Toyota Camry 2011 LE P/S fluid type?

M

Mav123

Joined
Feb 4, 2023
Messages
113
Hello,

I have Toyota Camry 2011 LE, left my dad passed away recently. I do not know what type of fluid to use, and called several dealerships. Some assure me that any Power Steering Fluid would be ok to use, the others insist on a Transmission Dexron III only to use. For some reason, it is leaking somewhere because the reservoir is periodically empty.

What would you please suggest? Are there significant differences between the two types of liquids? Dealerships sell Toyota branded fluids, but they are 2x as expensive as any aftermarket. Or I should stick with the Toyota branded fluids?

I also checked rockauto and it has/suggests Mobile 1 power multi vehicle power steering. I think, it says compatible to Dexron III, but not Dexron III. Also, Valvoline max life.

l also, have a spare Lubegard Complete Synthetic Power Steering Fluid #23232. Would this work as well or is better? The label says it is compatible, but it is a "power steering" fluid.

By the way, would Dexron-VI be ok/better to use?


Also, have type of coolant would you suggest? Would any aftermarket work, or it must be Toyota "pink" only?
Thank you
 
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I've just always used Valvoline conventional A/T fluid Dexron III, Mercon the stuff in the (blue bottle) in most vehicles PS system including Toyotas. Never had an issue with it.
 
Hirev said:
I've just always used Valvoline conventional A/T fluid Dexron III, Mercon the stuff in the (blue bottle) in most vehicles PS system including Toyotas. Never had an issue with it.
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Thank you, what about the coolant fluid for Toyota?
 
Interesting question. I am changing the coolant in my car, but having trouble choosing between coolant and motor oil. Thoughts?
 
OP -

Regarding the p/s fluid, any Dex/Merc (D3/M; etc) fluid will work. (page 497 of the manual below)

As for the coolant, if you have a Walmart nearby, I would recommend their ST branded Toyota/Scion/Lexus coolant. It's the proper formulation and will suffice. (page 494 of the manual below)


BTW - this info should be available in the owner's manual. If you don't have one, they are easy to find online.
https://www.toyota.com/owners/warranty-owners-manuals/vehicle/camry/2011/
 
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Typically, the caps on the respective fluid reservoirs may say what fluid is to be used.
For example:
*The P/S cap usually says "Use Dexron ATF"
*And the coolant reservoir cap (not the radiator cap) says to use "Toyota Long Life"

Maybe not!
 
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In my Toyotas, I use MaxLife ATF which I always have on hand. I've done many a flush, which is easy peasey.
For coolant, as @dnewton3 posted, the Wally World Toy/Lex stuff works fine. I've used the other name brands as well.
 
martinq said:
At the very least I would probably skip Dex3 and use Dex6 (superior in all aspects) or compatible fluid.
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Thank you, Yes I read that Dex6 is thinner, don't know if it makes any difference, though
 
Dex VI is thinner at it's virgin starting point (around 6.0 cSt) contrasted to the older Dex IIIh (around 7.3 cSt), however the additive package in Dex VI is probably better and certainly the fluid will hold its vis far better than the older fluid spec.

Not that it matters. Just use a decent Dex/Merc type fluid.

You're overthinking this.
 
dnewton3 said:
Dex VI is thinner at it's virgin starting point (around 6.0 cSt) contrasted to the older Dex IIIh (around 7.3 cSt), however the additive package in Dex VI is probably better and certainly the fluid will hold its vis far better than the older fluid spec.

Not that it matters. Just use a decent Dex/Merc type fluid.

You're overthinking this.
Click to expand...
Yes, I am overthinking...Wasting more time than needed. Which brand do you use? By the way, would I need to flush the current fluid before adding Dex6?
 
