Toyota 4Runner power steering fluid

[@libertysoutlook5160]

Just had this service on my older GX. The fluid was as bad as this. The "stealership" was trying to job me into a new steering rack. Said the rack was leaking, and that it would leak worse if they changed the fluid. I went to the highly regarded independent Toyota repair place by me. There was no leak. they fixed me up. Thank God for quality independent shops.

[@krispyn2dc]

Ive been a “home” mechanic for years doing all the work on the 4 cars I own but Ive also fixed friends and family cars and bought, fixed, sold some cars. Im no pro but am learning from watching your videos. Appreciate the time you put into it.

[@pbr549]

Love your channel. There was 1 viewer one minute in when I started this video. and now 141. I will start changing my P/S fluid. My 1999 Tacoma would only get the fluid changed when I replaced my rubber/plastic timing belt. Now I will do it more often like my transmission fluid. On my second oil change I drain the transmission fluid add 2 quarts. Been doing this for 21 years and 241k miles. I do love me my Tacoma and everyone seems to want and buy it. Take care Sir Peter. Keep going at it.

[@splat_rick3369]

Every time Peter starts his video by saying "Hello, friend.", I feel like he's talking directly to me.

[@gzhang207]

Peter, It is great that you are bringing this wonderful vehicle back to life. Please don’t apologize for the way (drain and fill) you change the PS fluid. That is a popular way we change transmission fluid and the coolant. Not everything calls for the action of flush and fill. Given the the state of the car, I have a feeling Peter has a lot of things to attend to.

[@scottb7835]

I miss my old 4Runner. It was also a 2001. Rust took over, couldn't bear to watch, sold it. Best suv ever.

[@jerryray808]

but Wis a great place to live. bought my 03 in Ga. , body like new.

[@blahguy164]

This is how mine looked on a 2013 Tacoma right after being "serviced" at a dealer. Pointed this out to the dealer and they offered a "free oil change". I don't go to this dealer for this reason and told everyone I know to stay away.

[@bubbak2204]

Yeah I have found out from friends and other means, that they (dealerships) half-ass things and you really don't get what you are paying for. I go to dealerships for warranty items but basic fluid changes and maintenance I go somewhere I trust and know the people or preferably do it myself. I used to trust dealerships more than most, but my results just like yours are proof in the outcome. Oh, so for most dealerships if you keep a record of maintenance (with receipts) at other places they have to maintain the warranty. (I am not a lawyer and this is not legal advice - this has just worked for me in the past because I followed manufacturing guidelines and was well documented).

[@newttella1043]

Sometimes they do a "refresh". This means they pull out what's in the reservoir and just fill it back up, so maybe one cup of fluid. Then charge you $20+ for 3 minutes of work and $2 of fluid and a paper towel. Useless.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Peter, I am sure you will be pleased to know I change mine every 5 years/ 50,000 miles. When did Tropicana start making power steering fluid and how many flavors are available? ;-)

[@newttella1043]

Don't use Tropicana! ALWAYS use the correct fluid, Ocean Spray Cran Raspberry.

[@1ronhall]

Peter, thanks for posting a video on a necessary service. Not everything needs to be expensive or overly complex. Thank you Sir!!

[@billward4418]

Love your videos thank you so much for taking your time and giving out good information thank you.

[@DBravo29er]

Thank you!! I bought my fully dealer maintained 2017 GX460 with 111k mile's and they PS fluid was Black and the reservoir was stained! There was some steering whine present at all times, louder at full lock, and very loud when cold. I used syringe to empty reservoir And refill with Toyota Dex III + Lubegard PS Protectant. After a full 1L had been replaced over subsequent drain/fills, the fluid is bright red And all steering whine is gone. Even at 30F ambient. Will do this again in 5k miles with M1 Dex III + Lubegard PS Protectant.

[@dannyr3433]

Thank you Peter...always enjoy the thoroughness and patience of you have in your videos.

