When to Replace Power Steering Fluid?

[toylyon]

I have an 03 Camry XLE with 30,000 miles. I am getting it serviced and having the coolant and transmission fluid changed. Should I change the power steering fluid now as well?

[Your Uncle Moe]

You dont need to.

[jhbhatia]

I get mine flushed at the dealership every 60K miles. I know everyone tell's me its not needed. But i've gone thru a few p/s high pressure hoses in my lifetime...its like a $79 service at the dealerships, for $79 i do it for peace of mind, not cus 'its' needed. 70 every 4-5 years ain't to shabby IMO!

[Your Uncle Moe]

I need to flush mine. The fluid is black and looks like a thick clay.

[V6LE_CAMRY]

I need to flush mine. The fluid is black and looks like a thick clay.

Wow really? i have a 96 also and mine is't black and thick.

I have beenthinking of doing that on mine but been afraid to do itt because when i had a minivan i changed the fluid with regular power stering fluid and i started laking a few drops a day. If i do it on my camry and use valvoline max life MerconIII dexron will it develop any leaks?

[RedPhoenix]

lol if its black, time to change. that fluid is a very clear thin oil.

[chronoti]

the bottles in the store that say power stearing fluid are clear.

real fluid is red .... as it's tranny fluid.

read the faq it has a good write up on how to flush the fluid.

[ag6286]

all i have to say is when u replace it for whoever does,,,,use Valvoline (?) SynPower synthetic blend....i used that recently on my 3vz-fe......WOW WOW WOW, wut a difference, little more expensive, round 4.99/quart, than other stuff but very very effective stuff.

[terrastrife]

isnt that engine oil?

arent we talking about atf fluid here?

[chronoti]

^ nope they make a synthtic power stearing fluid i have that in mine now but i didnt do a good enough flush so i looks a little red from the left over fluid.

[ag6286]

EASY, simple way to flush power steering DIY for any engine w/HYDRAULIC radiator fan. Disconnect the top mount bolt, turn on the engine and drain the majority of it out (should all come out withing about 30-60 seconds) then drive for a while. Done that plently of times (by accident) cuz mine was broken, it works very well.

dont disconnect the out-going tube, because it will splatter everywhere in ur car as u drive....HOWEVER, that is an easy way the give the engine a good shine

P.s. if u drive, dont worry bout any white smoke, itll go away soon