Yes. That is intentionally ATF. The SC430 uses Dexron III ATF or Toyota T-IV ATF. If you fill with normal power steering fluid, your steering will be very stiff. You may even damage the power steering system. I use Castrol 03520C TRANSMAX DEX/MERC ATF in my SC430's power steering. If you want to be super conservative use Toyotal T-IV ATF, but never use regular power steering fluid.

There are two filters. One is in bottom of power steering reservoir. There is another filter in the power steering rack itself, that one is mounted inside the solenoid mount. I did not attempt to directly clean that second filter. Instead, opted to let the Transtune do the cleaning and avoid being mechanically invasive.

 

I had the same leak on my 2006, and it was dribbling down the hose starting to get on the alternator. I caught it just in time and cleaned everything up the best I can, and then used a pair of pliers and pushed the spring clamp down and inch and installed a screw clamp in its place.

It started leaking a little again - close to 3 years later. It drops literally just a drip here and there once in a while so I haven’t figured out the exact spot it’s coming from yet or if it’s coming from the same return hose to the reservoir.

I am on a project soon replacing major components of the AC system including all hoses and condenser, so I may just do all of the power steering lines while I’m at it and everything is apart.

I just got a hotter torque converter and need to run lines for the trans cooler for the car as well so there will likely be a lot of wrenching coming up by this summer.

 

That is pretty much the conclusion that I have come to also, I just haven't done anything about it yet. Thanks

 

I'm assuming you used the preform hose from the dealer on one side. What hose did you use on the other - 3/8" ID Gates Power Steering hose? I can't seem to find anything on OEM parts websites other than a very expensive hose system.

I need to do this as my PS fluid has a color closer to milk chocolate than ATF red.

 

Yes, used section of (Gates 361970 Power Steering Bulk Return Line Hose).
Preformed OEM hose for the other.

 

i changed the return hose but really had a challenge of a lifetime getting it onto the lower fitting. Was able to only get it maybe half an inch past the bulge on it and clamped it there. Same 3/8 hose. Upper part was a bit easier since there is more room for play, but still very stiff. Same gates hose but for transmission oil line, 3/8 inside

 

On a tight fit like this, I'll heat up the rubber hose with a heat gun or hair drier, and lube the hose and fitting with ATF.

 

Great info. Just a couple of comments.
FIRST: I went to the auto parts store and they did not have the Gates 361970 Power Steering Hose. But they did have a 3/8 inch ID power steering hose. So I got it. The only problem was that the OD was not large enough for the original clamps to be reused. SECOND: I had to have the alternator fixed. That provided me a better view of the power steering pump. The bolts that hold the pump together had started to back out, opening the pump itself and causing my leak. Craziest thing I ever saw!
THIRD: The best way to get the hoses off is easy enough. I took a steak knife and just whittled on the side of the hose until there was practically nothing left. It just fell off.

 

Then you must find an OEM-like, spring clamp that is sized right for the new hose. What ever you do, don't use a worm-gear hose clamp on a plastic bibb. I bought a set of assorted (different-sized) spring clamps for this purpose (when OEM hose is too expensive or unavailable).

 

I am surprised the hose isn't metric. Everything else on the car is metric

 

I believe the stock hose is metric. However, like with wrench sizes, you can often substitute metric and English sizes. Too, with a rubber hose, it doesn't have to be the exact size to fit over its bibb. To work with the original spring clamp, however, it must be close.

 

I just completed this task and though it was a pain, it is not rocket science.

It appears that the Gates number listed above is not available and may have been discontinued.

There doesn't appear to be an OEM Hose available for the return line even from the dealer.
The factory hose was 10 mm ID and in the states, even hydraulic hose repair companies don't seem to carry 10 MM ID hose.

Since the factory hose was 10 mm ID which is about .39 of an inch and 3/8 ID Hose is .375 of an inch the 3/8" hose works fine.
The .015 of an inch, only becomes a problem when your hands are a bit slippy with oil and your trying to slide the hose on a fitting.

O'Reilly's stocks a 2' 3/8" Power Steering Return Line hose and that is more than enough for the job.

I did use a heat gun with the power steering reservoir end and attaching to the metal was a pain just due to the location

I suggest you pick up a set of Hose Pliers and a Spring Clamp Pliers from Harbor Freight.
Without these the job would be a bit more of a pain.

I did clean out the reservoir but to be honest, you can't really tell. The plastic is basically stained dark from the old fluid
I also let the car sit overnight with the hoses off and worked the steering wheel back and forth a bit to get out what I could from the system.
I have no idea if that really did anything.

It took less than a quart of fluid to get back up to the minimum line on the reservoir and I am planning on siphoning it out after a few miles just to pull out what other remaining crud from the system that I can.

 

1 )So, you only replaced the return hose
2) What clamp part number or source did you use for the hose ? Others have said not to use a worm gear clamp ,
I had the alternator changed a few years ago, but not due to a PSteering leak....now the reservoir has a minor dribble...
Thanks

 

I found bulk power steering hose almost the correct size (slightly smaller OD) at my local NAPA auto parts store. Remember, you don't need "hydraulic" hose, as the reservoir hoses aren't under much pressure. You just need a hose resistant to hydraulic (ATF) fluid, so it won't break down over time.

I was able to work with a great parts person at my Lexus dealer who found me a clamp in his parts bins that was slightly smaller, and beefier than the stock clamp, so it would accommodate my new NAPA hose.