[@whocares4464]

This is the method I used too. It takes more fluid but about the same time with way less mess and headache.

[@joeabs4844]

Thank you my Friend..Keep those 4runner DIY maintenance coming..

[@vwwrenchie314]

Installing a premium steering fluid filter Like Edelmann Elite will help the longevity of the steering hydraulics.

[@steves262]

Thank you for the great video. Was told the pump needed to be replaced. Took your suggestion and it works great now. 🤠

[@jamram9924]

In previous service manuals, it was recommend to flush (that means 3-4 quarts to also flush the rack/pinion) every 40-50,000 miles. If possible, I’ve always attempted to first remove the fluid reservoir and clean the internal screen, reconnect and then use Lubegard full synthetic power steering fluid. Not applicable on Honda/Acura power steering systems. I’ve also used the Might Vac compressor suction system to extract the fluid and also brake fluid. New Power steering pumps and rack/pinion are very expensive to replace. Preventative service is the best way to prolong the life our any car including Toyotas. Good job Peter!

[@kmart6380]

Yes that screen will restrict flow. I cleaned mine huge difference .

[@SeanPopify]

I love Peter's "smell-o-streaming" service! I learned (with a Subaru) to disconnect the return hose and pump the crud out while pouring new stuff in. 2 person job, but much better. With the condition of that fluid, I'd say a double flush might be needed.

[@kalani1987]

PS is one of the fluids people take for granted. Brake fluid is another. I personally would take the return line to a container and turn the wheels. No need to turn the engine on

[@davidg5704]

Yeah I do this too. Change mine every 2 years

[@troyhodulik5542]

Agreed. This is the lowest risk method for the DIY'er and works like a charm!

[@franciscomirandaiii4000]

Do you need to raise the front wheels to do this procedure?

[@troyhodulik5542]

@@franciscomirandaiii4000 Yes. Jack the front wheels off the ground. Take a short piece of hose that fits the resovoir RETURN fitting (ID of hose to OD of fitting) and fold it in half and tighten a zip tie around it. Take the PS fluid hose off this fitting and place your folded hose here. Now, take the return line you just removed and attach another longer piece of tubing to it so it will reach into a bucket or drain pan. Open your PS resovoir and have your ATF ready. Turn your ignition to the ON position WITHOUT starting the car and turn your wheel all the way to the right and then all the way to the left. After each time of doing this, check your fluid level and keeping adding your ATF to keep it full. Do not let it go empty. Keep repeating this until the fluid draining int ok your pan comes out nice and red. Once it does, put the return hose back to its original location and fill the reservoir to the correct/appropriate fill level/mark. Should take about 30 minutes at most.

[@koomo801]

@@franciscomirandaiii4000 May depend on the vehicle, but when I raise my vehicle to turn the wheels (in order to save the tires, or just because I already had it jacked up for an oil change), I get minimal comingling of the new ATF with the old. This may be associated with variable assist (if it's not needed, it isn't used).

[@jagtan13]

just did atf ws and oil change on my 2015 Scion tc. Running as smooth as silk. Thank you for showing us what to do and how to do it on our cars!

[@nathancovington544]

Method I just used on 90s pickup. Same process applies. Suck out old fluid until it’s below the return port on the reservoir. Then pull the return line off and cap the port/hard line. Then either run that return hose into a plastic bottle or add a piece of hose to make the return hose longer so you can run it over the fender and into a drain pan. Then refill reservoir with clean fluid. With front wheels jacked up off ground and without starting the vehicle, crank the wheel from lock to lock a couple times then add more fluid to res. Repeat until clean fluid comes out of return hose and into container. At this point either let the fluid level drain just below the return port on res by turning the wheel lock to lock or suck it out with syringe. Now when you remove cap from hard line and slip return hose back on fluid won’t pour out and down the frame and suspension. Top off fluid and turn lock to lock and recheck level. If it’s good then fire it go lock to lock and check level. If still good then you’re done.

