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

190

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.

19 people found this helpful.
50

To guruvkb5t, did you add the reconditioned seal to the steering fluid reservoir or elsewhere?

5 people found this helpful.
100

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.

10 people found this helpful.
130

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.

13 people found this helpful.

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