Power steering fluid dexron to something synthetic

[2000Trooper]

I have a Tacoma that calls for dex 3, I have over sized tires and I've noticed the fluid takes quite a bit of hit between each oil change. By 15k miles the fluid had a burn smell. Ive been checking the fluid condition via the sniff test at each oil change (5k) since and empty the fluid in the reservoir and fill it with fresh fluid. It's been slowly getting coverted to dex 6 which seems to handle the higher temps better as it has less of a burn smell to it. I know putting a cooler is a good idea, and it's on the to do list, but as far as fluid goes I'm thinking about switching to something "full" synthetic. Redline, amsoil, or Royal purple come to mind. Is one of these better than the other? Haven't really been able to much info on it. I guess people are just mostly anal about motor oil. But should I switch is there going to be a compatibility issue with it mixing with dex 6? Will a flush be required or could I just slowly replace it every oil change.

 

[Billbert]

Try Mobil 1, or Redline D6

 

[CT8]

Are you doing a flush and fill?

 

[Snagglefoot]

Some folks use this. I used the Turkey baster method to get this into the system and it helped get rid of a whine in my Ford. I still have a bit of a varying high pitch sound and will be doing a pulley check and belt change.

 

[mattwithcats]

Try using a TES-295 fluid...

It almost the same as Dexron III, a little thicker.

Used in big truck transmissions...

https://www.allisontransmission.com/parts-service/approved-fluids/on-highway-fluids

 

[charbaby]

I've always used Mobil 1 ATF in my Toyotas. However, f you can find a Walmart that in fact carries Valvoline MaxLIFE ATF, it's about $18/gal compared to other stores over $30 prices.

 

[dlundblad]

Maxlife will be your cheapest/ easiest option for sure, but that TES 295 fluid does seem interesting.. Delvac ATF has a cSt of 7.3! $30+ a gallon though..

I would definitely look into adding the cooler too.

 

[JHZR2]

In vehicles where Dex IIi atf is specified, Ive always had great service with Mobil 1 ATF.

 

[4wd]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
In vehicles where Dex IIi atf is specified, Ive always had great service with Mobil 1 ATF.


+1 +1 etc … used it plenty … very high VI on the M1 … know it’s solved problems …

For the turkey basters … try one of these:

 

[ka9mnx]

When I purchased the 4Runner last September I changed all the fluids. The manual calls for DEX III in the trans and PS. Since DEX III is no longer licensed I look for a replacement. I found DEX VI and Mercon V were acceptable replacements. I looked up the specs for each and found DEX VI was a little too thin for me and went with Mercon V. Mercon V is a closer match to DEX III. SuperTech Mercon V went into the PS and Mobil 1 ATF went into the trans.

PS fluid always has an unusual "stink". DEX VI and Mercon V are already synthetic. I don't think you need an exotic fluid. I would vote for a PS cooler but I really don't think you have a problem.

 

[ka9mnx]

Originally Posted By: Snagglefoot
Some folks use this. I used the Turkey baster method to get this into the system and it helped get rid of a whine in my Ford. I still have a bit of a varying high pitch sound and will be doing a pulley check and belt change.






My Ford's don't whine or growl (when turning). My old F150 used to growl terribly. My son told me I didn't bleed it properly and had air in the system. Really?

After about 10 years of this the power steering pump locked up. When I replaced the pump there was a tag on it that said "Ford Type F ONLY". Wow! I was using Mercon. Wasnt Mercon used in everything Ford? So I looked in the OM and sure enough, Mercon in the trans, Type F in the power steering. Stupid me!

After the pump replacement and Type F it's been quiet as a church mouse for 8 years. So if you have an old Ford, check the fluid recommendations.

 

[tig1]

Mobil 1 ATF has served my PS Pumps very well for the last 25-30 years. Never had a failure in any of my Fords in that time. I turkey baster the pump at every engine oil change(10K).

 

[Dave1027]

Originally Posted By: Billbert
Try Mobil 1, or Redline D6


Mobil 1 yes, Redline D6 no. If you want to go with Redline choose their D4 ATF. That is the one that is Dexron III compatible. D6 is compatible with Dexron VI. Maxlife is also like Dexron VI so don't go with that either because it's a low viscosity.

 

[Gebo]

I use Amsoil for all my Power Steering applications. My second choice would be RedLine. I have no choices after that.

 

[nthach]

I like Mobil 1 ATF or Red Line D4 in Toyota PS systems. MaxLife works as well.

When I did a in-car partial rebuild of the steering rack in my parent's Sienna, I used Kendall VersaTrans LV which seems to be a MaxLife clone. So far, so good.

 

[Yah-Tah-Hey]

Originally Posted By: 4WD
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
In vehicles where Dex IIi atf is specified, Ive always had great service with Mobil 1 ATF.


+1 +1 etc … used it plenty … very high VI on the M1 … know it’s solved problems …

For the turkey basters … try one of these:


I purchased that extractor. One of the best investments I ever made. Not as good as Microsoft about thirty some years ago though.

 

[4wd]

Originally Posted By: Yah-Tah-Hey
Originally Posted By: 4WD
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
In vehicles where Dex IIi atf is specified, Ive always had great service with Mobil 1 ATF.


+1 +1 etc … used it plenty … very high VI on the M1 … know it’s solved problems …

For the turkey basters … try one of these:


I purchased that extractor. One of the best investments I ever made. Not as good as Microsoft about thirty some years ago though.


Yes, the TB does not reach very far down in my GMC pump … the super syringe (hose) does …
I use it to fill the transfer case too … (Redline MTL in the picture actually)

 

[userfriendly]

I used synthetic air compressor fluid for years, ISO 46. Not the exotics that cost $800 for 5 gallons.

 

[SHOZ]

On my Ford Taurusues, '93, 96 and a 97, I used Amsoil synthetic auto transmission fluid. Did a great job of cleaning up the '93 which was black.