03 LS430. General Maintenance Advice
For the top two links. Yes, that's the Timing belt kit, and also the correct Aisin T-IV transmission fluid. A drain and refill should be roughly 4 quarts.
As far as the power steering goes, Toyota says to use one of the Dexron automatic transmission fluids. The products actually labeled as "power steering fluid" are for different vehicles and shouldn't be used in Toyota or Lexus vehicles.
The correct Valvoline ATF for the power steering is the stuff in the red bottles, and yes the Walmart one will be just fine!
As far as the power steering goes, Toyota says to use one of the Dexron automatic transmission fluids. The products actually labeled as "power steering fluid" are for different vehicles and shouldn't be used in Toyota or Lexus vehicles.
The correct Valvoline ATF for the power steering is the stuff in the red bottles, and yes the Walmart one will be just fine!
Last edited by ExiledWolf84; Mar 21, 2024 at 08:30 PM.
Hey, no problem at all!
Seems like P/S systems usually take 3 quarts or so to flush out in my experience.
Easiest way in my opinion is to suck out as much of the fluid from the P/S reservoir as you can, then get yourself about 5 feet of 3/8 inch hose, a 3/8 inch hose barb, and a 3/8 inch rubber hose bypass cap.
Lift the front wheels and put the car on stands, disconnect the return hose to the reservoir and plug the reservoir nipple with the bypass cap, then connect the 3/8 hose with the barb to the return hose.
Run the hose into a bucket, then start cranking the wheel (with the car off) lock to lock while adding new fluid to the reservoir until it starts expelling clean fluid into the bucket.
Once it does, allow the reservoir to empty again (to avoid making a mess) hook everything back up, and then fill the reservoir back up while turning the wheel lock to lock to purge the air out.
Seems like P/S systems usually take 3 quarts or so to flush out in my experience.
Easiest way in my opinion is to suck out as much of the fluid from the P/S reservoir as you can, then get yourself about 5 feet of 3/8 inch hose, a 3/8 inch hose barb, and a 3/8 inch rubber hose bypass cap.
Lift the front wheels and put the car on stands, disconnect the return hose to the reservoir and plug the reservoir nipple with the bypass cap, then connect the 3/8 hose with the barb to the return hose.
Run the hose into a bucket, then start cranking the wheel (with the car off) lock to lock while adding new fluid to the reservoir until it starts expelling clean fluid into the bucket.
Once it does, allow the reservoir to empty again (to avoid making a mess) hook everything back up, and then fill the reservoir back up while turning the wheel lock to lock to purge the air out.
An often overlooked maintenance item is the brake fluid. It should be changed every two years.
The Toyota dealer is a good source for the proper fluids, don't be afraid to ask for a case or multipack discount. Same as Lexus dealer at a lower price. Also, Amazon frequently has good multipack prices on Toyota and direct equivalent fluid such as Aisin and Idemtisu (sp?). Just make sure it is the exact same fluid, it is easy to confuse T-IV auto trans fluid (for 2001 to 2003 LS430) with the more expensive World Standard fluid (for 2004 to 2006 LS430), for example.
Good Luck.
The Toyota dealer is a good source for the proper fluids, don't be afraid to ask for a case or multipack discount. Same as Lexus dealer at a lower price. Also, Amazon frequently has good multipack prices on Toyota and direct equivalent fluid such as Aisin and Idemtisu (sp?). Just make sure it is the exact same fluid, it is easy to confuse T-IV auto trans fluid (for 2001 to 2003 LS430) with the more expensive World Standard fluid (for 2004 to 2006 LS430), for example.
Good Luck.
Hey guys.
Everything went super well. Got the timing belt done, all fluids, filters, fixed a leaking transmission pan. Got a new windshield and cleared out the headlights. Car is almost safety ready. I just need tires now. The car is on the stock 17 inch rims with 225 width tires. Shud I go staggered or square?
any recommendations for brand? I'm thinking Pirelli. No reason I just like the name lol
Everything went super well. Got the timing belt done, all fluids, filters, fixed a leaking transmission pan. Got a new windshield and cleared out the headlights. Car is almost safety ready. I just need tires now. The car is on the stock 17 inch rims with 225 width tires. Shud I go staggered or square?
any recommendations for brand? I'm thinking Pirelli. No reason I just like the name lol
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