There is pwr steering fluid in my resorvoir - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

machman · 12-26-2006, 08:46 PM

I noticed that my PWR steering fluid is low. I was going to fill it up with the specified Dextron III ATF fluid and noticed that the fluid in the resorvor is a brownish fluid instead of red. I can only assume the it is power steering fluid. I bought this car in Aug 04 and have put 40K(now has 129K) on it with no problems.

What should I do?

Thanks,
Ryan

Buurin · 12-26-2006, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by machman

I noticed that my PWR steering fluid is low. I was going to fill it up with the specified Dextron III ATF fluid and noticed that the fluid in the resorvor is a brownish fluid instead of red. I can only assume the it is power steering fluid. I bought this car in Aug 04 and have put 40K(now has 129K) on it with no problems.

What should I do?

Thanks,
Ryan

I say what the hell, just top it off with your ATF if it meets the requirements.

touringcamry · 12-26-2006, 10:47 PM

If it is the original fluid from when the car is new, it is ATF without the red dye.

machman · 12-27-2006, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by touringcamry

If it is the original fluid from when the car is new, it is ATF without the red dye.

I am guessing that that is the case. The car has been very well taken care of. I will top it off with regular ATF.

Thanks a lot.

seriousman · 12-27-2006, 08:11 AM

Here's some important info that is written by my present employer "Lee Myles Transmission" It explains to you why a power steering flush is necessary-

"At one time or another, most drivers encounter a power steering problem with their car anything from fluid leaks or noise to stiff steering or hard turning after first starting the car. Normal driving eventually causes your power steering fluid to suffer from heat, friction and electrochemical degradation. The high pressure created when you hold hard turns is especially damaging.
Your power steering fluid, which starts out clear, eventually turns dark with age. Sludge and varnish deposits build up in your power steering system and prevent the easy turning and responsive handling you expect from your vehicle.
Our Power Steering Fluid Flush safely removes varnish and sludge deposits. It is also the best way to remove wear metals that slowly grind away your power steering's internal components, including the power steering hoses, power steering pump, rack and pinion and/or gear box. Our Power Steering Fluid Flush thoroughly cleans your vehicle's steering system and protects it with fresh power steering fluid and conditioners that revitalize the seals and 0rings."

acitydweller · 12-27-2006, 08:54 AM

i'd suggest looking into why the resevoir is low...

My 1993 Camry has had two flushes in its lifetime thus far and had never had to be topped off.

touringcamry · 12-27-2006, 04:46 PM

Flushing the ATF in the transmission isn't that difficult. Do a search and ken4 has a DIY posted. A link to it is probably in one of the stickies in the Camry forum.

machman · 12-28-2006, 08:07 AM

Sounds like I may need to inspect for leaks. I am out of town at the time(didn't drive) but will check this out when I get back.

Thanks for all of the info.

acitydweller · 12-28-2006, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by touringcamry

Flushing the ATF in the transmission isn't that difficult. Do a search and ken4 has a DIY posted. A link to it is probably in one of the stickies in the Camry forum.

Sorry i might be missing the point but what does flushing the transmission fluid have to do with low power steering fluid levels?

touringcamry · 12-28-2006, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acitydweller

Sorry i might be missing the point but what does flushing the transmission fluid have to do with low power steering fluid levels?

Bah!!! Brain fart. I mean Ken4's DIY is for flushign the power steering!