Power Steering Fluid - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Camryfanatic · 03-12-2006, 09:37 PM

Is it true that PS fluid is really ATF fluid? If it is can I use Valvoine Maxlife PS fluid because I a have a leak somewhere and I want to see if it helps or not. My Camry is 1992 LE I4 with 149320 miles on it and still strong after 13 years!!!

Camryfanatic · 03-13-2006, 11:13 AM

Anyone?

***zoni*** · 03-13-2006, 11:28 AM

toyota recommends using ATF, but all in all, it is a power steering system. Some fluids may not give good results though, so if you change it, and dont like it... change back. It will not hurt the system to switch it up a little.

Cyorke · 03-13-2006, 12:15 PM

In the older Camry's they recommended ATF fluid but now they recommend a true PS fluid in teh new ones. I know my Siennal calls for PS fluid and not ATF.

noodlerooney · 03-13-2006, 01:05 PM

I always thought that power steering fluid was just a low grade undyed form of ATF. My father has a 2005 camry and it takes ATF as power steering fluid, as does my 94 camry and 04 RAV4. I have never had any use for the "stop-leak" products, I usually find the leak and fix it right.

Davee · 03-13-2006, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Camryfanatic

Is it true that PS fluid is really ATF fluid? If it is can I use Valvoine Maxlife PS fluid because I a have a leak somewhere and I want to see if it helps or not. My Camry is 1992 LE I4 with 149320 miles on it and still strong after 13 years!!!

I have had PS leaks & tried Lucas product which hi viscosity . It does not describe what systems it is compatible with even on their website. The first time used I got relief for a year or so . I am trying it again but in winter here the cold puts a real strain on the system so still leaking . I am hoping it will seal in warm weather -- Spring is coming even here!
I don't think there is any reason not to try ATF or the lucas product JMHO

marc780 · 03-18-2006, 08:35 PM

ATF and power steering are similar but still different. Power steering fluid is like hydrauilic fluid with some different additives, ATf more so, its not just the color thats different. In a pinch yeah, you could use ATf but if power steering fluid is recommended, i'd use that and not something else.
Why, because maybe toyota tested ATF in the power steering system and found out ATf attacks seals or bearings or does something else bad. Toyota might not bother telling you this, they will just say "use power steering fluid." So i say, just use exactly what Toyota says to use and not get creative.