What type of power steering fluid should I use?
Asked by collinsstep Jun 03, 2014 at 05:05 PM about the 2000 Lexus ES 300 FWD
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
I own a 2000 Lexus ES300 and want to change my power steering fluid. The power steering cap says to use a dexron type atf, but the clerk at my auto parts store says she never heard of using atf for power steering on an on-going-basis. Should I use an automatic transmission fluid in my power steering unit or should I buy a regular power steering fluid?
4 Answers
I suggest Read Your Owners Manual under Fluid Specification and Capacity Index. I had a 97 Lexus es300 and I had a Leak in the Power Steering System. I used the Lucas Brand Power Steering Additive (Recondition Seal) and it works like a charm! In addition I had use the Normal Power Steering Fluid and it was making Noise! So I Follow What's Noted right on the Power Steering Reservoir Cover that it says ATF and it Solved the Noise Issue. I hope this information is very helpful and solve your problem too.
To guruvkb5t, did you add the reconditioned seal to the steering fluid reservoir or elsewhere?
DimeGirlTX answered 5 years ago
Yes Lexus uses DEXTRON transmission fluid for power steering. I have been through 2 rack and pinions by not knowing using regular power steering fluid. Do not mess with this or you will have car repairs on the horizon.
It means the parts counterman/woman is stupid. I’ll say, you must went to Autozone. Lol. Those people are stupid, I went in there and asked for a 6mm nut & bolt. The guy asked me, what’s it for, he needs to know the year, made, model, and engine size of the car. I told him I need to talk to his manager, so I can tell him what I was looking for, he went grabbed his manager, and the manager said the same thing, “ oh, you must give us the info of the car so I can look it up in the computer” lol. I walked out and never shop at Autozone again. Btw, to answer your question, yes! Toyota or Lexus vehicles use Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) type: Dexron II/III.(Dexron 2 or 3) as Power Steering Fluid.