Hey all-

I relocated my power steering resevoir last night on my 03' 4-Runner with the 4.7L. I refilled it with the same fluid that I drained out of the resevoir and tubes initially, once I had secured the resevoir in its new location. I was definitely low on fluid, but had to drive home for about 15 miles with the fluid low. It was obvious that I was low as my power steering was not working too well. No noises or squeals though. So I ran to Napa this morning to fill my resevoir to the line. On the top of the cap Toyota recommends Dextron ATF for the appropriate fluid when refilling. I bought both the dextron and some valvoline power steering fluid and refilled the resevoir with the valvoline. Within a minute or two, the power steering was back, but the wheels squealed like hell. Once I got home, I popped the hood and was hearing all kinds of noises. So, my questions are this:

Will these noises go away as the fliud gets into the system?

Should I use the Dextron ATF even though it is Automatic Transmission Fluid?

Should I run to the dealership here and buy Toyota fluid??? I think not?

Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Billy

 

Yes you should...Toyota recommends it for a reason.

 

Flush your system ASAP and only use the ATF. ATF is standard operating procedure for the newer toyota trucks.

 

ur supposed to use atf instead of power steering fluid?

i have a 91 yota pu 4x4. i know ppl, including myself, have been talking about their power steering and the problems, and leaks.
is it better to fill with ATF?

 

Just look at the cap and the manual and it will tell you what to use. Mine say ATF.

 

What is the easiest wasy to flush it out? Thanks for all the help.

Billy

 

Sorry for my ignorance, but is there something underneath the vehicle that I can unscrew to drain the power steering fluid completely? Or should I just disconnect the hoses at their base and let it run out there? Again, thanks for the help. Just wanna fix it correctly.

Billy

 

Sorry, I don't know, I've never done it. If you do a search you might find something about it. Try www.4x4wire.com too. However, since yours is so new, I doubt many people have flushed their 4th gen PS pump.

 

Thanks Steve. I guess I'll just keep looking.

Billy

 

Not exactly a "flush" but a "fluid change process". Buy a turkey baster and remove all the fluid in the reservoir with it and then fill back up with new fluid. Drive around a few days and repeat. One quart should do 3-4 of these procedures. I would do this until you've used about 1.5 quarts and save the rest for top-offs.

 

i think i might try that. i think the fluid in my PS pump was in there while carter was president it's almost a greenish color

 

you can empty the PS line this way:

disconnect return line (not the one going to the pump) from the reservoir and route it to a collecting container - a deep one is preferable cause it will sputter and splash!

turn on engine until line runs dry

reconnect everything, fill with new ATF, and check the cold/hot levels for a few days

just did this on my 89 Supra - piece o cake