Ok, dummy here has been using power steering fluid instead of automatic transmission fluid to top off my power steering at least 3 times within the last 3 months. I've used maybe 1/4 to 1/3 of a quart so far. Have I done any damage besides it leaking more than before which I read was one issue. Another thing I noticed is when I first start it when its cold and take off I can hear a weird noise for the first 2-3 turns then goes away. This just started yesterday, haven't checked the level yet.

I was going to see of I can some how drain it and refill with ATF. Also, what type of ATF can i use? I'm nowhere near a Toyota dealer so would need to pick it up at my local auto parts store. I've also read of people using Lucas leak stop, is this worth a try or more damage than good?

 

Umm at the minimum you probably want to drain and refill it with the proper fluid and to the proper level. Filter is probably also a good idea. But I don't have a lot of experience with automatic transmissions. I am sure someone who actually knows more will chime in soon.

 

Op, the detergents in the power steering fluid can eat away at the seals.
Best to have it flushed completely.


FYI he's asking about his power steering system, not an auto transmission.

 

When I did my swap, my power steering was drained and I wasn't paying attention (many late nights), and I filled mine with P/S fluid. Ran it for a few months, then checked the level one day, remembered it was supposed to be ATF, went home, drained the reservoir and filled with ATF. Haven't had any problems yet, knock on wood....

And Dexron III is the ATF to use. The typical GM ATF.

 

LOL, I have been running PS fluid for 100K+ and never even knew it was suppose to be ATF, This thread made me pull my books back out and recheck.
One book (The old one I started with so many years ago ) claims PSF, That's why always assumed.
The other shows ATF and never even noticed, Now searches confirm.
Now time to drain and flush, Maybe it will stop the ABS actuator from squealing so much.


Thanks peeps.

 

Wow I need to learn to read.

 

I too have acidently ran power steering fluid in my old 86 4runner. After two years my power steering gearbox stripped out on the trail. I'm not sure if it was a coincidence or because of the PS fluid. YMMV

 

I run engine oil for many years, haven't had an issue yet. Have fixed many PS pumps this way that wouldn't work before.

 

Well i tried to drain/flush and refill with ATF fluid. No more weird noises, let see. Guess i should read the cap before assuming next time. Lessons learned i guess. Not to worried though, as some have seemed to have ran it without issues. Glad I'm not the only one.

 

They're both detergent hydraulic oils...I don't see much of a problem. I ran power steering fluid in mine for years. Drained it all when i swapped motors and put ATF in there with some lucas. Still works fine

 

My power steering cap says in big white letters power steering fluid. but around edge of cap if i hold it at right angle in light it says use dexron 3 atf fuild. ummmmm i have put pas fluid in made by lucus when it started leaking. still leaks abit now so thinking of using lucus pas stop leak until spring then change pas pump. at moment air temp 2c with 40mph wind not weather for replacing parts.

 

Dexron III is what Toyota specs for power steering fluid in many (most?) of their vehicles. Regular old power steering fluid is not the right stuff to use.

 

Correct.

 

I flushed my power steering system today according to FSM, and used dexron ATF, what a difference it made, my steering wheel feels so smooth now.

 

I flushed out mine last week and switched over to ATF and my steering feels much smoother and more responsive now. I wish I would have used ATF the first time when I added on the power steering.

 

Great to hear that, guys.

 

^^^x2.

 

old member just couldnt get signed back in

1996 4runner on 36 org owner 568K no internal engine work -- zero tranny work 2000 tacoma front clip

anyways back in 2002-- had almost 200k on it then -- was in a headon -- truck sat for a year -- i rebuilt it with a 2000 tacoma clip
i replaced the front rack with a new oem rack -- lasted less then 50k -- put another rack in -- lasted till 320ish -- put another rack in-- built to oem spec off wall brand like $300 -- it lasted till almost 400k

could not figure it out --- finally put in another OEM -- from toy-- as i am a service manager at one -- i got a good deal to say

now this rack with with over 150k on it has no probs --- what was the difference????

org rack had dex in it -- always -- now rack 5 with dex in it ---
rack 2-4 had Power Steering fluid -- i talked to Wilson @ TRD nascar -- he was the one that said dont run PS -- run DEX

no probs -- so i will say imho -- it was PS fluid that caused my racks to die early -- and all the driving i do lol

just my OP