Power steering problems

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Sep 30, 2007 | 01:53 PM

#21

corvey

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Joined: Aug 2007

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Quote:

Originally Posted by MudHippy

It's a Toyota thing. What's labeled as "Power Steering Fluid" at the auto parts store doesn't meet Toyota's specs. Only Dexron II/III ATF for Toyota auto trannies and power steering pumps. Or Toyota ATF, of course.

Then...

Quote:

Originally Posted by MudHippy

My hypothesis

One should use only PSF or ATF, never both mixed or transmission stop leak in PSF, or power steering stop leak in ATF.

My data

When I purchased my Toyota it had a slightly leaking PS pump. Attempts to solve were as follows:

1. Power steering stop leak. Actually worked for a few months.

2.Flush and refill with ATF. Did nothing to the leak. Same o' situation for the next year or so. Had to fill the reservior every other day.

3.Then decided I didn't care what I put in it, ATF or PSF, cause it was gonna end up on the ground anyway in a few days. UH-OH, bad idea. I went wheeling one time after mixing them. Kerplow! Pulley seal springs massive leak, drive home with no PS.

4.Power steering pump rebuild kit, and get this, fill with PSF only. I've had no issues for nearly 6 months. Works great!

I smell contradiction to what was previously said. So which is it?

Oct 1, 2007 | 06:43 PM

#22

naadomail

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Joined: Aug 2007

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From: Texas

Just a quick word on the idle problem I was having. I was cruising around with my new idle adjustment all happy n stuff. Then I decided to clean out my throttle body. I carb cleaner and toothbrushed up the whole shabang. I started my truck. White smoke, sputtering, and then the carb cleaner was out and I was idling at 1500 rpm!!!!!!!!!!! Monkeys, I then had to readjust the idle settings I had worked so hard to perfect. However this time it was a lot easier. Oh and my rig runs better than ever WITH POWER STEERING!!

Oct 2, 2007 | 03:37 AM

#23

GSGALLANT

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Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 1,756

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From: New Brunswick, Canada

Quote:

Originally Posted by corvey

Then...

I smell contradiction to what was previously said. So which is it?

Use ATF like Toyota says to. Yeah, it will work for a while with power steering fluid before developing leaks. It would likely work with brake fluid too, but you wouldn't consider using that, would you?

Oct 2, 2007 | 07:22 PM

#24

corvey

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Hey Mudhippy, where did you get your rebuild kit for the power steering pump?

Oct 4, 2007 | 08:24 AM

#25

n4ynu1010

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Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 1,059

Likes: 1

From: Richmond , Va / Henrico Co.

Gecko

Quote:

Originally Posted by corvey

I don't get it. Power Steering Fluid is not suppose to be used for powering steering, and Automatic Transmission Fluid is what you use to fill the power steering up with?

I like your Gecko there Corvey , and your sig , thats cool idea

Oct 4, 2007 | 08:30 AM

#26

rdlsz24

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Joined: Sep 2005

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From: Northern IL

Quote:

Originally Posted by MudHippy

I think it's pretty much the standard now. My wife's '98 Saturn, my '88 Toyota pickup, and my '04 GTO all use ATF in the power steering pump.

Rob

Oct 5, 2007 | 07:00 PM

#27

corvey

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How to you properly drain out the old fluid so I can fill it fresh with ATF?

Oct 5, 2007 | 07:23 PM

#28

n4ynu1010

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Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 1,059

Likes: 1

From: Richmond , Va / Henrico Co.

Power Steering Flush

Quote:

Originally Posted by corvey

How to you properly drain out the old fluid so I can fill it fresh with ATF?

There may be better opinions out there but I always have dis-connected return line at gear box (usually a rubber line close to gearbox going to hardline (low pressure) ) and drain what comes out from pump end into pan , then I would put a longer line on the gearbox end (Leaving gearbox,Low Pressure) and lay it in pan , then I would have a helper (wife) start truck and move wheel back and forth slightly while I am pouring in ATF into pump , as long as you do not overfill pump while doing this the oil will not run back down dis-connected return line (which has pan under it anyway) and the pump will not run dry as well if your helper only turns the wheel a bit either direction.
Hope this helps and maybe someone has a better way but this is how I have always done it to change or renew fluid in a PS pump

.
If you just drain and refresh what is in pump you still have the old oil in gearbox so this way you get it all .
Just watch the fluid leaving the hose from the gearbox and when the color is true then your done , re-connect the return line and re-fill.

Last edited by n4ynu1010; Oct 5, 2007 at 07:27 PM.