loliwin55

My 08 w 240k I bought at 215 had grey fluid when I pumped out the reservoir. I think maybe it was sludge from the bottom but I’m not sure. Why would my power steering fluid be grey or have grey sludge ? Is my power steering going out ?

tolian21

it supposed to get changed every 60k or so, I bet it was never changed. The dealer puts clear fluid, and it does turn dark rather quickly (30-40k)

Clutchless

Just do a couple of drain and fill power steering fluid changes. It only holds about a quart. I just pump out the reservoir and fill it back up then go for a short drive and repeat that a couple of more times to clean out the system. After 3 or 4 of those, all the fluid will have been changed. Maybe go for a longer drive before the last change to let the new fluid clean out the system some more. You can always get some synthetic Dexron ATF to help clean it more and provide better protection. Dexron is red in color. The manual calls for Dexron III which is no longer made and has been replaced by Dexron VI etc which will work just fine.

w84me

The reservoir has a screen contained in it. sometimes its easier to just buy a new reservoir. Or you can take the current one out and soak it in something, but its a bear to clean.

Wilson2000

After the initial procedure Clutchless outlined above, you can then make the power steering fluid part of your regular maintenance. Every-other oil change, I suck the fluid out of the reservoir with a turkey baster, and fill it back up with Dexron VI. I keep a gallon on hand and do this with all four of my Toyota/Lexus vehicles with power steering. My fifth vehicle is a Toyota 85 MR2, and none of these had power steering!