350rx

Hello All,
I took the black plastic engine cover off near the power steering fluid side and the power steering fluid is very dark and needs a change. Looks as if it has never been changed (I recently purchased). I want to do the turkey baster method and remove and fill with new fluid a few times. I see on the recommended fluid is toyota dextron ATF III. I have read here other people have used Mobil 1 synthetic ATF, should I use the Mobil 1 fluid or will introducing a new fluid cause more harm?

thanks

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

I just use the cheapest dexIII fluid and change it on a bi monthly basis. So far no issues.

numbafree

I prefer redline D4.
https://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=51&pcid=9

I'm sure if you change it out before it gets gross, any Dex III would work.

kickin8

iTrader: (1)

I used Mobil 1 syn ATF

350rx

Also I was Informed there is a slight leak with the rack on the drivers side, so would it advisable to change to the synthetic formula's like the Mobil now? or stick with the toyota Dextron III which I believe is not a synthetic fluid?

nwfsnake

Remove as much of the old fluid as you can, and refill with Lucas PS Stop Leak. That will take care of your small leak. You might need to replace the boot where it is leaking, as they tend to crack and crumble from the leaking fluid. Boot is cheap from Amazon or RockAuto.com .

350rx

Was thinking of using lucas stop leak, was not sure if it might cause damage to power steering pump

numbafree

I changed my PS fluid this weekend. It was dark but not black. 20 min if you have all the supplies you need. I use redline D4, about a 1 qt it took. Now the steering is notably lighter. very easy to do. as easy as an oil change.

lexsc4

I have used Valvoline Dexron III for my wife's RX and my 08 Avalon for the past few years with no issue.
Use the turkey baster method, suck out as much as possible, refill and leave the car running, turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock a few time, drive it for 2 days and repeat this same process for 2 weeks until 2 full quarts are deplete.

numbafree

Actually from the link above, you can complete your PS fluid change in 20 min, and you don't need to turn the car on.

1) remove the return hose, which is the hose that is higher up on the wall of the PS reservoir. block off the hole left behind, use a ID 3/8 coupling, male to male, the brass ones are cheap, and put the tube into a bucket.

2) suck the old fluid out any way you like, I have a mity vac. fill it up with new PS fluid.

3) turn the steering wheel 2x, end to end, that will pump the old fluid out and circulate the new fluid. I stopped turning the steering wheel at 2x and the res was about 1/2 empty each time (I filled it up to the top with new fluid). Took about 3x, filling the res up to get clean PS fluid flowing thru the tubing. I did jack the car front up, to make the wheel turn easier, but I don't think it's necessary.

4) put the return hose back in place, and clean up. done.

I did have a hard time removing the return hose from the res, so I took it off the mount of the engine bay wall, then I could get that return hose off easily. throw some rags under the res, in case you have a leak from the port where the return hose goes.

Ldemon83

I used Valvoline ATF, and it works great, no complaints

Ldemon83

Valvoline ATF works good, put it in, havent had a prob since.

toyoman29

I changed mine today using the post above and used Redline synthetic power steering fluid, took about 3/4 of a quart.