Basic question that is causing me a lot of trouble. I need MORE power steering fluid. But can not find exactely what I need on Amazon.com,etc. Can someone please give me some advise. At the local AutoZone, they can't decide if I need Power steering fluid or ATF Fluid. So I came here to the experts. I own a 2000 LandCruiser and on the cap it says "DEXRON ATF" Even with that, the Autozone people can not come to an answer and I do not want to screw this basic problem! Thank you!
Dexron ATF Power steering fluid (5 Viewers)
- Thread starter cj007sd
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YardPig
SILVER Star
Yes, Dexron/Mercon standard Automatic transmission fluid.
I tried clear power steering fluid in mine and it was noisy. I have a new steering rack and pump.
I tried clear power steering fluid in mine and it was noisy. I have a new steering rack and pump.
- Thread starter
- #3
The more research I do, now at home on the internet- seems like reddish color ATF - which is has been in it since new & was changed by dealership. Right now I just need to refill it before I take it to the mechanic to see that everything is OK. Autozone keeps recommending the ATF Fluid. All the employees are not all on board or seem confident and of course do not have experiecne with land cruisers. I am nervous in what to add, so I can drive it to the mechanic - do NOT want to cause damage when all it needs NOW is just more fluid.
- Thread starter
- #4
Thank you for the HELP YardPig. I will return with someone driving me and buy what you suggested. Thank you. Reddish color and thick - that sounds correct? Power steering container on the LC holds a small amount.
YardPig
SILVER Star
ATF is very thin with a reddish color. Just ask for Dexron ATF, the cheap stuff is fine. You can always go to some super expensive synthetic stuff later if you want but it's a waste of money IMO.
2001LC
SILVER Star
ATF is Automatic Transmission Fluid. Dexon ATF is used for Toyota power Steering just as cap states. I use Mobile One MV full synthetic ATF.
- Thread starter
- #8
Amazon.com: Mobil 1 112980 Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid - 1 Quart: Automotive
IS this the correct mobil one ATF Synthetic for 2000 LC ?
IS this the correct mobil one ATF Synthetic for 2000 LC ?
2001LC
SILVER Star
You can do either. I like to pull reservoir the first time in, clean and reinstall. Then flush 1qt. it takes practice to only use 1 qt. so have second qt. standing by.
This should help you: FWIW: Steering Flush & Cleaning
That the stuff. I just saw at Advanced Auto for $10.28 per qt.
The people at the parts stores only know what the computer tells them. In other words...they no less than you.
2001LC
SILVER Star
Your more than welcome. The pump usually smooth out nicely after flushing the M1. Of course the drive belt idler & tensioner bearings need to be operation smoothly or you'll never know it, those bearing are often chipping away!
Let us known how it works out!
Let us known how it works out!
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I buy the Toyota ATF from Lexus, it is half price of Mobil 1 
- Thread starter
- #14
You are 100% right those guys know less than I know about my Land Cruiser. Thank you everyone - it worked out perfect. purchased ATF fluid and the power steering worked as soon as I had to make my 1st turn. 100% working! Purchased Mobil VI ATF (made for american cars) since that was the ONLY thing close to what I needed at this AutoZone store. Thanks again for covering my six
I use valvoline maxlife atf after it was recommended to me by my Toyota mechanic friend although even they(toyota mechanics) debate whether or not you should use atf or power steering fluid. He says Mobil1 is also good but twice the price. I just use a big plastic syringe and remove what's in the reservoir and replace during an oil change and drain and refill what comes out of the transmission plug around every six oil changes. I don't recommend flushing either one. autozone usually has the valvoline for $20 a gallon
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I also run Mobil1 ATF in mine, I already have it on hand and carry it in the truck so it's one less thing to add. In my experience steering pumps seem to whine and strain most when cold so my thought was the more stable viscosity of the synthetics may make those components last longer. Nope, it's not cheap but I don't use much either.
You can do four times better if you want, remove the upper power steering hose from the reservoir, stick it into a empty gallon jug, washer solvent bottles work great.
Jack the font end off the ground, have your gallon of MaxLife, and stick a funnel in the reservoir. Have a friend start the truck, let it idle, have him turn the steering wheel lock to lock, you keep the reservoir full, once you are out of new fluid have your friend shut the engine off.
Button it up, top off if needed, now you have all new power steering fluid and it's good for another 50k.
This not only helps prevent leaks it help the power steering pump lasting longer. Pumps fail because they are either ran low on fluid or the fluid is worn out, either one will fry the bearings.
2001LC
SILVER Star
I've used M1 VI ATF in both trany & PS which is a blend of conventional & synthetic with a slightly lower viscosity, It's ok. I tried to see effect on MPG, which improved a tiny bit. I switch back to M1 MV full synthetic ATF, it gives smooth shifting and quieter PS pump. I flush very often.
I agree Andy, hot or cold the stuff performs. In the transmission I like to really get fluid hot by driving very hard, then check level. I know the FSM state normal operating temp but it so hard to get the stuff hot. So I push the envelope through all gears, then peg my dip stick on high mark.
I wish M1 would approve for WS ATF.
Nice to see you around Andy, it's been awhile
BTW: Your advise on rack bushing replacement really helped ...Thanks. I've done three set of 98-02 and just did a 06. 06 is PITA to get out, air tool job!
Enjoyed this thread guys. I just topped off my power steering reservoir with Mobil 1 ATF.