[@raymondgoodwin951]

Yes, best way to do it

[@emeyer6963]

Tropicanna makes Power Steering fluid now!And I thought it was fruit punch when I bought it.Who Knew!!!Lol! Good video Peter as always.

[@FIVEVEEZEE]

If you drive in the city often, it will cook power steering fluid in these 3rd gen 4Runners. I drive in NYC often and I believe the parallel parking and low speeds stress the system. My FZJ80 has a factory power steering cooler and the fluid lasts much longer.

[@cygnus58]

3 summers ago my 3.0 Escape had very distinct bumpy, noisy steering when hot. Did the turkey baster drain and fill until nice red, problem has not reappeared.

[@oreally8605]

The 4 Runner is just a tank- bulletproof- you can beat the he!! Out of them and they still go!

[@hunterjohnson4954]

Toyota really outdid themselves on these trucks

[@jerryray808]

on my 9th t4r since 84. the most reliable vehicle.

[@mikemcgirr514]

I actually leaned forward in my seat to try and smell that....thanks you my friend!

[@BOSS-xy8op]

Love your videos Peter. Can I use Dexron III fluid in my 2010 Toyota Camry and my 2013 Toyota Tacoma? My Camry has 210,000 miles on the clock and my Tacoma has 108,000 miles on the clock.

[@donaldspaulding5817]

Thank you Peter, going out to check mine right now. Cheers!

[@SeahawkAz]

When I have done this job after emptying the reservoir disconnect the return line, cap off the reservoir and connect a 3/8 ID vinyl clear hose using a 2 sided nipple connector to the power steering return line. With the front wheels raised off of the ground turn on the ignition to the ACC position without turning over the engine turn the steering wheel lock to lock keeping an eye on the reservoir fill it as needed ( don’t let the system run dry and continue this process until you see good fluid coming out of the clear vinyl tube reconnect the power steering return line to the reservoir and fill to the max line and start engine keeping an eye on the reservoir to make sure all air is been purged

[@bkanegson]

Great advice, thank you! I'll check my Tundra PS fluid more often now :-)

[@doctorwarpspeed8779]

I've gotten in the habit of just keeping an extra bottle of dex3 around. Every couple oil changes I suck the old fluid out of the reservoir and replace it. Only takes a little bit of fluid and keeps the whole system clean. If it hasnt been done in a while you may want to flush it. But if you stay on top of it the system will pretty much stay clean and fresh without pulling lines off, etc.

[@bkanegson]

@@doctorwarpspeed8779 Is the syringe tool sourced at an auto supply store, on line, or elsewhere? Thank you.

[@doctorwarpspeed8779]

@@bkanegson I bought mine at autozone for like 15 bucks. Before that though I just used a gear oil pump and stuck the suction side into the reservoir. That worked fine. Here is a really highly rated one on amazon for you though. They are handy for alot of things. www.amazon.com/Mityvac-MVA6851-Automotive-Accessories/dp/B00MPQ8RBG/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=syringe+extractor&qid=1613932313&sprefix=syringe+extra&sr=8-8

[@bkanegson]

@@doctorwarpspeed8779 Awesome, thank you for link!

[@doctorwarpspeed8779]

@@bkanegson Of course!!!

[@koomo801]

Personally, I think MaxLife ATF is hyped a little much, but I recently used it for its sealant additives on a '92 Lexus in place of the Dexron recommendation, and it eliminated both a slow ATF leak and pump whine for the first time in nearly a dozen years. That said, the car is a backup for a backup and gets little use, so who will ever know if it's affecting the pump's longevity?

