matts6887

How can I extract old power steering fluid that needs replacing easily? Can I just extract it with something then put new stuff in; and if so; is it lexus specific where I would have to go to a toyota or lexus dealer to get it; or can i just go to like pep boys or autozone, to get it?

hypervish

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...uid-flush.html

You should try and use the search function...

trhs75

If I've done it right on my cars and if I understand it correctly, it's more of a repeated dilution with a lot of new fluid into a little old fluid rather than an actual flush, but I'm hoping it's good enough. It seems to have worked.

Baetke

When I did mine I jacked up the front of the car so I could turn the wheels back and forth. I disconnected the fluid return line to the power steering reservoir and put a cup under it to catch the fluid as my wife turned the steering wheel from stop to stop. I kept adding fresh fluid to the reservoir until clean fluid was coming out the line going into the cup. Reconnect the line, check the flluid level and your done.

Baetke

matts6887

that does sound like a good way; however; I do not have jack stands on which to jack the vehicle up. So is there any other way to extract it from the top side by removing the line from there and using something to extract all the fluid? Or does all the fluid have to be extracted(flushed?) before I can put new stuff in?

Baetke

You could use a turkey baster to extract the fluid from the reservoir and refill but that won't flush the lines, actuator, or pump. If you have a couple of old linoleum tiles and some grease you could make a "grease sandwich" with two tiles and place one sandwich under each front wheel so you can turn the wheels and the tiles would provide a "bearing" so they turn easily. You really need to run the wheel stop to stop a couple of times to completely flush the system.

BTW: Are going to email me that manual?

matts6887

yes; I will get that manual to you. Ive just been busy these past few days with family stuff, etc.As far as flushing the lines and pump goes; I guess the only way to do that is to do it the long way via undoing the bolt(s) for the steering lines, etc. Just when i thought I could get away with it doing it the easy way. Go figure; lol

chenxingha

2000 RX300, just over 100k miles. Recently had my local auto shop replaced the 2 (high and low?) pressured lines of the power steering system - very deep in to the engine compartment and I did not see an on-driveway DIY. (It was leaking fluid and problem was identified with the lower pressure return line, but a young mechanic in the shop cut the wrong line and ......) .

Anyways, the car is back to and no more leaks. My question is that the shop used generic PS fluid; should I do a flush to use Toyota ATM fluid? I have the impression that all Toyota/Lexus vehicles use Toyota ATM Type-4 (?) fluid for PS.

Please advise.

salimshah

Hypothetical q/a if you call the repair shop?

Q: Did the shop use the specified or better fluid for my vehicle [Lexus RX]?
A: Yes or No or we don't know.

If yes then it is unto you to leave it alone
or for other two cases:
Simply siphon out from reservoir and fill the specified by Lexus/Toyota [please confirm Toyota ATF type IV & not Dexon IV]
After a month or two, syphon off and refill.

Salim

chenxingha

Thanks Salim. It is a local family owned garage and I am pretty much sure that they use generic PS fluids. So I will do a flush myself with Toyota ATM Type-4 fluid.

Oro

In these years, Toyota specified DexIII fluid as PS fluid (should be printed on the cap). DexIII-H and Toyota T-IV are VERY similar fluids and can be mixed in both PS and AT applications. If they used a basic PS fluid, that’s fine. You do NOT need the friction modifier additives, which is what separates AT fluid from PS fluid, in the PS system. AT fluid and PS fluid use the same base oil in general, and anti-wear additives. PS does not need the FMs, but they do no harm and AT fluid is much more available and cheaper because of economies of scale. So that is why AT fluid is typically used.

If they put a generic PS fluid in it, that’s absolutely fine. Even if they used another AT fluid, that’s fine, too. If you care about the system health, best thing at this point is add a little Lubegard or Redline PS (or AT; I use the AT as it’s mover versatile) additive for seal and hose health, in addition to some added anti-wear components.

chenxingha

I did my DIY PS fluid flush before seeing Oro's post. Nevertheless, here is how I did my DIY:

1. Before jacking up the front wheels, prepare the spot. Photo of before doing anything:

Now, get the prep: use a syringe (Walmart, about $5) to extract fluid out of the reservoir; loose the upper hose clip; place spill catch materials (carbon papers, wipe towel, etc.) under the work area.

3. Use something to stop the rear wheels from moving backward:

4. Raise the front wheels (jack, jack stand, etc.) so the 2 front wheels can steer freely:

5. Set up flush necessities: use an old peanut butter bottle to catch fluids out of the return hose (the upper hose); use heavy duty duck tape to seal off the reservoir's upper inlet (I also used a plastic zip tie to secure the tape on the inlet).

6. Fill the reservoir with Toyota ATF Type-IV fluid (reddish or pink color); get in to the car, turn the key to ON (please don't run engine) and turn the steering wheel to both extremes once at each end; come out and refill the reservoir with new fluids; another round with turning the steering wheel and observe old fluids being collected in peanut butter bottle; now clear the peanut butter bottle, refill the reservoir and turn the steering wheel again; at this point, collected fluids in the peanut butter bottle should be flesh reddish pink fluids and no old fluid residues.

Clear the duck tape on the upper inlet and insert the hose back and secure it with the clip.
Fill the reservoir with new fluids and turn the steering wheel another round; check the reservoir level, add new fluid if necessary.
Remove the jack stands; turn on the engine and another round of turning the steering wheel; check the reservoir level, refill as needed.

Flush is done. Hope this helps.