3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
Since I'm flushing coolant real soon, what do I do about power steering?
I have a few questions:
I know it's ATF instead of actual PSF for Gen4 Camrys...it should be red right? Cause mines a bright amber it seems.
How high should the level be in the reservoir tank? There only seem to be markings for hot/cold..
Should I flush it? I'm sure the original owner didn't even do anything to it. It's got 81300 miles.
If I do flush it, how? I watched videos, and even read the DIY, but I don't understand what you disconnect to a bucket and what you hook up to the tank.
I know that you try to pump out all the excess fluid in the tank with a shampoo bottle pumper. Then you disconnect some hose into a bucket, and then do something to stabalize pressure so when you turn the wheel fluid comes out...or I don't know lol.
Some say the Toyota PSF is Dexron without the red dye, but from the smell and consistency it's more like regular PSF. But that's just my opinion. If you can get Mobil-1 fully synthetic ATF (Dexron II/III type) from a local Advanced Auto with a coupon discount of about $5/qt, then go for it.
If not Mobil-1 I'd use Castrol Import Multi-vehicles ATF or Walmart's SuperTech Mercon-V (both are D-II/III type fluids). But I wouldn't use a thin fluid like Dexron VI (6) or plain dino Dexron.
You don't really need a shampoo pump. Just disconnect the return hose, plug up the reservoir so ATF doesn't leak from there obviously. Then use a 3/8" coupler to a 3/8" ID PVC hose to a waste bucket. The old fluid in the reservoir will get flushed out anyway. (that said I'd siphon out brake fluid full of moisture out of the master cylinder reservoir before flushing however).
When you turn the steering wheel, the piston inside the steering rack will move in one direction. This action squeezes out the ATF in that side of the chamber. Then as you turn the steering wheel the other way, the old ATF gets squeezed out the other chamber while the empty chamber draws in new ATF from the reservoir.
Therefore repeat this process a few times while you fill the reservoir with new ATF. Run about 2 qts through it. And every year just siphon out the ATF in the reservoir and refill with new fluid is all you need to do after that.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DM616
I know it's ATF instead of actual PSF for Gen4 Camrys...it should be red right? Cause mines a bright amber it seems.
How high should the level be in the reservoir tank? There only seem to be markings for hot/cold..
Should I flush it? I'm sure the original owner didn't even do anything to it. It's got 81300 miles.
If I do flush it, how? I watched videos, and even read the DIY, but I don't understand what you disconnect to a bucket and what you hook up to the tank.
I know that you try to pump out all the excess fluid in the tank with a shampoo bottle pumper. Then you disconnect some hose into a bucket, and then do something to stabalize pressure so when you turn the wheel fluid comes out...or I don't know lol.
So should I flush it? Or can I just take the shampoo head, remove excess liquid, put in new, turn wheel, remove old, put more in, and repeat this a few more times?
I would suck out all the fluid from the reservoir and refill, like you said. I did it once today on our Quest and the steering wheel turns so easily now.
And no you don't need to lift the car, I put newspaper around the reservoir to catch any spills.
The new formulation Mercon-V replaces the old "Mercon" (Dexron/Mercon), which is discontinued. M-V is more shear stable and Ford tightened it's spec so any Mercon-V you get will be fairly consistent. That's why I'd recommend Walmart's SuperTech Mercon-V. It's just a better fluid than plain dino Dexron, but clearly Mobil-1 fully syn will be better.
Quote:
Originally Posted by pmesfun
I looked at the 99's service records and at 40k all fluids were flushed. Interestingly the dealer used Mercon for the Power Steering and Transmission.
The new formulation Mercon-V replaces the old "Mercon" (Dexron/Mercon), which is discontinued. M-V is more shear stable and Ford tightened it's spec so any Mercon-V you get will be fairly consistent. That's why I'd recommend Walmart's SuperTech Mercon-V. It's just a better fluid than plain dino Dexron, but clearly Mobil-1 fully syn will be better.
Aha, using M-V next service then. Also, explains why I was confused when the fluids weren't clearish when I first changed them. What was weird is when I changed the PSF on the quest it was Red tinted, and I checked the FSM indeed its PSF not ATF.
Can anyone else confirm Walmart's SuperTech Mercon-V is applicable? It's just I don't want to destroy my steering rack haha. I'll be picking this up if it's okay that it MAY mix with whatever was previous in my tank.
And nobody answered...where is the marking for the reservoir? No idea on how much to put in.
The problem is some mechanics just use whatever they feel like. But we know better and will follow the specification. Some early Toyotas used PSF instead of Dexron.
Quote:
Originally Posted by pmesfun
What was weird is when I changed the PSF on the quest it was Red tinted, and I checked the FSM indeed its PSF not ATF.
Can anyone else confirm Walmart's SuperTech Mercon-V is applicable? It's just I don't want to destroy my steering rack haha. I'll be picking this up if it's okay that it MAY mix with whatever was previous in my tank.
And nobody answered...where is the marking for the reservoir? No idea on how much to put in.
Yes it is.
When the engine is cold use the "COLD" marking, once its hot use the "HOT" markings. So basically just fill up to FULL on the COLD marking, drive around until warm, then top off until the FULL marking on the HOT level.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
Any help appreciated.
1999 Toyota Avalon
Also, explains why I was confused when the fluids weren't clearish when I first changed them. What was weird is when I changed the PSF on the quest it was Red tinted, and I checked the FSM indeed its PSF not ATF.
Linear Mode