Mav123 said:
Yes, I am overthinking...Wasting more time than needed. Which brand do you use? By the way, would I need to flush the current fluid before adding Dex6?
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here's my thought and yes I own a Toyota (Scion). Think about when your car was made, it specified a certain type of fluid. Newer stuff comes out, doesn't mean it's better. If it's been fine with the original type of fluid, keep using it, don't fix what isn't broken. I've had many in the Scion community who have used the Mobil 1 synthetic multi vehicle ATF which does cover dexron III, they never had a problem with it, smooth, quiet operation. And Mobil 1 doesn't offer a "power steering fluid", as Toyota uses an ATF for the power steering.

here's a link to the stuff everyone I knew was using
https://www.mobil.com/en/lubricants...s/our-products/products/mobil-1-synthetic-atf
 
researcher said:
here's my thought and yes I own a Toyota (Scion). Think about when your car was made, it specified a certain type of fluid. Newer stuff comes out, doesn't mean it's better. If it's been fine with the original type of fluid, keep using it, don't fix what isn't broken. I've had many in the Scion community who have used the Mobil 1 synthetic multi vehicle ATF which does cover dexron III, they never had a problem with it, smooth, quiet operation. And Mobil 1 doesn't offer a "power steering fluid", as Toyota uses an ATF for the power steering.

here's a link to the stuff everyone I knew was using
https://www.mobil.com/en/lubricants...s/our-products/products/mobil-1-synthetic-atf
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Thank you. Yes, I pulled up on rockauto this one
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=12174141&cc=1446186&pt=11395&jsn=709

as well as
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=12174169&cc=1446186&pt=11395&jsn=710
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=13656717&cc=1446186&pt=11395&jsn=707

I think just to go with the version that you suggested https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=13656717&cc=1446186&pt=11395&jsn=707
 
Mav123 said:
Thank you. Yes, I pulled up on rockauto this one
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=12174141&cc=1446186&pt=11395&jsn=709

as well as
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=12174169&cc=1446186&pt=11395&jsn=710
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=13656717&cc=1446186&pt=11395&jsn=707

I think just to go with the version that you suggested https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=13656717&cc=1446186&pt=11395&jsn=707
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hey you're welcome. Ya I think any of those would work perfectly. I guess I'm just of the thinking if it aint broke and been working well with something, just don't try to fix it with something different/new.

The other thing I can tell you, don't be surprised the old stuff is dark, it does that over time. I've had to use a remote "claw", you know those ones that help you get stuff remotely? I used that, attached a small bit of paper towel to clean the inside of the power steering reservoir. I say that because it was difficult to see the min/max marks. I've also used an automotive type syringe with a hose to suck the fluid out of the reservoir.
 
EDIT: I think that last link you sent was showing the non-Mobil 1 version. The Mobil 1 synthetic version ATF is the one I knew the Scion community was using. Just making sure if that's what you meant.
 
researcher said:
hey you're welcome. Ya I think any of those would work perfectly. I guess I'm just of the thinking if it aint broke and been working well with something, just don't try to fix it with something different/new.

The other thing I can tell you, don't be surprised the old stuff is dark, it does that over time. I've had to use a remote "claw", you know those ones that help you get stuff remotely? I used that, attached a small bit of paper towel to clean the inside of the power steering reservoir. I say that because it was difficult to see the min/max marks. I've also used an automotive type syringe with a hose to suck the fluid out of the reservoir.
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So you just suctioned off the old liquid with a syringe, you didn't go as far as "flash" it ?

By the way, what coolant did/do you use?
 
Mav123 said:
So you just suctioned off the old liquid with a syringe, you didn't go as far as "flash" it ?

By the way, what coolant did/do you use?
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nope I didn't undo any fittings, only sucked out the old fluid with a syringe from the reservoir.. Re-filled with new, ran that for a couple days, sucked that out.. did that about 3-4 times. Not a lot of fluid that's in that system.. just a poor man's "drain/fill" method. I know the first time I did it, the steering feel was much better and the power steering pump was much quieter!

the syringe I used was one of those that you measure out oil for a 2 cycle engine, forgot the name. It's like $5 at the auto store and it comes with a small bit of clear hose and the syringe.

oh sure, the coolant I've used was Toyota's SLLC "pink" coolant. For my 2.4 liter 2az-fe (camry) engine it took 2 jugs.. 1 for the radiator and some to fill up the overflow bottle. Had about 3/4 jug left when done.
 
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