Cars are very different from what they used to be just a few decades ago. We’ve made huge advancements in terms of efficiency, performance, and comfort. When we say comfort, we aren’t just referring to the ride quality. We are also talking about the creature comforts that make the act of driving easier. Almost everything is power-assisted nowadays which makes operating them effortlessly. One such power-assisted feature is power steering.
While just about every vehicle on sale today uses electric power steering systems, most cars out there run a hydraulic power steering setup. The same goes for Toyota. With hydraulic power steering systems, it’s imperative that you use the right kind of fluid. Finding the right Toyota power steering fluid for your car can be tricky, but we’re here to help with this short guide.
Toyota Power Steering Fluid – Genuine or Aftermarket?
As with most car parts or maintenance-related purchases, you have a choice between genuine and aftermarket. Going for the genuine option is the easiest choice and one that you can’t go wrong with. However, anything labeled as “Genuine” often costs more than other alternatives.
On the other hand, with an aftermarket option, there’s always a possibility of getting a similar performance for cheaper or even getting an upgrade compared to the Genuine stuff. Sometimes, it can also be the more affordable option. When it comes to Toyota power steering fluid, here are your options:
Toyota does offer a range of Genuine Toyota power steering fluids that you can get at your local dealership. However, you might be surprised to know that even Toyota’s ATF follows the Dexron scale which has become something of an industry standard.
Dexron II and III
The name Dexron might sound familiar because it’s an automatic transmission fluid (ATF) that has been around since April 1, 1967. It’s a trade name for a group of technical specifications of ATF that was created by General Motors. While the Dexron is technically an automatic transmission fluid, it is also suitable for use in power steering systems, air compressors, and other hydraulic systems. It’s mostly designed for use in applications where low-temperature fluidity is a necessity.
Keep in mind, that all licensed Dexron fluids must have a license number on the container. General Motors has stated that if it’s missing the license number or a logo that says it’s Dexron Approved, it can’t be guaranteed to meet GM specifications.
As the name suggests, Dexron-II was the predecessor to Dexron-III. When it comes to Dexron-II, its natural ingredients played a big role in its marketing. Used jojoba oil and sperm whale oil were some of the ingredients.
While its natural element did appeal to the buyers, it had some shortcomings in terms of performance. This is why it went on to be replaced by revised versions, namely Dexron-IID and Dexron-IIE which addressed those problems.
In comparison, there has been only one version of Dexron-III.
It was available from 1993 to 2004 and went on to be replaced by Dexron-IV in 2005. Dexron-III is backward compatible which means it can be used instead of the older versions of the fluid. The latest version – Dexron-VI – is also backward compatible which means it can be used instead of the above-mentioned earlier versions as well.
Which Brands?
The issue with the aftermarket segment is figuring out which brand to go with. Needless to say, not all of them are the same. Far from it. On top of that, some of the brands in this segment aren’t exactly truthful when it comes to the specs of their products.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom in the aftermarket. On the contrary. Some of the best power steering fluids are found right here. You just need to know which brands you can trust. We recommend sticking to any established automotive lubricant manufacturer.
Getting a couple of quarts of Motul ATF VI will not only work with your power steering system since this is a Dexron-VI compatible fluid, but it might even be better than the Toyota power steering fluid you can get at the dealership. Motul is a premium manufacturer of automotive lubricants that constantly invests in innovation. This brand is the perfect example of how going with an aftermarket solution can be an upgrade.
When Should You Change Your Toyota’s Power Steering Fluid?
Every car manufacturer, including Toyota, defines power steering fluid change intervals for their cars. You can find this information in your user manual. However, power steering fluid can go bad before the interval which is why it’s a good idea to check it from time to time.
Stay on top of it as your Toyota’s power steering fluid is most certainly the least expensive part of the entire assembly. Bad fluid can end up damaging the other pricier components that would have lasted longer otherwise.
Power Steering Fluid Change Intervals
When it comes to Toyota power steering fluid it’s usually recommended to change it at 40,000 miles or every 2 years. While the fluid can last a fair bit longer, it’s better to stick to flush the fluid every 2 years than to have the pump cycle a potentially contaminated ATF.
Can you leave it in there for longer than 2 years? You can, but at that point, your power steering fluid is out of spec and no longer offers the same level of performance as fresh fluid.
How to Tell If Your Power Steering Fluid is Bad?
The easiest way to tell if your Toyota’s power steering fluid is bad is by giving inspecting the color. A good tip is to use the flashlight on your phone to make sure you are inspecting the color correctly. Toyota power steering fluid is usually a bright color, and it has turned brown and black, it’s gone bad and needs changing.
How to Tell If You’re Low on Power Steering Fluid?
The best way to tell if you are low on Toyota power steering fluid is by inspecting the reservoir. Most vehicles, especially Toyotas, have a translucent reservoir that has a minimum and maximum indicator. It is important to make sure the fluid is always above the minimum mark.
However, if you haven’t inspected the reservoir in a while and now your car makes weird noises when you turn the steering wheel, chances are that your rack is running low on Toyota power steering fluid. While it could also mean that there’s something wrong with the system, it’s best to start diagnosing the problem by checking the level of the fluid.
The sound from the power steering system could also be accompanied by difficulty in turning the wheel. This shouldn’t come as a surprise because the mechanism relies on hydraulic pressure to actually turn the wheels.
How to Change the Power Steering Fluid at Home?
Before proceeding to change your Toyota power steering fluid, it’s a good idea to make sure you are prepared. First thing first, get the right type of Toyota power steering fluid for your car. Whether you go with the genuine stuff or aftermarket, it has to be the right grade.
This will be the owner’s manual and sometimes can be even found on the cap of the reservoir. Once you have the correct fluid, you can then begin wrenching.
Jack Up Your Car
To correctly flush your power steering fluid, you will have to get your hands a little dirty. It involves getting under the car which is why the first step is to jack up your car. This is quite straightforward, use a jack you trust and place the car on jack stands. Make sure that the car is stable before you actually crawl under it.
Accessing the Power Steering Return Line
The next step is to remove any underside protection and shrouds that would come in the way of accessing the power steering assembly. You don’t need to remove the entire underside tray, only the area that’s in the way of the fluid return line.
Begin Draining
Before you begin draining the fluid from the bottom, you need to empty as much as possible from the reservoir. This is a straightforward process as it only involves removing the cap and siphoning the old fluid.
This can be done with any tool that siphons liquid including a turkey blaster. Once you remove the old fluid, fill the tank with new fluid. That way when you begin flushing the system, the new fluid will prevent air from getting in there.
The next step would be to pull the hose off the return line and let the fluid drain. Any remains of the fluid can be forced out by turning the wheels from side to side.
Time for Fresh Fluid
Have someone start the car and turn the wheel lock to lock. It’s important that you keep adding power steering fluid so that no air enters the system. Once you start seeing fresh fluid coming out of the return line, shut the engine and reconnect the line.
It’s a good idea to check the reservoir after a couple of days of usage as it might require to be topped up.
Get the Best Toyota Power Steering Fluid Right Here
While all the different types of Toyota power steering fluid can be confusing, we’re here to help! Head over to our Shop, select your vehicle, and we’ll show you a list of power steering fluids that are a guaranteed fit for your car! We’ll give you a range of options so that you’ll always find something that matches your budget!
