metaron

Hi folks,

Having seen other posts on CL I know lexmex has recommended using Mobil 1 ATF for the power steering. I'm in the UK and I've come across Carlubes ATF-U which I'm going to use for the gearbox - it has the following specs:

"Specifications: GM Dexron VI, Ford Mercon V, MB236.6, BMW 7045E, Toyota T-IV, Mitsubishi/Hyundai SPII , SPIII, Chrysler ATF, ATF3+, ATF4+, Honda Z1, Nissan Matic D, J, LT 71141, JWS3309, Volvo1161540 & VW/Audi G-055-025-AZ"

It's fully synthetic and I managed to get a gallon for £25(about $39) which I'm well happy about

Anyway, apparantley Dextron 6/VI is backwards compatible with Dextron 2&3 so can anybody see any problems if I use this for power steering fluid?

GS4_Fiend

iTrader: (22)

Toyota/Lexus uses ATF/Dexeron III for power steering.

Bill Dowd

I have used mobil one atf in my 1986 toyota cressida went 526,000 miles nothing ever wore out and in my 1990 lexus ls400 with 254,000 nothing wore out so far it is good oil the atf and motor oil

tcheung87

I have an '01 RX, and I use Mobil 1 Dexron fluid. Flushed it once, it has been about 80K miles and still smooth steering, no squeaks.

https://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English...hetic_ATF.aspx

metaron

Well I wouldn't hesitate to use this in the power steering as I believe it to be better than dexron ii or iii but I think after I do a drain and fill in the tranny there probably won't be enough left for the PAS system anyway.

I reckon I'll have 500ml/half a quart left from a gallon, will this be enough for the PAS(?) if so I'll give it a go.

Lexmex

There are a bunch of ATFs out there in the world that now support the Type IV format. I was trying to see the actual specifications on this particular ATF, but I did not see any on the carlube website, but notice that it is a recent product introduction...since June 7, 2010.

However, I have said these before...if you can find something better than Type IV and it is Type IV compatible, use it in these RX300/Harrier Transmissions (U140F/U140E).

On the Power Steering Fluid, this kind of product would most certainly work.

metaron

Thanks Lexmex,

I went through all the service history today today and found that the only tranny flush was done at 19k it now has 93k! Should I drop the pan and clean the filter? or do drain and fills with every 3-4k oil change for several changes?

As for the gearboxes is one (U140F/U140E) better than the other regarding tranny failure and do you know if there is a way to find which one I have - is it stamped anywhere?

Heres the carlube link if you want it: http://www.carlube.co.uk/index.cfm?p...ct_title=ATF-U

Lexmex

I was actually looking for the chemical specs (mostly numbers) on this oil. Other manufacturers usually provide this.

How long have you had this vehicle for?

For instance, I've down basically all of my service outside the dealer since late 2004 (last time I even went in for service).

The U140F is only on AWD vehicles, while the U140E is only on FWD vehicles. You can easily look under your vehicle and see if you have this propeller shaft (see where arrows are pointing in picture), you have AWD and the U140F transmission.

What does your transmission fluid look like on the tranny dipstick (color), smell? I would still go ahead and do the 3 drain and fills and then change out the filter on the 3rd drain and fill. You can do the drain and fills at about 100 miles apart (160 km or so).

metaron

Just done a drain and fill on it and it looked chocolatey pouring out and black in the oil pan and boy did it smell strong (in a bad way quite acrid made me feel nauseous) I just have'nt driven it yet though.

I was happy that the magnetic front diff plug didn't have much build up of porcupines I was expecting it to be completely saturated in metal seeing as it's been 70K so that's logically a better sign than loads of shavings on it(I hope).

And yes it is 4wd so thanks for clearing up the gearbox question.

I'll take it out tomorrow will update you on how it's shifting.

I've had this RX for nearly 2.5 years and only done a couple oil changes on it, it's only recently I've taken an interest in auto maintenance so I can get out of the house away from the wife and save some money.

Lexmex

Since it's AWD, you'll also want to clean out this fluid, https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...sfer-case.html

metaron

Cool, cheers for the link that is definitely on my very soon to do list.

Lex, if you take the entire engine and gearbox out is it possible to dismantle the tranny so as to recondition one myself like replacing bearings etc or would I need specialist equipment to do this?

I found this US site that sells rebuild kits and loads of other stuff for auto trannys http://www.transmissionpartsusa.com/...rts_s/3674.htm no good for me because I'm in the UK but I never knew companies sold rebuild kits like this.

I'm only considering this as I need to replace the water pump and timing belt(with pretensioners) and all my fluids need replacing as well(coolant, brake fluid)so it's making sense to me at present to do an overhaul as I intend to have the car a very long time.

I don't mind the work and time involved as I consider this a learning project that doubles as an investment by saving money and time down the road.

Lexmex

You don't need to take the engine out to get at the tranny. I've taken the tranny out and have had it worked out to strengthen it, but had some parts customized for me while I was in Mexico.

It's a lengthy project and I wouldn't recommend this unless you had the specific help in working on the tranny.