[@LAactor]

How many times did you change it? I always do this maintenance and drive a while and do it again. Maybe five, six times and it still never gets clean. The pump never seems to die, even if on short occasions it runs dry. But mostly the high pressure steering hose makes a leak. Maybe from not changing the fluid enough and it eats through. Glad now my steering assist is electric. However, I wonder if it is more damaging to the alternator. My alternator, original died recently. OEM factory 150k, and when it was weak and eating the battery, the steering was like no power assist. Maybe the hydraulic system is better. For people who don't have your tool, or the proper pliers to remove the clamps without damaging it, and I have damaged many, and I know you would like this, because you reuse plastics at least a little bit before throwing them away, old hand soap pump to pump the old fluid back into the bottle or even an empty water bottle. Works better than turkey baster and cleaner. Less drips.

[@vp1000mph]

Love your channel. How many spill and fills did it take on this 4R until the fluid looked good?

[@markreynolds3850]

Thanks for sharing this video Peter.

[@michaelbrennan7148]

Thank you Peter. Good stuff. Sorry no tips for me to share. I try to pick up suggestions from others comments.

[@billsimpson604]

Peter looks like a physician holding that thing. Can you see him saying, "I got this much out, so there is definitely a problem in there." Glad he is the Toyota doctor.

[@jeffkeryk3550]

I use a MityVac to empty the reservoir, then remove and clean it out with brake cleaner. I reinstall, then use the MityVack to suck the ATF via the return line. Once empty, I fill the reservoir with new ATF and continue to suck it through. When the new fluid starts to come through, I let the reservoir empty and replace the return line. Fill it and start vehicle. Easy peasy.

[@vf5126]

I purchased a Legacy Workforce Suction Gun L1700 16 oz capacity a day ago from Tractor Supply, though it looks like they’re everywhere online. Peter - if you’re around - my 99 4WD Tacoma has a screen at the base of the reservoir, and is not easy to clean with a tool or brush.. Do most Toyota’s have these screens or only their trucks?

[@jonathanwong986]

Thank you for the video! Does this method eliminate the chance of air bubbles in the lines when changing the PS fluid?

[@RoyFJ65]

I flush the fluid on my FJ Cruiser every 3 years. Keeps my steering happy. I use Toyota recommended Dexron III.

[@lopezch1234]

is this the same as ATF Dexron 3? like Valvoline Multi-Vehicle (ATF) Full Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid?

[@RoyFJ65]

@@lopezch1234 its ordinary white colored Dexron 3.

[@ChrisVargasrpht2000chris]

Oh, Peter, I am so ashamed since getting my 2010 Camry I have not changed the fluid. The color is just like that. What color should I have the yellow or the red?

[@mr.boostang2064]

If it's like my truck it should be red

[@andreasm2882]

The info you are looking for should be on the cap

[@dante04srt]

I will be doing this on my 01 this week. 91,000 miles but I doubt it's ever been changed.

[@lexxstarr9700]

Hello Mr. Toyota Maintenance! Where did you purchase that suction tube? It's certainly a great tool to use for this service. I need one to do my service on my Runner.

[@CP-pb3pj]

Perfect timing! I need to flush out the black junk from my ES300.

[@Pallidus_Rider]

Link to fluid extractor to Peter's Amazon affiliate store needed ... 😲

[@peterrudy9207]

Try these - Mityvac Model MVA6851 Fluid Extractor and PlewsLubriMatic Ultraview Professional Suction Gun

[@Pallidus_Rider]

@@peterrudy9207 Hoping to hint Peter to have KZbin store to help grow his channel

[@turfnsurf9367]

It’s been 50k km, mine will needs a complete fluid change this spring.

[@jeremychrist]

Is the Toyota brand fluid good for 2015 4Runner? The manual calls for Dextron II or Dextron III, but now the Toyota Fluid that is sold from the dealership is ATF and says it's a replacement for Dextron. Thoughts on what fluid is best for a 5th Gen 4Runner?

[@Pallidus_Rider]

Shouldn't the fluid be red? As it should be ATF fluid? With wrong fluid, it will turn black as it erodes rubber hose. 🤔

[@koomo801]

Toyota uses a clear-to-amber colored ATF when new from the factory. Not sure why, I've heard various theories...the clearer fluid helps show contamination, or it lets the dealer know if it's been replaced.

