Bob77064
Elite Member
My 2007 Tundra has almost 115k miles, when I ask about changing the P/S fluid (ATF). The mechanics tell me it is not necessry. What do y'all think?
Change P/S Fluid
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Blast Chamber
Member
I think it's a good idea. I use a MityVac to suck out and replace about 7-8 ounces every time I do an oil change on my vehicles. I've never had a power steering problem so I believe it helps by keeping the fluid fresh.
Diamondpilot
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To be totally fair, I have been driving for over 25 years and have only had 1 power steering issue on a Ram Truck and it was when it was fairly new. Cant remember the miles but it was around 15,000 so it had to be just a bad part from the factory.
You are not hurting anything changing it but I agree its really not necessary.
Chris
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Bob77064
Elite Member
Thanks for the opinions guys.
kensnelling
Veteran Member
If you have a worm and roller steering gear box a fluid change is not going to hurt. If it is a rack and pinion then I strongly recommend a fluid change. The rack and pinion's seem to have more wear internally. Most of the steering gears and pumps we replaced on rack and pinion systems were due to metal contamination. On my vehicles I flush the PS at 15k miles or 1 year whichever comes first.
Has it helpued? Don't know, but I haven't had to replace a steering gear or pump on my own vehicles in over 20 years.
Just observations from 35 years in the auto industry.
Ken
Has it helpued? Don't know, but I haven't had to replace a steering gear or pump on my own vehicles in over 20 years.
Just observations from 35 years in the auto industry.
Ken
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Bob77064
Elite Member
It has rack and pinion, thanks for your help.
dstig1
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I think of it this way - it is a hydraulic system that also lubes gears. Why wouldn't you want to change it? Frequency doesn't need to be much - 50-75k is probably a good figure, but even 100k is more than most people do...
Bob - pls don't take this the wrong way - just make sure that it is the correct fluid.
Particularly on some newer vehicles, the wrong fluid can cause you major headaches. Given the correct fluid, I'm all for changing it, esp. with rack/pinion setups.
If you are planning to keep the truck a long time, consider something like a Magnefine filter.
Magnefine Inline Transmission Power Steering Filters
Other than being a customer, I have no connection to Magnefine.
Rgds, D.
Particularly on some newer vehicles, the wrong fluid can cause you major headaches. Given the correct fluid, I'm all for changing it, esp. with rack/pinion setups.
If you are planning to keep the truck a long time, consider something like a Magnefine filter.
Magnefine Inline Transmission Power Steering Filters
Other than being a customer, I have no connection to Magnefine.
Rgds, D.
OP
Bob77064
Elite Member
You are absolutly right, I have seen people put the wrong fluid in. Thanks for your help.
David_Kb7uns
Veteran Member
Have been thinking of doing fluid changes and I am supprised none of the manufactuers address this issue. When ever I do brakes I flush as much as possible out as brake fluid absorbs alot of moisture.
Yes do make sure, have a Chrysler T&C van and it uses ATF+4 for fluid as with the DODGE Ram. Now the JEEP Commander Limited with a HEMI use Mopar Hydraulic System Fluid as the power steering also drives the cooling fan, mixing incorrect fluids can do damage and the dealers do not always know the correct fluid.
David Kb7uns
Yes do make sure, have a Chrysler T&C van and it uses ATF+4 for fluid as with the DODGE Ram. Now the JEEP Commander Limited with a HEMI use Mopar Hydraulic System Fluid as the power steering also drives the cooling fan, mixing incorrect fluids can do damage and the dealers do not always know the correct fluid.
David Kb7uns