PS Fluid?

[jcniest5]

Hi, first timer here. I just bought an '02 Camry XLE and the Power Steering is low, but when I look at the dipstick, the color of the fluid is yellow/brown or clear like real PS Fluid, not red or purple like ATF Fluid should be. It looks like the previous owner had it serviced and real Power Steering fluid was used instead of following Toyota's recommendation to use ATF on it. I tried to smell it and it doesn't smell like ATF Fluid at all. Should I flush it out and use ATF fluid on it or should I just leave it alone and just add a little PS fluid to make it full again? What should I do? TIA...

[mike_tx]

I wouldn't worry about it; if it's power steering fluid it's fine. Any funny noises or leaks? If not, you should be ok.

I didn't realize I never replied to this thread, until I got an email about the new post. Conclusion to my post above: I ended up using Dextron III (generic from Walmart) when I replaced the high pressure hose. Worked perfect. It's been running for almost two years...no leaks, no funny noises, steering works perfect. I did add a little Lucas power steering leak preventer, just in case (since car is pretty old....figured it might help with the other seals in the steering rack, etc...) My Corolla has 122k miles now (pretty low for a '98).

[jcniest5]

Thanks for the reply. I also realized this is a post I replied to a different thread, which was put here with a new title. Thanks, Mod.

Well, interesting that when I checked my other Toyota, an '07 Sienna's PS reservoir and it's also real PS Fluid even though the cap and reservoir also say to use ATF Dexron II for it. I know it's PS Fluid because its smell is not like that of ATF.

So, I guess I'm just gonna leave them alone.

Thanks for all reading or replying...

[csaxon]

Power steering fluid does not have an API (American Petroleum Institute)certification, and therefore does not have minimum standards associated with its production. The only standards established for power steering fluid come from the OEM, Toyota in this case.

[AlmightyCamry777]

Csaxon is right, i like to use what toyota says. I actually dumped in power steering fluid until someone (here) pointed out that toyota calls for ATF (in the manual).
I changed it recently by sucking out the reservoir with a turkey baster (with engine off). Then repeat 4 or 5 times, running the engine for a minute in between.

[blueridge]

In both our vehicles (Camry/RX300) I flush the PS fluid and replace with Mobile 1 ATF every 3 years. Great stuff for the money.

[jcniest5]

So, is it okay if I leave them as they are right now? Or do I really need to change them out and put in ATF?

[gdanaher]

Leave it.