[@jabao9492]

Peter thank you for your help!!!

[@anav1404]

Thank you Peter, I will do it myself 😊

[@45AMT]

i need to get one of those fluid suckers. So you don't have to pull the line and make a mess.Makes life easier.

[@bentpolski]

I had The same problem with my 2006 Tacoma Cream Puff with 95,000 miles on it. I had a whine from the Power Steering Pump when the Truck was Cold. My Mechanic had to Flush it TWICE it was so bad.

[@elguaguero23]

Thank you for the video Sr , i have to do the same to my 2011 4Runner

[@shawnpedri7948]

I just did this same flush and fill 4 times today on a 2021 Tacoma, I used Toyota ATF WS fluid, does that meet the Dexron III standard?

[@onenikkione]

One of our cars has a Sealed Electric Power-steering system. Dealer won't touch it, is it still possible to change the fluid? (2013 Hyundai Accent - I know you probably only work on Toyota)

[@jimpie231]

Sorry.....I don’t care for your flushing system. My Honda pump was starting to make some noise at about 110,000 miles. I raised the tires off the ground, disconnected a hose from the reservoir (plugged the drain) and allowed the disconnected hose to drain in a empty gallon. With engine off, new fluid was put in the reservoir, I turned the steering wheel for all the way to the left and all the way right, many times, refilling the reservoir, without letting it run dry. I used 6 @ 16oz bottles of Honda PS fluid. At the end the fluid was like new, the noise was gone, 10,000 miles later, everything is good, no noise. Thanks...Jim PS.....what fluid does Toyota recommend for the vehicle you’re working on?

[@centermass3454]

Where can I get the siphon thing you used to suck the fluid out of the power sterring reservoir ? got a link ?

[@jamesgoularte8460]

some dealers selling power steering flushes and using non-oem flluid that burns very quickly

[@chrismemphis8062]

Thanks, another overlooked thing to do to my gx

[@benny7706]

Hello Toyota maintenance I had a question where is your auto shop located I know it's somewhere in California but where exactly

[@baburejaz]

Excellent educational videos Thanks

[@Joe-sh2tf]

I have a 2004 Toyota Tacoma where can I get power steering fluid for it without having to go to the dealer and paying a lot of money for it? Thanks again.

[@FredTheLutinoCocatiel]

I think my 1999 Toyota Corolla LE needs that same kind of service but I will have to wait till spring

[@teddypark9832]

Nice job!

[@mikeb6386]

I noticed that many of these Toyotas start and run at very high RPM until the engine warms up. My Honda starts but runs about half that RPM while the engine warms up. Seems like that RPM would be hard on the engine while it's so cold.

[@fj711965]

This is not a power steering question. Have you done a E brake cables on a 2011 RAV4?

[@gp992]

TROPIXRON II/III

[@seselapaz]

Whats the name of the device that you used to suck the fluid? Where can I buy it?

[@denvercolorado811]

Youre brilliant!

[@alfredonski]

I just have a small leak on the high pressure line and re-fill it with ATF every once a a few month and keep it clean.

[@truepatriot8947]

I'm doing the same on my 2002 Toyota RAV4. With 296,000 miles on it.

[@alfredonski]

@@truepatriot8947 the leak used to be worse but I added an additive that claimed to stop the leak and it brought it WAY down to almost a seepage. ANd fluid looks brand new.

[@bubbak2204]

Thank you for your videos and content. I want to ask about the dextrin 2--3 versus the O'Reilly and auto zone power steering fluid difference, including the actual temperature breakdown and wear and tear. I have a vehicle that I use for off-road and for daily use as well I high traffic situations. Thank you for your assistance and help with this. (edit) In addition, I watched a video that shows I can clamp a tube on the power steering intake line and put a tube on the other end and drain it into a bucket without ever having to start the engine. I would just keep adding fluid and have the keys in ignition to slow for turning tights to left, till clear. I heard this saves wear and tear when replacing fluid and flushing contamination.

