Power Steering Fluid 2020 Tundra

Hard to believe that the 2020 Tundra in your signature would take Dex III . Dex VI is an upgrade to GM vehicles that used Dex II and Dex III
 
Hard to believe that the 2020 Tundra in your signature would take Dex III . Dex VI is an upgrade to GM vehicles that used Dex II and Dex III
Well, it's the same power steering unit from 2007, if not earlier.
 
I would not put Dexron-VI in a power steering system that calls for Dexron-III. I have had this same dilemma and every company I spoke to said to not interchange the VI and III in this application. General Motors states to backspec their Dexron VI in transmission applications that formerly specified Dexron III but ONLY in transmissions and not in power steering systems.

My BMW calls for Dexron-III power steering fluid and I have used Chevron/Havoline MD-3 for ages in this system. My current Nissan says to use Nissan PSF OR Dexron-VI so this is an application that formally states to use the newer Dexron VI fluid.

My Nissan gets Lubegard PSF :

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And my BMW gets ($5,99/quart at Roses of all places) :
1716774944280.webp
 
I would not put Dexron-VI in a power steering system that calls for Dexron-III. I have had this same dilemma and every company I spoke to said to not interchange the VI and III in this application. General Motors states to backspec their Dexron VI in transmission applications that formerly specified Dexron III but ONLY in transmissions and not in power steering systems.

My BMW calls for Dexron-III power steering fluid and I have used Chevron/Havoline MD-3 for ages in this system. My current Nissan says to use Nissan PSF OR Dexron-VI so this is an application that formally states to use the newer Dexron VI fluid.

My Nissan gets Lubegard PSF :

View attachment 221500

And my BMW gets ($5,99/quart at Roses of all places) :
View attachment 221505
I believe this is Valvoline's straight-up Dexron III substitute (thicker than Dexron VI) since they stopped licensing Dexron III a few years back.

https://www.valvolineglobal.com/en/dex-merc-atf/
 
I called Amsoil to specifically pose the question about using their PSF in a DEX-III application. My goal was to consolidate my power steering fluids and to hopefully be able to use only one product. Their answer was to use their DEX-III ATF rather than their PSF. They specifically said not to substitute one for the other.
How interesting… The 100C viscosity is the same between their PSF and Dex III ATF. The Toyota PSF is straw colored, just like the AMSOIL. I’ve been doing this since the truck was relatively new - with no deleterious effects like noise, leaks, or boost issues.

So, I should’ve been using regular ATF?
 
I’ve used DEXRON-VI in multiple power steering systems that list -III for years and haven’t had a single issue. I’m not really sure what kind of problems I should be looking for, but I still haven’t seen any.
 
How interesting… The 100C viscosity is the same between their PSF and Dex III ATF. The Toyota PSF is straw colored, just like the AMSOIL. I’ve been doing this since the truck was relatively new - with no deleterious effects like noise, leaks, or boost issues.

So, I should’ve been using regular ATF?
I compared the specifications with the Amsoil PSF (excellent product), the Lubegard PSF (another excellent product) and to my uneducated mind I just figured they'd all be interchangeable. I was ready to place my order for the Amsoil since it comes in 16oz bottles but before I did I placed the phone call just to be sure. The Lubegard says you can use it in Dexron-III applications but the Amsoil doesn't.

Their answer was to use the Amsoil Dexron-III ATF in my application. It may be a CYA for them but it's an easy compliance issue for me so I didn't argue.
 
I've been running Redline D4 ATF in the '07 4R and previous '93 truck with no issues. I do the reservoir drain and fill occasionally. On the 3.0, the PS pump had issues with seals going. After two rebuilds I went to the Redline D4 halfway through ownership and never had an issues afterwards. The steering smoothed out so much I had to adjust to it!
 
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