Power Steering Fluid

Good afternoon !
I just Finished changing the oil on my 2017 tacoma TRD sport. I was checking all my fluid levels and noticed my power steering fluid is below the cold min line. Truck has 74k miles and was purchased from the dealer with 69k on it.

my thought process is to just top off the fluid and monitor for a leak vice drain /replace all the fluid. Any thoughts on this ? I’m by no means mechanically inclined but all things are possible through father YouTube so just trying to get input from those with the knowledge/experience.

 

Check your steering rack boots. The rack is likely leaking and the boots are collecting it.

Top off with any dextron III oil. You can buy it at 7-11's lol.

 

If you do not see any fluid leaking anywhere now and if the fluid level is below the line (make sure your on-level ground) add to the full cold line (if the engine is overnight cold).
Then watch it for leaks or loss of fluid level.

Take note where the level is when the engine is HOT and mark it with a sharpie (factory uses blue ink to mark when filled the first time)
So now you have a cold level and hot level "marked" watch the level and look for leaks.

It is not unusual for the rubber hoses to "swell" a bit over time and that will make a greater volume in the system,
(Not much of a volume 1-2 ounces) but it is noticeable at the reservoir level line.

 

Thanks for this just checked the boot. Looks like there’s some minor fluid build up on the passenger boot from what I could see.

 

This should suffice or should i run full a full synthetic ?

 

It's perfect, now you can decide on top up, or suck out some, refill and repeat a few times.

 

I think Prestone makes clear PS fluid for "Asian Vehicles", with a red cap. Stuff isn't exactly cheap, but you can keep your clear, colorless, um color.

 

from my understanding you don’t want to use actual PS it should be ATF… if they are the same forgive my ignorance this is a whole new world to me…

 

The Dexrons are red, and PS is almost clear. Factory fill is clear.

 

car care nut recommend power steering specific fluid over Toyota WS ATF because it has more power steering additives.

 

think that’s because they use a dye free atf ? Something I had read earlier again could be way off either way appreciate the input.

 

You should be OK, using a specifically, purpose built fluid by a major automotive fluid company. They specifically list Toyota in the app list.

 

What state do you live in,.. cold temps can make the steering squeal if you use certain fluid types.

 

I’m in Texas where the only cold weather occurs in my dreams

 

Your good,

 

My truck was just barely below the cold min line when I bought it new.
No big deal. Topped it up with Dexron III and haven't thought about it.

Add some Dexron III ATF and check it in a few months. You're probably good.

 

It'd be easy to suck some out and refill drive and repeat a few times. However don't use a turkey baster. The rubber will fall apart in contact with the fluid. Tractor supply sells a tool made for this.

It's not special fluid. It's only Dexron like others said the color doesn't matter.

 

The owners manual literally says Dexon III ATF. Why anyone is suggesting otherwise is beyond me. Guess they know more than Toyota. Any way I have replaced mine since it was and the low line by removing and refilling every few days till it all seem the same color as new.

 

Just an FYI, but this is a common issue on these trucks. My boots have been wet for years and I have had to add PS fluid all of 2 times in 5 years of ownership. The clamps on the boots are of much better quality than the seals on the rack lol.

 

These are all dedicated Dexron III fluids that can be used: