Use synthetic ATF in a high mileage PS system?

[rustypigeon]

I have a '94 Toyota Pickup with 198,000 miles. The PS fluid has never been changed (it is still a clear amber though). I would like to change the fluid and I am debating whether using something like Mobil 1 ATF could cause a leak in an old PS system. Toyota calls for Dexron in this system.

I would be pulling the return hose and moving the steering wheel while keeping the reservoir full to get as much fluid replaced as possible.

I have a couple quarts of Castrol Dex/Merc in the garage already. If there is any risk of developing a leak, I just assume use the conventional.

 

[Jimzz]

Either use the Castrol you have or maybe Maxlife.

If its not leaking now I doubt new fluid will cause it to leak.

 

[mrsilv04]

I'd be leaning towards the Maxlife, in a situation like that.

 

[QuietPortage]

Originally Posted By: mrsilv04
I'd be leaning towards the Maxlife, in a situation like that.

Yes. Maxlife.

 

[mjk]

I'd just use Maxlife. Why chance it, given the age.

 

[Bebop367]

I use Redline D4 in two (2) 2005 Toyota PS systems since new. I suction out and refill at approx. 10k miles.

In an 1994 with no problems I think I would lean toward doing nothing.....

 

[Nick1994]

I used MaxLife in my 97' Camry with 194k and flushed out the power steering fluid. No leaks

 

[Ramblejam]

Originally Posted By: rustypigeon
I would like to change the fluid and I am debating whether using something like Mobil 1 ATF could cause a leak in an old PS system.


I'd had success running Valvoline MaxLife Power Steering Fluid with Stop Leak in a number of older/high mileage applications. It's less expensive than Mobil 1 ATF as well.

http://www.valvoline.com/pdf/maxlife_psf_with_stop_leak.pdf

 

[Colt45ws]

Im running Schaeffer's Full Synthetic #204SAT in my 160k mile CVPI. I switched this winter after several 10-20F mornings made it seem like manual steering for a couple miles.

 

[Colt45ws]

Meant to add, that when I bought the car, it had almost manual steering all the time and no return to center. You could set it to lock, let go of the wheel and it would come off lock maybe 1/2 turn and thats it.
When I got it home, I changed the fluid in the PS with Supertech Merc V about a dozen times. Draining only what was in the reservoir each time. Added a magnefine filter and removed the reservoir from the car to back flush the screen in the bottom of it.
I managed to bring the steering back from the dead..! Its not 100% but its improved so much Im happy with it. It'll get within 1/2 turn or so of center on its own. That I don't like, but Ill take it over what it was doing.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Any Dexron-type ATF will be fine, including the Castrol Dex/Merc you already have.

The PS fluid doesn't really need to be changed unless you're replacing something that would involve draining the fluid.

The M1 won't cause a leak. Also, it's still the old Dex-3 type thicker ATF.

If you've never had to top off the PS, never had to add fluid, then there's no reason you would have to when you change it.

 

[GenesisGuy70]

I just do the turkey baster method each OCI, like most around these parts.

That's well enough.

 

[Tones]

I think you have the right idea. I would just use conventional non-syn for a while to clean up the system. The orig was conventional oil so it does not set you back from that standpoint. Then I would choose the higher vis Mobil 1 over Maxlife for the older pickup. I have used Mobil 1 for many years in Toyota ps systems. I just did a simple flush for my Avalon with Mobil 1. If you jack up the front of the car, you can manually pump the fluid through the system by rotating the wheel.

 

[JMJNet]

If that is like any other Toyota in terms of P/S system, I will do a complete flush. It is easy to do in this Toyotas.
Probably takes no more than 5 minutes.

There are a few video on Youtube that show how to do it.

If it is not leaking, fluid change will not cause any leaks.
Yes, fluid loss its viscosity to work properly overtime.

 

[artificialist]

Did you buy the car used? Back in 1994, Toyota used ATF as a factory fill, so the fluid was changed in the past. That may also suggest that the P/S system isn't so old, something may have been replaced at one time.

Anyway, I use synthetic PSF/ATF in power steering in older systems and never have problems.

 

[mrdctaylor]

I have a 2002 Toyota Tacoma. in 2011 with 130K miles I drained/replaced the power steering fluid with Mobil 1 ATF. It is 4 years/50K miles later and no issues.

 

[rustypigeon]

Originally Posted By: artificialist
Did you buy the car used? Back in 1994, Toyota used ATF as a factory fill, so the fluid was changed in the past. That may also suggest that the P/S system isn't so old, something may have been replaced at one time.

Anyway, I use synthetic PSF/ATF in power steering in older systems and never have problems.


It has been in the family since new. It has never had a PS fluid change.

 

[nthach]

I'm running Red Line D3 in a almost 300K Lexus system, it seems to make city driving a little less stressful.

 

[SargeBB]

You're doing it the right way...pretty much a 'full flush' via the high pressure line, which you need to do in a high mileage unit. That kind of brake-fluid colored fluid in your vehicle is OE Toyota (a Dexron type fluid without the red dye). I'm a big believer in using synthetic fluids in engines and transmissions, but it's not needed in this application. The Wal-Mart brand is just fine. I simply bought non-syn Valvoline, which states it is okay for Dex. II & III, for power steering fluid exchanges on both my old V6 Camry & the newer Tacoma. Toyota really ought to specify power steering, transmission and brake fluid flushes on a mileage-time basis like Subaru and the expensive European brands do.