Which syn ATF for my P/S flush, + more?

[youngbuck]

I'm going to flush my power steering fluid, and I want to know if there is a better ATF for the price. I can get Amsoil Universal ATF for $6.60 a quart + s/h (preferred member price). For the cost/benefit ratio, and keeping the ATF synthetic, would anybody recommend something different? My vehicle specs for a Mercon/Dexron II/III.

Also, thinking of getting one of those magnefine filter, but I'm really wondering if those are really worth it (again the cost benefit ratio).

Also, should I ARX my P/S system preventatively, or is this not necessary.

This is a 2001 Toyota Tacoma.

 

[unDummy]

Any synthetic Dex-equivalent ATF can be used. Mobil1/Royalpurple/... might be available in your area at a competive price.

With simple siphon/refills, I have yet to have a PS pump failure. Prior starting this, I've changed several pumps. I don't care for the expense of certain inline filters. If you want to add filtration, use remote oil filter mount and plumb it, which isn't as easy as the inline filter.

I see no need to add anything to the PS fluid if you change it regularly and start a regular siphon/refill interval. I siphon/refill my PS reservoir at every oil change. A simple siphon/refill will keep your PSF clean. And, if you're starting with visually dirty PSF, just siphon/refill it more frequently until you're happy with its condition.

 

[SteveD2]

i'm using amsoil atf in the PS of a mitsubishi 4wd and it's great! foams way less (used to be visibly cloudy with bubbles upon return to the reservoir) and lightened the steering considerably. changed at ~55k.

did the change by disconnecting lines and letting the pump pull clean fluid through the system.

dookie

 

[Ken2]

One quart is enough to flush and refill most PS systems. Auto-Rx in the PS will clean the system and recondition seals...never a bad idea. I put the Magnefine filters on both vehicles in the family fleet...Magnefine is the only one that makes a 1/2" filter we need for the power steering. I think it just might be worthwhile...who knows. In five or ten years I'll take it off and look inside.

Lubegard power steering supplement is interesting. It makes the system move more easily.


Ken

 

[youngbuck]

Thanks guys. I've decided on the Amsoil ATF. It's either the same price, or cheaper as the Mobil 1 ATF (though there is shipping, so idk...). I do off-road this truck on the weekends, which is the only reason I'm worrying about extra steps to protect the P/S system, considering it's also my DD. Bigger tires and just the general stress of the excessive turning back and forth has got to create some heat, which is one of the main reasons for me going to a synthetic solution.

I think I won't worry about the Magnefine filter right now, but I'll Auto-RX the P/S system and then add the Amsoil ATF.

I'm not going to do the turkey batter method for changing the P/S fluid. I'm going to jack the front end up, disconnect the return line, and with the aid of a helper continually add ATF to the reservior as the pump pumps out the old fluid. I'll be turning the wheels from lock to lock position several times. Once done, I'll take it off the stands, and follow the P/S system bleed procedure in my Toyota service manual to make sure their aren't any air bubbles... Sounds like the best plan to me, if you want to get everything out of the way at one setting.

Thanks guy,

-YB

 

[youngbuck]

Whao, one quart in 10 seconds is pretty fast, I definately wasn't thinking it was going to be like that. Hmm, I guess I'll be ordering more than I planned on.

 

[IslaVistaMan]

That sounds like an excellent plan, YB -- except you'll need way more than a single quart to flush the system.

I've done this several times on my Toyota. The pump moves fluid incredibly fast. With the return line going to a bucket, one quart will be gone in about 10 seconds, maybe less.

You'll likely use at least three quarts to get everything clean and leave the system ready to be capped off. Best idea is to simply buy a case of the Universal ATF, so you've got extra on-hand for next year's flush.

 

[Iain]

quote:

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Whao, one quart in 10 seconds is pretty fast, I definately wasn't thinking it was going to be like that. Hmm, I guess I'll be ordering more than I planned on.

---

Good idea.

I agree with IslaVistaMan on amount of fluid required to flush P/S system. I recently had this professionally accomplished; 3 quarts of Mobil 1 Multi-Vehicle ATF were used for flush.

 

[Steve S]

I would recommend Chevron atf.

 

[JohnBrowning]

I would look localy first. Most parts store carry either M1 or Royal Purple synthetic ATF for $5-$6 and no shipping fee's! If I were going order ATF to be used in a powersteering system I would use Redline's Dex III ATF or C+ ATF. It used to sell for $6.95 a quart from myoilshop.com or mylittleoilshop.com.

I have used Amsoil Universal ATF in a powersteering system but I bought it localy!