PS Service Interval

[MaximaGuy]

I flushed my Highlander PS system and what I found was the total capacity of the unit is little less that 1Q. I determined its capacity by taking off the return line and doing steering locks till no fluid came off (keeping the ps pump powered but not running).

I am amazed how the fluid could last more than 15K miles if the capacity is 1Q. I put in the new MV Mobil 1 Syn ATF.

What is the recommeded service interval for PS systems?

 

[tig1]

I don't know, but at every OC I use a turkey baster to draw out the fluid from the PS unit and that has worked well for me .

 

[Kestas]

I don't know if anybody specifies an interval. Prior discussions on this board lead to a consensus of 30K fluid exchanges.

PS systems aren't demanding on the fluid... there are no combustion products or high temperature points that motor oil sees, no clutch pack wear that automatic transmissions have, and no EP sliding tooth action that hypoid gears have in the differential. I think it's mostly seal wear in a ps system.

 

[StevieC]

I do my PSF every other oil change. (20K KM or 12K miles). Dump the reservoir and refill.

 

[mechtech2]

I also like the turkey baster flush at each oil change. Maybe 1 or 2 swaps at that time.
But what is recommended? Except for Mercedes, not many dealers even talk about it.

 

[PT1]

I do my Toyotas at 50-60k with 3-5 drain fills with a motive extractor. Never an issue. FWIW I would only use DexIII or T-IV in a Toyota PS system. The dealer here uses T-IV and told me never to use synthetic.

 

[wirelessF]

I use Dex-VI in my 4runners ps, should i flush it out?

 

[AzFireGuy79]

I do mine every 15-20K using Redine D4 ATF ( both newer Toyotas. I Flush them completely by removing the return line, lifting the vehicle and turining the wheel lock to lock while having someone top it off.

PT1- I tend to laugh any time the Toyota dealer tries to tell me anything. A synthetic here would only be an upgrade. First time I have ever heard that. They are probably the same people that say Amsoil will ruin your engine. Bunch of tools that usually work at the toyota dealers around here. Few decent techs but thats about it.

 

[Oil_Can_Harry]

I use the baster method to replace mine. Typically drain and refill the reservoir 4 times to get ride of most of the old fluid. I usually change it when I notice fluid change in color or smell, or at 45 K miles otherwise.

The Avalon seems to be a bit harder on the fluid than my Tundra. The Avalon steering gear seems more susceptible to leaking. I tend to change it every 2-3 years (16-24 K miles) and this is based more on appearance of fluid than anything.

On my Tundra, I replaced the PS factory fill at 45K miles. It still looked good and did not have any unusual smell. I replaced it with M1 synthetic ATF, as I do with the Avalon. The truck has 70 K miles on the odometer and fluid still looks and smells fine. I will change it out at 90K again just as a good practice.

 

[qship1996]

I have used a turkey baster drain/filling resivour 4-5 x using 1 quart of Redline D4 annually since new on my 96 q45- so far at 233,500 miles never any problems or component replacements.