff got maybe 30k out of it but oil is leaking out of the seals.
How are your lights so nice and clear on an 04??
I don't know, it is friends truck….
Try headlight restoration polish. It's amazing stuff.
It’s probably garaged in a less sunny part of the US.
I don’t understand why you are adding more fresh fluid and then take it back out?
Anybody know where can I get clear (light yellow) ATF?
I herd that asin power steering fluid works good O'Riley's carries it
awesome accent
Thanks...
Toyota Maintenance oh and the video was really useful. I recently flushed mine as well using your method. Thanks!
From what i have researched u was better of with the red stuff
Go autozone next time bro
Sounds good….
Lmao
It doesn't appear that you jacked up the vehicle at the front. If you do this on the pavement, I would make sure you do the steering wheel spinning on smooth concrete vs rough pavement. Else you're gonna have some rubber worn off in a flat shape. Best to raise up the front of the vehicle if you ask me.
thanks for sharing
Toyotas are never supposed to have atf fluid only use dextron III 1980s to 2005 toyotas
That's not true. My '04 specifically says in the manual and on the cap to use ATF
not true my fj cruiser recommends dextron ii or dexron iii (ATF) FLUID....a lot of people get weirded out when hearing transmission fluid with power-steering...but it's correct.
Don't follow this advice! Please use Dexron ATF and NOT standard power steering fluid. ATF has the additives required to keep the system functioning correctly and is what Toyota specifies. It even says so on the reservoir cap and in the owners manual. Also, don't use the cheapest thing you can find-use a quality fluid. As a retired technician I can tell you that no Toyota school or reputable dealer tells you to use regular power steering fluid.
use atf people
This video is NOT a good video for those that are not familiar with Toyotas- you absolutely should use ATF and it is supposed to be red in color. Using regular power steering fluid is the reason for loud power steering pumps before failing prematurely and it can also damage and break the steering rack itself. Very expensive to replace and the labor cost is astronomical if you are unable to do the work yourself. This video is junk- NO GOOD!!!
WTF !!! you just gave me a lot of confidence in the stealership you worked for. wonder why you're not there anymore....jesus christ...
This guy is wacky and I would never use his maintenance standards as the Toyota owners manual clearly state ATF DEXRON II OR DEXRON III. The fact that he tells you to use fluid that is not records a major flag and he looses all credibility.
Where can I get a oil extract pump like that?
Harbor Freight :)