I know the PS Cap says to use Dexron III. Car Care Nut uses Idemitsu fluid. Many use synthetic ATF. You can still purchase "Dexron III" from Toyota in their bottles which says it is for PS fluid. What are you using and how often do you change it?
What PS Fluid for Toyota/Lexus?
- Thread starter Gebo
- Start date
Well - I use AMSOIL PS fluid because it is the same viscosity, it is designed for PS, and it is clear, like the OEM Toyota fluid.
Well, I did not know this. Thanks, Astro14!
I think that the Toyota system is pretty flexible. Their PS fluid specification is broad, and allows transmission fluid, etc. So - AMSOIL.
However, on the other cars I maintain, I use the Pentosin CHF-11s or CHF-202, because it was specified, and the specification was quite particular.
However, on the other cars I maintain, I use the Pentosin CHF-11s or CHF-202, because it was specified, and the specification was quite particular.
Toyotas aren't picky 
Agreed. I’m concerned more about the ‘23
Castrol import mv is one of the best off the shelf dex 3 and similar atf's. 7.4 cst and not the low grade conventional dex 3 was decades ago. I like to use the conventional version of this being castrol dex merc high mileage as it's a bit thicker at 8 cst and helps my old transmissions shift out of first almost like new but I wouldn't use it in a new ps system. Could also use castrol transmax atf/cvt since it's suitable for your 6 speed too. It's 7.0 cst so it can be used in the PS system. For the most part PS systems last forever if they get any maintenance as most never do.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Castrol-...?wl13=703&selectedSellerId=0&wmlspartner=wlpa
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Castrol-...8?classType=VARIANT&athbdg=L1200&from=/search
I have Redline D4 ATF in the power steering and Redline D6 ATF in the transmission of my 5th gen 4Runner. The Camry that was my moms, I've had Mobil 1 ATF in it for about 15 years.
I use MaxLife in my Toy/Lex PS pumps. I always have some on hand.
ATF, and I'm not picky, as long as it's red.
BrendanC
$100 site donor 2024
i’ve been very happy with the “fram” power steering fluid from AAP. it’s a clear fluid that runs quiet. reminds me of the ACDelco PS fluid that i run in my truck.
The cheap NAPA house brand DIII compatible ATF works well. It's red so it always looks dirty from afar!
Maxlife, run it in my Chevy as well
Maxlife atf
I have been using Valvoline Maxlife ATF for the power steering (and transmission) in my 2007 Camry for 100k+ miles without a hiccup. Maybe flush out the system if you are going to replace all of the fluid with something else, but I wouldn't overthink it. Older Toyotas love Maxlife ATF.
I used MaxLife in son in law's '21 Taco.
