PS fluid flushed...

[sjcruiser]

Flushed my PS yesterday with Valvolin SyncPower PS fluid. The old fluid had honey color when checked so I always assumed that they relatively OK, NOT! The old fluid came out looks like root beer comparing to almost clear color of the new fluid - attached a pix for reference

Frank.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Hope you have better luck then me...Did the same as a PM. Within 1 week the pump started leaking (rebuilt and replaced all hoses except high pressure) Now due to a new leak (3 months later) I have a new high pressure hose in the garage waiting for installation. But now the P/S system should be good for another 100K.

 

[pound3151]

How much of a PITA was it to rebuild the pump and how much $$$ did it run you? I've got a real nice groan coming from mine while making left hand turns. I've been topping the fluid off with Lucas p/s stopleak which worked for a while but that method is starting to crap the bed.

 

[LX_TREME]

sjcruiser, Correction you cant always say new P.S Fluid clear, mine i changed with M.O.C -P.S fluid and the new one come in red fluids/ color.

 

[sjcruiser]

LandcruiserPhil,
Same thing happened to my MBZ so I know what yer talking about - hope this is not the case for the LC as the hoses are still soft and flexible.

Pound,
I did not rebuild the PS pump, just flushing the entire old fluid out of the system. New fluid ran me approx. $10 & took me less than an hour to complete the job - much better steering feel afterward but it may due to the pride in me head

Endless,
Toyota specifies ATF (red) as the fluid type to be used in the LC's power steering system so don't know if this is what you have - haven't seen or used MOC PS fluid personally so not sure of the color either.

 

[MikeB]

My experience is that Toyota PS pumps always groan while turning if you use any aftermarket product labeled "power steering fluid" in them. Flushing it out and refilling with Dexron solves the problem. If you are having problems with the pump, the easiest, cheapest, and Toyota-approved thing to try is replacing all the fluid with Dexron. The factory fill is a clear fluid but it appears to have properties that are the same as Dexron and different than aftermarket "power steering fluid".

For some reason, this advice always gets me flamed. Many people seem to be very receptive to the idea of dumping in Downey fabric softener or replacing the pump, but don't like the idea of using the fluid that Toyota owner's manuals have specified for the past 25 years.

Mike

 

[cruiserdan]

I have been in the new car dealer parts business for almost 26 years. 20 of them have been with Toyota. Downey DOES work.................

 

[Romer]

What exactly does the Downey do?

 

[Cruiserdrew]

My experience is that Toyota PS pumps always groan while turning if you use any aftermarket product labeled "power steering fluid" in them. Flushing it out and refilling with Dexron solves the problem. If you are having problems with the pump, the easiest, cheapest, and Toyota-approved thing to try is replacing all the fluid with Dexron. The factory fill is a clear fluid but it appears to have properties that are the same as Dexron and different than aftermarket "power steering fluid".

For some reason, this advice always gets me flamed. Many people seem to be very receptive to the idea of dumping in Downey fabric softener or replacing the pump, but don't like the idea of using the fluid that Toyota owner's manuals have specified for the past 25 years.

Mike

Flamed? I completely agree. The manual calls for Dexron, Dexron is cheap and widely available, why take the chance on something else? Even my 2004 Toyota calls for Dexron in the powersteering although the factory fill is a clean looking brown, not clear. If you want synthetic, use Mobil 1 ATF. It meets the Dexron spec and is more heat resistant than conventional ATF.

 

[cruiserdan]

What exactly does the Downey do?

As explained to me by a close friend that is a field technical specialist for Toyota, Downey is loaded with silicone and that is what does the trick.

 

[Romer]

So Dan, you use this when it leaks? When it is being flushed? Everyday instead f Power Steering Fluid? I should drain out the power steering fluid and fill it with Downey?

Sorry for the stupid questions, just trying to figure out when you use the Downey and then I can understand the "trick"

 

[cruiserdan]

HOLD THE PHONE>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>


I should explain that Downey is an additive as opposed to the approved fluid you use.....:whoops:


Usually a tablespoon or so is all that is needed.



D-

 

[NorCalDoug]

Downey also makes the steering feel softer and smell spring-time fresh

 

[Romer]

HOLD THE PHONE>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>


I should explain that Downey is an additive as opposed to the approved fluid you use.....:whoops:


Usually a tablespoon or so is all that is needed.



D-

Thanks Dan, I thought it was an additive, just didn't know how much or when to use it. So, when do you add the Downey, no not the rinse cycle. Is this a normal additive, when its leaking (Instead of Lucas) or ???

 

[medtro]

Dan,

Can I use Downey to treat engine oil leaks?

 

[Texus]

uh oh... forgot to add the fabric softner??!!

OK... who the hell figures this stuff out... i.e. first to try such things? Did someone loose a bet or something? ...just a lil' bit here from the peanut gallery, don't mind me...

 

[K9-Cruzer]

My power steering pump has been leaking and i have been thinking of a rebuild. I would rather try the Downey treatment.

 

[cruiserdan]

This particular fabric softener is loaded with silicone and that is the property that tends to quiet a noisy pump. It will not stop leaks however.


D-

 

[sjcruiser]

K9,

Try Valvoline MaxLife PS fluid with StopLeak (in red bottle). I've had very good result with it!

 

[Darwood]

I know this is probably a stupid question, but how does one go about flushing the power steering. I should probably flush my system since my fluid is pink, which makes sense sine my coolant was originally (to me) red and green.