Concept:
The 4Runner Scheduled Maintenance Guide does NOT specify to change the Power Steering Fluid.
Personally I perform a exchange or flush of the Power Steering Fluid somewhere between 30,000 to 50,000 mile intervals.
Performing a complete exchange or flush of the Power Steering Fluid is simple and requires only one or two quarts of new fluid.
Here are some benefits:
1. Contaminant Removal: Over time, power steering fluid can accumulate contaminants like dirt, debris, and metal particles. Flushing the fluid removes these contaminants, preventing them from causing damage to the power steering system.
2. Maintaining Performance: Fresh fluid ensures that the power steering system operates smoothly. Old, contaminated fluid can lead to sluggish performance, noise, or even failure of the power steering system.
3. Preventing Leaks: Old fluid can degrade seals and hoses in the power steering system, leading to leaks. Regular fluid changes can help prevent these issues.
4. Preventing Wear: Fresh fluid helps lubricate the power steering system components, reducing wear and extending the life of the system.
In some instances it is NOT recommended to change the fluid on high mileage vehicles that never have had their power steering fluid changed.
However, this idea is somewhat controversial and debated among automotive experts.
Here are some reasons for not changing the fluid for the first time on vehicles with higher mileage:
1. High Mileage and Neglect: If a vehicle has extremely high mileage and the power steering fluid has never been changed, it may be risky to change it. Old, degraded fluid can sometimes act as a sealant for worn components. Changing it could potentially expose leaks or lead to issues with the power steering system.
2. Severe Fluid Contamination: If the power steering fluid is severely contaminated with debris, rust, or other contaminants, a fluid change could cause more harm than good. In such cases, it might be more appropriate to flush the system gradually, using a power steering fluid conditioner to help break down contaminants before replacing the fluid entirely.
3. System Malfunction: If the power steering system is already experiencing issues, such as leaks, noise, or stiffness, changing the fluid may not solve the underlying problem. It's best to diagnose and repair the issue first before changing the fluid.
4. Older Vehicles with Original Fluid: In some cases, on very old vehicles where the power steering fluid has never been changed and the system is still functioning normally, changing the fluid could potentially lead to leaks or other issues. In such cases, it may be best to leave the fluid as is and monitor the system for any signs of trouble.
Power Steering Fluid:
For this fluid exchange process I used 2 quarts of the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)
Toyota ATF-Dexron II or III. 00718-ATF00.
Toyota recommends their ATF-Dexron II or III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) to be used in the Power Steering system.
Do not attempt to use regular power steering fluid or ATF-WS fluid as these may cause issues and are not approved by Toyota as substitutes.
Fluid Specs:
Here are the Power Steering fluid specifications as per the Toyota 4Runner owners manual.
Fluid Capacity (Total): 0.7 quarts
Fluid Type: ATF-Dexron II or III
Toyota Genuine ATF Dexron |
Toyota Genuine ATF Dexron |
Toyota Genuine ATF Dexron |
Power Steering Fluid Exchange and Flush Process:
1. EXCHANGE THE FLUID
(a) Locate the Power Steering Reservoir.
(b) Clean the exterior and cap as needed.
(c) Jack up the front of the vehicle and support it with stands.
(d) Remove the return line (the higher of the two lines going into the reservoir), let the reservoir drain out, and then cap off the exit point on the reservoir to eliminate loss of fluid from tank.
(e) Extend return line into a waste container using a 3/8" Barbed x 3/8" Barbed Splice Connector and a 2.5 foot long section of Clear Flexible PVC Tube 3/8" ID 1/2" OD.
(f) Turn the key to the "ON" position without starting the vehicle.
(g) Begin to turn the wheel from lock to lock, but try not to hit the actual full lock positions since you want the fluid flow to be non-stop. Do this one time (lock to lock).
(h) Top off the reservoir with the recommended fluid, and repeat another lock to lock turn of the steering wheel.
(i) Repeat this process until you have new fresh fluid coming out of the return hose and into your catch container. I used 1.5 quarts in total.
(j) Re-connect your return line to the power steering reservoir and set the fluid level in the reservoir to the proper level.
A. Power Steering Reservoir Location |
B. Power Steering Reservoir
Nice and Clean
but still with old fluid inside |
D. Return line removed
Reservoir drained down into catch cup
and capped off with a 3/8" Rubber Vacuum End Cap. |
E. Extend return hose into a waste container |
H. and I. Top off reservoir and repeate the process
of turning the wheel from lock to lock
in order to pump the new fluid thru the system |
J. Process complete and completely new fluid in entire system |
2. BLEED POWER STEERING SYSTEM
(a) Check the fluid level.
(b) Jack up the front of the vehicle and support it with stands.
(c) Turn the steering wheel.
(1) With the engine stopped, turn the wheel slowly from lock to lock several times.
(d) Lower the vehicle.
(e) Start the engine.
(1) Run the engine at idle for a few minutes.
(f) Turn the steering wheel.
(1) With the engine idling, turn the wheel left or right to the full lock position and keep it there for 2 to 3 seconds, then turn the wheel to the opposite full lock position and keep it there for 2 to 3 seconds.
(2) Repeat (f1) several times.
(g) Stop the engine.
(h) Check for foaming or emulsification. Especially, if the system has to be held twice because of foaming or emulsification, check for fluid leaks in the system.
(i) Check the fluid level.
Bleed the power steering system |
3. CHECK FLUID LEVEL
(a) Keep the vehicle horizontal.
(b) With the engine stopped, check the fluid level in the reservoir. If necessary, add ATF DEXRON II or III fluid.
HINT: If the fluid is hot, check that the fluid level is within the HOT range. If the fluid is cold, check that the fluid level is within the COLD range.
(c) Start the engine and run at idle.
(d) Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times to raise fluid temperature. Fluid temperature: 167°F to 176°F
(e) Check for foaming or emulsification. If foaming or emulsification is identified, bleed the power steering system.
(f) With the engine idling, measure the fluid level in the reservoir.
(g) Stop the engine.
(h) Wait a few minutes and remeasure the fluid level in the reservoir.
Maximum fluid level rise: About 5 mm (0.20 in.)
If a problem is found, bleed the power steering system.
(i) Check the fluid level.
Toyota 4Runner owners manual page |
Check power steering fluid level |
Check power steering fluid level rise |
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