Complete fluid exchange for the power steering system, including flushing old fluid and refilling with fresh Toyota ATF Dexron III to maintain steering performance and prevent component wear.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power steering filter (if equipped) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Toyota ATF Dexron III — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Allow engine to cool if recently operated
4. Locate power steering reservoir on driver's side of engine bay near firewall
5. Verify you have sufficient Toyota ATF Dexron III fluid (approximately 2 quarts for exchange)
6. Prepare drain pan and tools near work area

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove old fluid from reservoir
   Open the power steering reservoir cap by turning counterclockwise. Using a turkey baster or fluid transfer pump, extract as much old fluid as possible from the reservoir. Transfer old fluid to drain pan. Continue until reservoir is as empty as possible without removing the reservoir itself.
2. 2

   Inspect fluid condition and reservoir
   Examine the extracted fluid for color (should be reddish, not brown or black), metal particles, or debris. Check inside the reservoir for sludge buildup or debris using a flashlight. If heavily contaminated, professional flush may be required. Check reservoir filter screen if accessible and clean or replace if dirty.
3. 3

   Add fresh fluid initial fill
   Using a funnel with filter, add fresh Toyota ATF Dexron III to the reservoir up to the MAX or FULL COLD mark. Do not overfill. Replace the reservoir cap temporarily.
4. 4

   Raise front of vehicle
   Raise the front of the vehicle using a floor jack at the designated front jacking point. Support securely on jack stands placed at the front subframe support points. Ensure vehicle is stable before proceeding. This allows the front wheels to turn freely without vehicle movement.
   ⚠️Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use jack stands rated for the vehicle weight.
5. 5

   Perform steering cycle flush
   With engine OFF and transmission in Park, slowly turn the steering wheel fully left to full lock, then fully right to full lock. Repeat this cycle 10-15 times. This circulates fresh fluid through the system and pushes old fluid back to the reservoir. Check reservoir level frequently and add fluid as needed to maintain between MIN and MAX marks. Never let reservoir run dry during this process.
   ⚠Do not hold steering at full lock for more than 2-3 seconds to avoid damaging the pump or rack.
6. 6

   Extract and refill reservoir again
   Remove the reservoir cap and extract the now-contaminated fluid mixture using the turkey baster or pump. The fluid should appear darker as old fluid has mixed with new. Extract as much as possible and refill with fresh Toyota ATF Dexron III to the MAX mark. Replace cap.
7. 7

   Repeat flush cycle
   Perform another 10-15 steering lock-to-lock cycles with engine OFF. Monitor reservoir level continuously and maintain proper level. After cycling, extract and refill one final time. The fluid should now appear much cleaner and closer to fresh fluid color.
8. 8

   Start engine and bleed air
   Start the engine and allow it to idle. Turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock 3-4 times while engine is running. Check for unusual noises which may indicate air in the system. Check reservoir level with engine running and add fluid if needed to bring to HOT mark. Look for leaks around hoses and connections.
9. 9

   Lower vehicle and perform final checks
   Turn off engine. Raise vehicle slightly to remove jack stands, then lower vehicle completely to the ground. Start engine again and turn steering wheel through full range of motion several times. Check reservoir level one final time with engine at operating temperature and adjust to HOT mark if needed. Inspect entire steering system for leaks.

Reassembly

1. Ensure power steering reservoir cap is securely tightened
2. Clean any spilled fluid from engine bay components and painted surfaces
3. Dispose of used power steering fluid properly at a recycling center or auto parts store

Verification

• With engine running, verify steering operates smoothly without noise, binding, or unusual resistance
• Confirm power steering fluid level is at HOT mark on reservoir with engine at operating temperature
• Check that fluid color is clean reddish color matching fresh Toyota ATF Dexron III
• Verify no leaks are present around reservoir, hoses, pump, or rack connections
• Test drive vehicle and confirm normal steering feel and response with no whining or groaning noises
• Recheck fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary

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