Draining power steering fluid.

[NewRacer]

I'm thinking of changing the power steering fluid on my 2000 Camry V6, I'm wondering is it possible to drain it just by using pump from family-sized shampoo? You know, using that pump to drain from the reservior?

Also, how much fluid do I need? I've read the manual, but there is no mention of the amount of the fluid. Does anyone know?


Thanks

[proteus220]

Originally Posted by NewRacer

I'm thinking of changing the power steering fluid on my 2000 Camry V6, I'm wondering is it possible to drain it just by using pump from family-sized shampoo? You know, using that pump to drain from the reservior?

Also, how much fluid do I need? I've read the manual, but there is no mention of the amount of the fluid. Does anyone know?


Thanks

I siphon the power steering fluid on vehicles from the reservoir every oil change, and it seems to be adequate enough in keeping the fluid clear. I think this method changes out less than 25% of the total fluid in the power steering system.

As for how much you need, just fill up the reservoir until the min/max lines.

However, if you're referring to a complete DIY PS flush, what I have done is:

- Engine off
- Jack up front wheels, so they are off the ground
- Siphon out fluid in reservoir
- Remove reservoir fluid return hose and connect a long tube from it to a bucket
- Plug up reservoir return hose "nipple"
- Fill res. with new fluid
- Slowly turn steering wheel lock to lock until clear fluid comes of the tube out while constantly checking that fluid in reservoir is topped off.

Takes about 2-3 quarts for the "flush."

[NewRacer]

I bought the Castrol Daxron III fluid yesterday, it's red. But the fluid in my vehicle is blue. Is it okay to mix them?

I don't have jack and stand, so I'm not going to complete flush it. I'm more of thinking about using the pump to pump out all the fluid in the reservoir, and then add the new fluid in. Maybe repeat a few day, will this work? Will the fluid in the reservoir pump down to the steering system, and then pump back up?

[keithy]

One of the member did a very detailed DIY on this. I believe it was Ken4. Guided pictures and illistrations are presented.

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t19334.html

Might be helpful to pm him before begining your work to make sure you know your stuff. Good luck.

[darksparkz]

That DIY link looks like it's pretty good, great help.

Any ideas on how often you should change this fluid?

[touringcamry]

Originally Posted by NewRacer

I bought the Castrol Daxron III fluid yesterday, it's red. But the fluid in my vehicle is blue. Is it okay to mix them?

I don't have jack and stand, so I'm not going to complete flush it. I'm more of thinking about using the pump to pump out all the fluid in the reservoir, and then add the new fluid in. Maybe repeat a few day, will this work? Will the fluid in the reservoir pump down to the steering system, and then pump back up?

Are you certain the fluid is blue? It could be just the container. The fluid in my power steering reservoir was brown/gold like motor oil but the reservoir made it look blue or green. It's just DEX III without the red dye. No problem.

[NewRacer]

Originally Posted by touringcamry

Are you certain the fluid is blue? It could be just the container. The fluid in my power steering reservoir was brown/gold like motor oil but the reservoir made it look blue or green. It's just DEX III without the red dye. No problem.

Yeah, I pumped out the fluid in the reservoir yesterday, it was brown. Is the original fluid brown color? I thought it was dirty. I added the castrol DEX III in, it's red.

[toyomoho]

Red fluid will turn brown as it is used in the power steering system.

[NewRacer]

Originally Posted by toyomoho

Red fluid will turn brown as it is used in the power steering system.

Really? So, does brown mean dirty?