Is Powersteering Fluid the Same as Transmission Fluid? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

dutd33 · 10-25-2011, 03:03 AM

Hi All,

I have a stupid question and I apologize in advance.

In my 1992 LE v6 Camry, I was told by kid behind the counter of a local autoparts store that I can use transmission fluid for my powersteering, but not vice versa, is that correct?

Thanks!

Brandoe91 · 10-25-2011, 04:02 AM

No, they are not the same. I would say most cars use psf in there steering system but your Camry uses atf in it's steering system. The required fluid for the steering should be on the power steering reservoir cap.

BamZipPow · 10-25-2011, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dutd33

In my 1992 LE v6 Camry, I was told by kid behind the counter of a local autoparts store that I can use transmission fluid for my powersteering, but not vice versa, is that correct?

Thanks!

Yes, the Toyota vehicles use Dexron II or better (aka ATF) fer the power steering fluid. Read the cap on yer power steering reservoir...

Why is yer PS fluid low?

dutd33 · 10-25-2011, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BamZipPow

Yes, the Toyota vehicles use Dexron II or better (aka ATF) fer the power steering fluid. Read the cap on yer power steering reservoir...

Why is yer PS fluid low?

OK cool, I've purchased some ATF.

I don't know why it's low, but it's not that low... just a tiny bit below the MIN. line.

Thank you everyone for their help!

Doug S · 10-25-2011, 05:16 PM

I don't get it, if they recomend ATF in the power stearing, why has the last 6 Toyota's I have purchased (92,94,2000,2001,2011x2) come with clear fluid in the powerstearing that does not smell or feel like ATF???? And why does the dealer even sell power stearing fluid??

My 94 camry had the stearing rack changed by the dealer in 03 and it got refilled with clear fluid.

I've read it in the manual and seen it preeched on the internet but I've never seen a toyota with pink power stearing fluid, atleast one that came out of a dealer. I'd like to change my fluid but I'm not sure what to put in.

Am I missing something??

D

Make that 7 Toyotas, I forgot about the Tundra

***Mister_Perkins*** · 10-25-2011, 05:35 PM

V6 uses ATF , 4 Cylinder uses Power Steering

***fenixus*** · 10-25-2011, 05:57 PM

errr, all camry and solara owner's manuals I read said Dexron II/III compatible for PS and Dexron-II/III compatible for trans (and auto differential)... with exception to transmission calling for Type T-IV fluid (coupled with newer 2az-fe engines)

both Solaras came with a clear ATF (called Toyota power steering fluid) in PS tank, both res caps say same (on both V6 and 4cyl) Dexron-II/III...

I use the same ATF for the PS as I use in trans (and auto diff) that would be either Castrol IMV or Mobil1 ATF.

maybe gen3 was different? I am holding a 2000 camry owner's manual in my hand and it says (per checking PS fluid level, page 229):
"Check the fluid level through the reservoir. If necessary, add automatic transmission fluid Dexron-II or III"

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mister_Perkins

V6 uses ATF , 4 Cylinder uses Power Steering

***Mister_Perkins*** · 10-25-2011, 05:59 PM

If you simply open up your Owners manual, It will specify what fluid is correct for your application as well. Its as easy as that. lol

Stillrunning · 10-25-2011, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mister_Perkins

4 Cylinder uses Power Steering

My I4 owner's manual specs DexII. Just check your owners manual.

***Mister_Perkins*** · 10-25-2011, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stillrunning

My I4 owner's manual specs DexII. Just check your owners manual.

lol , yeah maybe i should. I've been putting power steering fluid in my camrys for years. Whoops

I guess i just ate my own words!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mister_Perkins

If you simply open up your Owners manual, It will specify what fluid is correct for your application as well. Its as easy as that. lol

Doug S · 10-25-2011, 06:10 PM

Thanks for that but I'm more confused:
92 V6 4runner
94 V6 Camry
2000 V6 Sienna
2001 V6 4runner
2001 V8 Tundra
2011 V6 Camry SE
2011 V6 Camry XLE

I'm not being a wise guy or anything-(sorry I hijacked the thread), I just would like to get it straight, I'd like to change the fluid in the 01 4runner.

Thanks
d

Doug S · 10-25-2011, 06:16 PM

Quote:

If you simply open up your Owners manual, It will specify what fluid is correct for your application as well. Its as easy as that. lol

I know it's in the manual, I just wonder why Toyota-(factory) or the Dealer don't use ATF.

Has anyone seen a Toyota come new with ATF-(pink) in it or had the stearing pump or rack replaced at the dealer and have the dealer use ATF?

Thanks
D

***fenixus*** · 10-25-2011, 06:51 PM

does the color and smell mean so much to you? both clear toyota fluid and regular red ATF must be dex-iii compatible, so why bother?

pmesfun · 10-25-2011, 09:06 PM

I swapped out the fluid in the power steering reservoir in our 07 avalon with Dexron ATF with no problems, actually the steering is much smoother now. The original fluid was black and smelt like crap, same with the 99.

Yuko · 10-25-2011, 11:39 PM

I posted this on a different thread.

"After hours of researching on other Toyota forums, it is highly NOT recommended to use generic power steering fluid in a system that requires Dexron III ATF. Even thou the color of the generic fluid and store brought power steering fluid is the same light amber, the chemical make-up is different and is known to cause seals to leak and pumps to fail. Most Toyota dealerships do sell there own P/S fluid which is nothing more than Dexron III without the dye and smell. One reason why the colors are different even thou the fluid is the same is to detect leaks easier between the P/S system and the transmission."

I'm planning to change out my P/S fluid in my Gen 4 with some Valvoline Maxlife Dex/Merc ATF. It's making some strange noise at full lock that I never heard before.