Power steering fluid leak from cap

[jempol]

Hi guys, I need some advise here.
My Camry 94 XLE V6 leaking power steering fluid from the cap, do you think the cap is the problem or something else since I read another thread in this forum that the poster missing the power steering cap and just use plastic and rubber band to cover it.
Do I need specific power steering fluid for this Camry? I just grab regular power steering fluid from Autozone to refill it.
Where I can find power steering cap replacement other than dealer, I called they have to do special order just for the cap.

Thanks a bunch!

[Brandoe91]

Your car uses Automatic Transmission fluid( dexron II or III).Regular power steering fluid will break the seals within the power steering hoses.As for the cap check ebay or your local junk yard.I think you can also get the cap from a 92-96 es300.

[JohnGD]

If you did not overfill and the Dexron III type ATF is at or below the MAX line, then nothing should leak out.

BTW, you don't feel any steering problems do you? I wonder if there are problems in the fluid circuit if the ATF overflows as you turn.

Originally Posted by jempol

Hi guys, I need some advise here.
My Camry 94 XLE V6 leaking power steering fluid from the cap, do you think the cap is the problem or something else since I read another thread in this forum that the poster missing the power steering cap and just use plastic and rubber band to cover it.
Do I need specific power steering fluid for this Camry? I just grab regular power steering fluid from Autozone to refill it.
Where I can find power steering cap replacement other than dealer, I called they have to do special order just for the cap.

Thanks a bunch!

[jempol]

Originally Posted by Brandoe91

Your car uses Automatic Transmission fluid( dexron II or III).Regular power steering fluid will break the seals within the power steering hoses.As for the cap check ebay or your local junk yard.I think you can also get the cap from a 92-96 es300.

Thanks Brandoe91 for the info. Do you think the leak because the cap going bad? I just bought this car recently from a friend and it has this leaking problem before. arrghh... I added regular power steering fluid last time. Stupid me not to check the cap for guidance, now I have to flush the power steering fluid.

[jempol]

Originally Posted by JohnGD

If you did not overfill and the Dexron III type ATF is at or below the MAX line, then nothing should leak out.

BTW, you don't feel any steering problems do you? I wonder if there are problems in the fluid circuit if the ATF overflows as you turn.

I just feel the steering a little bit heavier than my other car, but for sure the fluid leak from the top reservoir, maybe the cap going bad?
Also I added regular power steering fluid last week, is it dangerous?

[JohnGD]

Some systems use ATF while others use PSF. I really don't know the reason one way or the other. Some Fords use Type-F yet other Fords use PSF. So dunno.

However, your system takes GM Dexron III type ATF. Don't use the new Dexron VI, it's too thin.

That said, as I suspected you may have an internal fluid problem with the steering system. If you can verify that the steering is harder than other similar Camrys then I would check the pump or the rack and replace as necessary. Otherwise you can suddenly loose more or all steering assist when you most need it.

In short, the problem with the pump or rack would pose a more immediate hazard, IMO.

Originally Posted by jempol

I just feel the steering a little bit heavier than my other car, but for sure the fluid leak from the top reservoir, maybe the cap going bad?
Also I added regular power steering fluid last week, is it dangerous?

[Mike Gerber]

I agree with JohnGD. Worry about the pump and the rack first. Since you added regular power steering fluid to the car, I would flush it all out of there first. Then add the right Dexron for your car. Your owner's manual actually calls for Dexron II, but that is no longer available. Use the Dexron III or something that meets the Dexron III requirements.

As far as the cap is concerned, I had a similar problem on an 86 Camry. If the cap is like that car there is an O-ring in the cap. If so, remove the O-ring from the cap carefully and take it to any auto parts store and match up the O-ring and get yourself a new one. This 50 cent fix might be all it needs.

Mike

[73sport]

IME when the fluid gets aerated or full of moisture it will rises higher with lees work load or temperature increase then it can easily overflow a resovoir.

That points back to starting with the proper fluid as mentioned above.

But, obvioulsy go with cap if it doesn't fit right or has some form of defect.

[jempol]

I just replace the reservoir fluid with Castrol ATF DEX3 and clean the cap.

Here is the cap looks like:




Let see if this will fix it. I don't know how to flush the fluid with the DYI guide since this reservoir have 4 connection.



which one is the return hose?

[73sport]

Sorry can't tell you which one, but you might look here. It shows a confusing picture plugging three of the four holes! But your pump has two suction ports so I expect two of the those lines should be lower on the tank.

http://www.camrystuff.com/manuals/Gen3/sr.pdf Page 26

Things to look for:
Because its a reservoir, the return line(s) will be up higher on the reservoir while the suction line(s) to the pump will be lower in the sump to pickup liquid in the resovoir. You want the high lines not the low ones.

Also, because yours has the cooling fans runnig off the PS pump, it'll be a little harder to get all the old fluid out in one flush. Meaning, you might have to flush it, drive it and repeat at least once after the fans come on. It all depends how thorough you want to be.

If it ran low on fluid it could haved sucked air which would likely create foam which then spilled over from the vented cap. Also, old fluid could have lost its anti foaming ingredients AND mixing fluids could make foaming worse.