I got a '94 Toyota Hilux 4x4. My power steering fluid reservoir says to use only "Dexron type ATF". This is written right on the power steering reservoir cap. Is it common for these trucks to want Automatic Transmission Fluid instead of power steering fluid? Seems odd.

 

Yes, ATF only. Not sure about the newer Taco's but the 80 and 90's trucks and 4Runner get the ATF.

 

Second that.
I like it; One less fluid for us to keep on hand.

 

^^ Especially if you have an automatic transmission. Same fluid for both.

Both power steering fluid and automatic transmission fluid are hydraulic fluids. Toyota decided to design a power steering system around ATF instead.

 

If it says ATF you can not put power steering fluid it has a very high likelihood to destroy the seals.

 

Thanks for the confirmation, guys! I appreciate it!

 

I wish I had seen this post earlier. Two days ago my power steering went out. The reservoir was empty so I filled it back up with regular power steering fluid. The reservoir is empty again today but I haven't checked to find the leak . My power steering cap doesn't specify the type of fluid to use so I just assumed it was regular power steering fluid. The only writting I found on the cap was "TOYODA". I had never notice the spelling on the cap being spelled with a "D" instead of a "T". What type transmission fluid is recommended for the power steering on a 1988 4runner? Also, what type fluid is recommended for the automatic transmission? I have been using Transmax Castrol Import Multi Vehicle transmission fluid. Is this the proper type fluid and will it work for the power steering also? Thanks

 

I'd probably use Toyota synthetic transmission fluid. That sounds like it should work and whatever you're using in the trans will be fine in the power steering. My power steering leaked a little with PS fluid, ATF seemed to help with that. I think I used some Honda synthetic stuff I had laying around... Odd to have ATF for my manual truck .

 

Thanks gyates93, I'll add the ATF and see what happens. Hope the seals aren't destroyed already although the fluid is going somewhere. Guess we will find out shortly.