bradland

Hey guys just looking for a little insight here. Getting ready to do a PS flush on my 99 LS which will include cleaning the solenoid screen.

My question is..
If I'm already spending the extra dollars to upgrade to synthetic (ATF) fluid anyway, why not use RedLine synthetic Power Steering fluid. Maybe these two fluids are basically the same and it is a mute point. I don't know. It just seems obvious to me to use a fluid that is designed for a power steering system and not a transmission. I've heard lifetime Toyota (dealer) mechanics say there are certain detergents in ATF that are hard on the seals of a PS system. That is really my main concern. I realize there is a lot of old school thinking vs modern day knowledge... Please help me fill in the gaps here, pros and cons, etc.

Thank you

steveski

Welcome to CL. I think ATF is just used in PS due to higher temp/pressure but I am not a mechanic. At any rate I too switched to Mobil1 Syn ATF for PS many years ago and have not had any leaks or other issues. Since I use Mobil1 SYN oil I thought I would swap to their ATF.

I don't know of Redline but don't see any reason why you couldn't use it Others are more mechanically inclined here - let's see what they say.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

use trans fluid, PS fluid has the wrong viscosity and thermal properties for our steering systems.

JimsGX

Any trans fluid or stick with Toyota T4?

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

the power steering just uses normal DexronIII/Mercon spec trans fluid.

JimsGX

The follow up question then is: Can you use T4? One less fluid type to clutter up the garage...

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

maybe? i wouldn't, T4 is really expensive compared to normal D3/m spec fluid. i wouldnt, again the whole thermal/viscosity issue comes into play.

its the same reason you cant use "normal" dexron/mercon spec trans fluid in ur tranny instead of T4

JimsGX

Okie Dokie... I need to flush the whole thing out and clean my solenoid filter too. Who knows whats been poured in there over 18 years...

Thanks

bradland

This is exactly the kind of message I was hoping for. An answer with some REASONS behind it. Thank you! Any chance you could elaborate just a little more?

Redlineoil.com gives a very detailed overview of their PS fluid properties here:
http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=79&pcid=27

Thanks again!

JimsGX

Does anyone know what the total power steering fluid capacity is on the first gen LS? I've searched here, alldatadiy and lexls but can't find the capacity, just that it calls for dexron II/III...

Thanks

Bradster

1.1 US quarts...

JimsGX

Less than I thought. Thanks

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

for the transmission:
you need a fluid meeting the same requirements as Type T-IV, JWS 3309, GM 9986195 and Audi G-052-025-A2. all use the same type of aisin transmission and have the same fluid requirements.

http://www.mobil.com/USA-English/Lub...l_ATF_3309.asp

power steering:
you just need any fluid that meets the DexronIII/Mercon specs.
the redline PS fluid does, on your link: