Power Steering fluid change 2005 RX330
03-11-12 | 12:37 PM
#31
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,999
Likes: 30
From: FL
BTW, for those thinking of replacing the power steering fluid it is really quite easy. I had a bottle of Resolve carpet cleaner ready to go out the recycles some time back. So, kept the trigger assembly and cleaned it out. I also have a 2L soda bottle which the trigger conveniently screws on the top when not in use.
Remove the power steering reservoir cap, stick the hose from the trigger in the tank, pump the fluid out and into the 2L bottle. Fill, replace the cap and you are set to go.
Remove the power steering reservoir cap, stick the hose from the trigger in the tank, pump the fluid out and into the 2L bottle. Fill, replace the cap and you are set to go.
03-18-12 | 11:55 AM
#34
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Ca
Back on the topic of changing the power steering fluid...
Has anyone noticed a varnish coating building up on the inside of the power steering fluid reservoir over time? Had been a bit since I last changed out the fluid so popped the hood this morning and pumped out what I could of the old stuff. When I looked at the outside of the reservoir it still looked like there was fluid in there even though when I looked from above I could see I had pumped out all that was in there. Had to be a coating from some of the old stuff in the system. Made it a bit difficult to see how much I was putting back in.
Will be swapping out the fluid on a regular basis for a bit to clean out the system, however, this concerns me some about this varnish and contaminants in the system. Am not going to attempt to put any cleaners in the system for concern over damaging hoses or gaskets. Still, wondering if anyone has any thoughts on this and possible solutions?
Am considering draining the reservoir, removing it from my RX330 and then clean it out separately as best possible before reinstalling it.
Thoughts are appreciated.
Has anyone noticed a varnish coating building up on the inside of the power steering fluid reservoir over time? Had been a bit since I last changed out the fluid so popped the hood this morning and pumped out what I could of the old stuff. When I looked at the outside of the reservoir it still looked like there was fluid in there even though when I looked from above I could see I had pumped out all that was in there. Had to be a coating from some of the old stuff in the system. Made it a bit difficult to see how much I was putting back in.
Will be swapping out the fluid on a regular basis for a bit to clean out the system, however, this concerns me some about this varnish and contaminants in the system. Am not going to attempt to put any cleaners in the system for concern over damaging hoses or gaskets. Still, wondering if anyone has any thoughts on this and possible solutions?
Am considering draining the reservoir, removing it from my RX330 and then clean it out separately as best possible before reinstalling it.
Thoughts are appreciated.
03-18-12 | 12:27 PM
#35
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,999
Likes: 30
From: FL
Just changed my fluid yesterday. '04 with 62k on it. The dipstick and reservoir had this same dark varnish. I used carb and choke cleaner on the dipstick but couldn't clean the reservoir. You're right, it's impossible to see the fluid level. Only thing I can think of is to buy a new fluid reservoir. I'm not going to do this though; I'll just live with it. BTW: I did the complete flush and used Amsoil synthetic atf.
03-18-12 | 01:26 PM
#36
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,562
Likes: 3
From: CA
I did this with my buddy. The dipstick and reservoir had this same dark varnish for me as well. Just a drain and fill though. You can see the levels if you have a powerful LED flashlight and play with the angles 
just kind of annoying. I can live with it. Now that I ha this done it's time to bring the car in for the Pulley TSB.
just kind of annoying. I can live with it. Now that I ha this done it's time to bring the car in for the Pulley TSB.
04-23-13 | 12:40 AM
#37
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 30
Likes: 2
From: Canada
Did my 05 Rx330 this past month for the first time ever after 125K miles. Fluid was brown/black. Was still dirty after the first time so did two more 100 city miles apart finally its pretty clean. Used t-iv tranny fluid. I got more than 4 oz. Out Each time (followed rx330fl's tip) as I've used half of a 32 oz bottle. Had a hard time seeing the level too though if you look as you're pouring, you can see the liquid level rising.
So far this has been the best DIY investment for me - $3 of fluid for a much better steering experience.
So far this has been the best DIY investment for me - $3 of fluid for a much better steering experience.
04-23-13 | 10:29 AM
#38
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,999
Likes: 30
From: FL
Did my 05 Rx330 this past month for the first time ever after 125K miles. Fluid was brown/black. Was still dirty after the first time so did two more 100 city miles apart finally its pretty clean. Used t-iv tranny fluid. I got more than 4 oz. Out Each time (followed rx330fl's tip) as I've used half of a 32 oz bottle. Had a hard time seeing the level too though if you look as you're pouring, you can see the liquid level rising.
So far this has been the best DIY investment for me - $3 of fluid for a much better steering experience.
So far this has been the best DIY investment for me - $3 of fluid for a much better steering experience.
Go check the bottle of fluid you are using. If it does not say it is compatible with DEXRON II/III it is not. Personally, I go along with LEXMEX and others here by using Mobil 1 ATF which IS compatible with DEXRON II/III.
04-23-13 | 03:04 PM
#40
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,999
Likes: 30
From: FL
It could very well be when you get down to nuts and bolts. However, being the skeptic I am I tend to be a bit cautious and if it is not stated as being compatible I am in the group not using it. Besides, I do not keep Type-IV around, but I do have Mobil 1 ATF for other uses and other vehicles.
04-24-13 | 09:31 AM
#41
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 30
Likes: 2
From: Canada
OK, we need to take a step back here. Method is fine, however, I am concerned on your choice of fluid. You say you used Type-IV. You should have used DEXRON II/III. This is right out of the Owner's Manual:
Attachment 281016
Go check the bottle of fluid you are using. If it does not say it is compatible with DEXRON II/III it is not. Personally, I go along with LEXMEX and others here by using Mobil 1 ATF which IS compatible with DEXRON II/III.
Attachment 281016
Go check the bottle of fluid you are using. If it does not say it is compatible with DEXRON II/III it is not. Personally, I go along with LEXMEX and others here by using Mobil 1 ATF which IS compatible with DEXRON II/III.
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