RX - 1st Gen (1999-2003) Discussion topics related to the 1999 -2003 RX300 models

Change Power Steering Fluid?

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Old 01-30-06, 04:38 PM
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MrMagoo
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Default Change Power Steering Fluid?

I went to an oil change store and was told that someone put POWERSTEERING FLUID
in the PS filler tank. He said it should be DEXRON transmission fluid - red in color. I bought the car new from a dealership and the color in the PS tank is brown/green. The RX300 manual said to top off the tank with DEXRON type II or III. Was my car sold to me with the wrong fluid?
Should I change the fluid? What should I pay for that service? The car has 54,000 miles.

Thank you
Old 01-30-06, 05:01 PM
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Lexmex
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My uncle and I change the PSF fluid ourselves. Use of ATF as a PSF fluid is common in most vehicles these days. I use Valvoline SynPower. Another good one is Redline. A lot of my friends for a very long time have used Mobil 1 ATF.

Do you get any squealing when you turn the wheel back and forth? I would also smell the fluid to see if it is burnt? Is the color you are describing what you actually see when you pull the top of fluid reservoir?
Old 01-30-06, 05:27 PM
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MrMagoo
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Default Re: change PS

[CENTER]The color is consistant in the reservoir. There are no problems with the PS, I just thought the mechanic was trying to upsell the oil change deal. I'll check for the smell later.

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Old 01-30-06, 06:28 PM
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Lexmex
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I am surprised the mechanic did not also tell you anything about the brake fluid.

PSF, brake, coolant and tranny fluids get changed out within one year by me. I just replaced the tranny fluid today and changed out the coolant.
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