[@MYCUNTSTINKSBAD]

ATF (dexron 2 or 3) has things that break down small particles which will rub your seals raw break them. This model Toyota I’d be liking to say says “ATF ONLY” or “dexron only” right on the cap. There really isn’t a question about which one to use. It’s in the manual.

[@seanpop2886]

My 2014 4Runner wants Dexron II or III. Going to Wal-Mart, there's only one available, a Castrol ATF. I have read quite a few warnings to NOT put Toyota transmission fluid in it... Different additive package.

[@larrylewis5502]

Did you remove the screen in the power steering reservoir to remove more power steering fluid?

[@comodice905]

Can I use dexron 3 in the 2019 4runner power steering. The factory fluid is not red like the dexron 3

[@johnaclark1]

Peter, what are you using for a Dexron III substitute?

[@markreynolds3850]

Thanks for sharing this video,

[@imranabbasi7871]

Good luck 👍

[@wolfeadventures]

What brand of Dex III fluid is best?

[@nikovandh]

What you're using is not Dexron II/III. It is actually TROPICANA! Joking aside, I think the old fluid was ATF.

[@nordicpride9708]

I like to run Mobil 1 synthetic ATF in all my Toyota’s. It’s very cost effective and superior to the conventional Dex III fluids out there

[@MYCUNTSTINKSBAD]

No

[@alanthealien6859]

Thank you

[@derickfermin8289]

Thanks!!!!!!

[@andreasm2882]

Next time you get a generation 3 Tacoma check out the fluid from the factory. The containers are filled with the yellow fluid even though it says on the cap to use the Dextron Red fluid. I bet even if you went to you dealer and looked at brand new trucks on the lot you will find that the power steering fluid from the factory is not filled with the correct fluid 🤔😂

[@joeyg7458]

Got it Tropicana orange juice power steering fluid

[@mr.boostang2064]

I used a Turkey baster to empty the reservoir on my Ford Explorer and after the 5th time of emptying and refilling the fluid was completely red

[@joegonzales772]

Does anybody know if power steering and brake fluid are circulating oils ore they stay stagnant thank you

[@RamBo-uu9so]

My 2007 Tundra 5.7 has 270k, runs great. Problems.......its on the 4th set of tires...NOT GOOD!! My betterhalfs 2006 Highlander has 293K, runs great. Also, has a tire issue :)

[@mikejohnson9118]

Ted, big heavy trucks on HARD on tires. My old RAM used to eat them. Lucky to get 25-30K out of them. Any alignment issue or if you drive hard-fast and it just doubles the wear. My Tundra now isn't as bad but it's no Camry.

[@JP-xd5oz]

Thanks peter great vlog, BTW were did you find that turkey baster tool ?

[@paulparoma]

Mine still looks like new, clear and colorless, even though the car is a 2005.

[@seanpop2886]

Normally, Peter goes through the glovebox... Reading the manual might have answered which fluid it should be. 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄

[@anandchundi6805]

That’s the new vaccine needle 😳

[@blackbambinoe]

You will have to flush the entire system. Especially if it's that's dirty.

[@nickv4073]

nonsense

[@Mr2pint]

I had to flush a friends car which the fluid had turned white 🤣 since it looked like vinilia ice cream I did a proper flush..

[@brada1803]

Love your channel! But, you may consider an edit (removing produced container) be safe and take care

[@philminervino5351]

My dealership said it never has to be changed. Hogwash I say.

[@donnierobertson3088]

Ok

[@pedrofernandez8729]

Some Toyota owners believe the BS that you only need to add gas and change oil and they will last forever. Like they have no other fluids to go bad.

[@jonathangrubmeyer9104]

First on here.

[@heyitschinoable]

Whats the name of your pump?

[@heyitschinoable]

Extraction pump?

[@frdwd6]

I use a dedicated turkey baster. I remove and replace about a quarter cup every time I change the oil.