Toyota Power Steering fluid (change to Mobil 1 ATF)

[Hapuna Beach]

Saw some of the posts about Mobil 1 used in power steering system. A 2000 Toyota manual states Dextron II or III can be used in the power steering. I looked at the existing fluid, and its a light amber color. Is it OK to totally replace the old stuff with Mobil 1 ATF, and does Toyota have some proprietary additives in their factory fill?

Thanks,

Hapuna

 

[Malibu]

It says right on your PS oil fill cap to use "Dexron Type ATF Fluid". So yes Mobil 1 Dexron III can be used.

DON'T use products called
"Power Steering Fluid" - these are intended for American cars and many Toyota owners report their system develop leaks if they use "Power Steering Fluid"

 

[Ken2]

Hapuna,
My understanding is that the original Toyota power steering fluid is ATF without the red dye...all ATF for transmissions has the red dye.

Several years back I had one hydraulic system where the manufacturer called for 10W-30 engine oil as the hydraulic oil. I needed some while I was in Singapore, bought several drums of Caltex 10W-30 and was surprised to find it dyed red. It worked fine, but I had to be careful to explain to everyone that it was not ATF.


Ken

 

[TooSlick]

Hapuna Beach,

I've been running the Amsoil synthetic ATF in the power steering of my Tacoma for the last 8 years. No problems and the steering is nice and quiet in subfreezing weather.

I used a turkey baster and refilled several times, until I had added about 2.5 qts of fluid. It still looks very clear 60,000 miles later.

TooSlick

 

[Hapuna Beach]

Thanks guys for all your help.....looks like I'll be draining the fluid and switching to synthetic!

 

[7TFord]

...I've been using Mobil 1 synthetic ATF in my 98 Tacoma in the P.S. and in the auto transmission since new, with no problems. I have a "Mityvac" vaccuum pump tool which is designed for bleeding brakes but works great for transferring fluids like in the PS reservoir. You'll have to remove /add fluid several times to purge the old fluid out.

 

[Spector]

quote:

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Originally posted by TooSlick:
Hapuna Beach,I've been running the Amsoil synthetic ATF in the power steering of my Tacoma for the last 8 years. No problems and the steering is nice and quiet in subfreezing weather.TooSlick

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Same for me in my 92 Camry which calls for Dexron II I believe.

 

[timish]

I switched my 95 XJR over to Mobil 1 ATF in the PS as well.

It works wonders. I am guessing my car had original fluid in it as low speed operation was pretty bad.

My pump has a variable output based on the vehicle speed. Going slower I get more power assist, but as the car goes faster, there is less.

Before I changed the fluid out, the low speed operation was less than desired.

The Mobil 1 ATF solved this problem.

Tim

 

[Cutehumor]

no wonder I only got my 87 corolla to 183k miles. I made a ton of mistakes on my beater which probably caused its demise.

I put the "power steering" fluid label in the power steering reservoir. all of it leaked out.

I put the orange antifreeze in it thinking it was better for the cooling system when it was supposed to get the green antifreeze.

I put sythetic engine oil after 11 yrs and 160k miles. It was an oil burner alright, it burned it all up within two weeks. it was knockin. That was before I found this site. learned alot from here.

The car died three years ago.

I still have the car actually. I don't know if I should have the engine rebuilt or put it in a junkyard.