LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006) Discussion topics related to the flagship Lexus LS430

Which power steering fluid do i buy???

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Old 12-18-10, 11:04 AM
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Vpanin
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Default Which power steering fluid do i buy???

I want use the same fluid as Lexus uses. Anyone know the exact brand and type??
Old 12-18-10, 07:08 PM
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tsslaporte
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Look at the Power steering Cap, as well as the manual they call for Dexron III compatible fluid.

I personally used M1 ATF
Old 12-18-10, 07:12 PM
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Vpanin
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Ok........looks like everyones saying its Dex 3
Old 12-18-10, 07:38 PM
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I don't like the stuff Toyota/Honda use as factory PS fluid...too thick. The PS motor on my Honda would groan from the thick fluid on a 40F morning until it warmed up sufficiently. I now use Redline synthetic D4 ATF (for Dextron II/III applications). I've also tried Redline's dextron II ATF. It works fine, too, but is a tad thinner. "Power steering" fluid is merely cheap ATF, so why not buy top-quality ATF? You could also use Toyota dextron II/III ATF. It's non-synthetic, but that's what was spec'd to be used with Toyota automatic transmissions back in the 1990's.
Old 12-18-10, 08:19 PM
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Bocatrip
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I've only seen Dextron lV now as I've been told they don't make ll anymore and lll may be going the same route. I guess it's all the same formula.
Old 12-19-10, 12:34 AM
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Jim Chow!! why did you have to make this decision more complicated??!! lol
Old 12-19-10, 07:58 PM
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Dextron II ATF is still made by Redline (Redline synthetic ATF for Dextron II applications). See http://www.redlineoil.com/Products.aspx?pcid=9. I used to ues the synthetic ATF for dextron II, but switched to the D4 ATF (higher viscosity) for the southwest heat. It's viscosity is closer to that of the OEM Toyota PS fluid (pretty thick), but I think for winter applications, the thinner synthetic ATF would be better. I only went w/ the higher viscosity D4 since I was living in So. AZ at the time.
Old 12-20-10, 01:50 AM
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RA40
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Then for those of us Cali folk who use/used Mobil 1 ATF now found that the EPA banned it here because one of the chemicals is on their no-no list. I don't know what to put in either.
Old 12-20-10, 06:54 AM
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sojah
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when i went to the autoparts store a couple weeks ago to buy mines all they had was some dexron viii or vii and on the back of the product is said dexron iii compatible.
Old 12-20-10, 07:27 PM
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Originally Posted by RA40
Then for those of us Cali folk who use/used Mobil 1 ATF now found that the EPA banned it here because one of the chemicals is on their no-no list. I don't know what to put in either.
Amsoil ATF? I use Toyota-brand T-IV on my '03 and WS on my '05. Part of it is because both are still under warranty, and if anything goes wrong, they can't blame it on the fluid not meeting mfg specs.
Old 12-20-10, 07:52 PM
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RA40
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True. There have been conflicting discussions on using Toyota Type IV in the PS unless specified. The 430 may spec it, if so . Mine lists Dexron/Mercon type III and while I can use a Dexron IV or such, it currently has Mobil 1 so I need to do some research on fluid compatibility.

The PS fluid is good for now but my drain interval is coming up so I'm browsing.
Old 12-20-10, 08:16 PM
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JimsGX
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Originally Posted by Jim_Chow
I use Toyota-brand T-IV on my '03 and WS on my '05. Part of it is because both are still under warranty, and if anything goes wrong, they can't blame it on the fluid not meeting mfg specs.
I don't believe either of those fluids meet the Dexron III spec... I use Mobil 1 ATF in both my 91 and 05.
Old 12-20-10, 11:22 PM
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Vpanin
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I put the Mobil 1 ATF in today . Seems to be a popular choice
Old 12-20-10, 11:34 PM
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i have used the amsoil atf fluid. i have not had a problem with it. i had it in the car for over year and no problems. if that helps. i refer to had because i no longer have the ls.
Old 01-04-11, 11:49 PM
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svlexus
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I think ps fluid is more hydraulic fluid than a lubricant. So you are good with anything that isnt corrosive and dexron whatever fits the bill/ slippery synthetics wont do much.


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