HDJ81-Power Steering Fluid

[Cancruiser]

The steering fluid in my '90 HDJ81 looks a bit ratty and I would like to flush it out. The FSM and the reservoir cap recommends ATF fluid, but what's in the pump now is a clear fluid (a bit yellowish from age). Does Toyota have a special ATF made for steering pumps? Part Number will be much appreciated.

BTW, the pump works perfect currently, no noise, squeal or leaks. It is just the fluid look old and smell a bit burned.

Cheers,

 

[sandcruiser]

I can't say for sure on the 81... but way back when I used pwr steering fluid in my 60, it was a bad move. Red ATF worked just fine in the 60 pump.

Again, can't say for certain w/ the 80... I have ATF in mine, it groans first thing in the morning.
I plan to flush ("soon").

 

[roscoFJ73]

Ive used both ATF and PS fluid and never noticed any difference. ATF is cheaper than buying little bottles PS fluid which is probably ATF anyway.

 

[landcrusher80]

Flushing out the systems is good move.
I used regular power steering fluid comes in 1 quart bottles; but I can't remember the brand name.

No problems or leaks on both of my 80's.

Landcrusher80

 

[Tapage]

When I got my Cruiser she came with normal PS fluid .. and was usually groaning .. I replace with fresh PS fluid and groan .. then want to got a chance from Arakawa and replace again with ATF ..

Pretty happy with the results .. now running a big oil cooler for my PS fluid ..

 

[mudgudgeon]

FSM specifies ATF Dextron II

 

[Tapage]

FSM specifies ATF Dextron II

I wasn't able to find Dextron II btu Dextron III cover the II version specs ..

 

[duece71]

Thread resurrection!!! Yes, the FSM says dextron 2 but that was 35 years ago. Would Dextron 6 (or whatever the number is) work for today? My PS pump has a slight leak and I want to do a refurb on the system (flush out old fluid, replace hoses, rebuild pump etc…)

 

[TheBussman]

Thread resurrection!!! Yes, the FSM says dextron 2 but that was 35 years ago. Would Dextron 6 (or whatever the number is) work for today? My PS pump has a slight leak and I want to do a refurb on the system (flush out old fluid, replace hoses, rebuild pump etc…)

dex 2/3 is thicker then dex 6. Dexron 3 is still being made, thats the way to go.

 

[Eurasiaoverland]

Dexron 6 is only backwards compatible to Dexron 3 (according to Wikipedia at least) so I would go for an earlier generation. Personally, I'm a fan of using the correct specified fluid.

 

[kevin in okinawa]

dextron II is still available, you should use that.

 

[duece71]

dextron II is still available, you should use that.

I found Toyota brand Dex 3 on Amazon…haven’t seen Dex 2, I will look.