Power Steering Fluid

[ibuddler]

My 98 ES300, Power Steering fluid level is extremely below "Low". I.e. when the engine is hot, the level is below "Cold Low". What kind of power steering fluid should I use? Do I have to flush it or just add it? How bad will it be if I keep driving with the level below LOW?

[steviej]

My 98 ES300, Power Steering fluid level is extremely below "Low". I.e. when the engine is hot, the level is below "Cold Low". What kind of power steering fluid should I use? Do I have to flush it or just add it? How bad will it be if I keep driving with the level below LOW?

It should tell you this in the owners manual and it is also stated on the cap of the power steering reservoir. Just add, you don't have to flush. If you find that you constantly have to add, then you may have a leak and need to get it checked out. When was the last time you had it flushed? I suggest at least every 30k or every two years.

steviej

[ibuddler]

My 98 ES300, Power Steering fluid level is extremely below "Low". I.e. when the engine is hot, the level is below "Cold Low". What kind of power steering fluid should I use? Do I have to flush it or just add it? How bad will it be if I keep driving with the level below LOW?

It should tell you this in the owners manual and it is also stated on the cap of the power steering reservoir. Just add, you don't have to flush. If you find that you constantly have to add, then you may have a leak and need to get it checked out. When was the last time you had it flushed? I suggest at least every 30k or every two years.

steviej

I bought a MotorMaster ATF Daxoen3 Fluid from CanadianTire. But I found the color is different from what it current has. Should I add the new fluid in?

The one I bought is red. It says Transmission Fluid but the tech in CT told me it can be used as powersteering fluid too. Should I trust him?

[Lexusfreak]

Our power steering fluid is ATF.....Dexron III (the owners manual is your friend ;) ). I use synthetic ATF (Amsoil or Mobil 1 is good too)......helps in extreme cold temps.

I also buy a plastic spray bottle at the dollar store to siphon as much old fluid out of the reservoir as possible & just add the new fluid. B)

[DimeGirlTX]

On 8/6/2008 at 8:16 AM, Lexusfreak said:

Our power steering fluid is ATF.....Dexron III (the owners manual is your friend ;) ). I use synthetic ATF (Amsoil or Mobil 1 is good too)......helps in extreme cold temps.

I also buy a plastic spray bottle at the dollar store to siphon as much old fluid out of the reservoir as possible & just add the new fluid. B)

I would pass on the synthetic and use the DEXTRON transmission fluid that is what the have to have  .  I made the mistake of not using it and I ruined 2 rack and pinions.