Power steering in Toyota Camry 40 while driving directly affects comfortable and enjoyable driving. But, unfortunately, some owners of the Japanese sedan do not pay attention and proper maintenance to this unit. And this is not surprising, because even after 150,000 km (depending on operating conditions) no problems arise in driving.
However, the fluid in the Toyota Camry V40 power steering needs to be changed periodically, and in most cases, replacement is planned only after problems arise in the control, for example, uncomfortable steering or noise when turning, which may result in replacing the pump, the cost of which is many times higher in contrast to the price of power steering fluid, which can be easily replaced by an inexperienced car owner in 30-40 minutes.
How much to pour
For a normal replacement, 1 liter is enough if the same liquid is poured as is currently in the system. Otherwise, a complete replacement is necessary by displacement, in almost the same way as changing the oil in a Toyota Camry 40 automatic transmission.
The volume of fluid in the system is 1.3-1.4 liters, so that difference (300-400 grams) can cause the new oil to darken after the first trip. To avoid having to change the fluid again in the near future, it is recommended to turn the steering wheel left and right as far as it will go with the engine off, this way the remaining old fluid will come out of the steering rack and the entire system.
Reviews
Sergey, Orenburg. I have a Camry with a two-liter 150-horsepower engine and an automatic transmission. The 2013 model is made in the style of a premium Lexus. Strict, with an impressive hood, narrowed headlights and a massive grille - what is not a premium business sedan. It's just the pseudo-wooden finish on the front panel that's an eyesore. And yet, the cabin is comfortable and everything is at hand. A soft and imposing car with a not particularly powerful engine, but a very spacious interior and high reliability.
Igor, Tver region. I drive a 2021 Camry, a model with a 2.5-liter 180-horsepower engine. I thought about buying a Kia Stinger, but in the end I settled on a more proven car with an excellent reputation. Before that I drove a softer Camry 2006, but the new car has a stiffer suspension. In principle, this is the only negative. Sharp steering and minimal roll set you up for fast driving.
How to top up
The process of topping up is simple - you need to unscrew the cap of the power steering expansion tank and add enough fluid so that it is between the MIN and MAX marks.
The main problem when adding power steering oil is its choice. It’s good if the replacement has not yet been made, and the system contains fluid from the manufacturer’s factory. In this case, it is enough to check the technical documentation, take the recommended oil and add to the required amount.
If you don’t know what’s in the system, we recommend replacing it right away, because in any case you’ll have to buy a canister of liquid to top up.
Power steering fluid in a Toyota Corolla makes it easier to turn the wheels and set the desired trajectory for the vehicle. However, power steering oil loses its properties over time and must be replaced. How to carry out repair work yourself, read the material below.
Liquid composition
Based on the composition of the power steering fluid, it can be divided into mineral, semi-synthetic and synthetic. The chemical composition determines the basic set of oil functions:
- Viscosity characteristics;
- Lubricating properties;
- Protection of parts from corrosion;
- Prevents foaming;
- Temperature and hydraulic properties.
Synthetics and mineral water cannot be mixed with each other, since the types of additives in them have fundamental differences.
Synthetics
These are high-tech liquids, in the production of which the most modern developments and additives are used. Oil fractions for synthetics are purified by hydrocracking. Polyesters, polyhydric alcohols and sets of additives give them outstanding characteristics: a wide range of operating temperatures, stable oil film, long service life.
The main reason why synthetic-based hydraulic fluid cannot be poured into power steering intended for mineral ones is its aggressive effect on rubber products, of which there are many in the hydraulic booster. Where synthetics are used, the rubber has a completely different composition and is made on a silicone basis.
Semi-synthetics
A mixture of synthetic and mineral oils, due to which the latter receive significant improvements in performance: reduced foaming, fluidity, heat dissipation.
Semi-synthetic fluids include such well-known fluids as: Zic ATF Dex 3, Comma PSF MVCHF, Motul Dexron III and others.
Mineralka
Mineral-based oils contain petroleum fractions (85-98%), the rest are additives that improve the performance of the hydraulic fluid.
They are used in hydraulic boosters containing seals and parts based on ordinary rubber, since the mineral component is neutral and is not harmful to rubber products, unlike synthetics.
Mineral power steering fluids are the most inexpensive, but they also have a short service life. Mobil ATF 320 Premium is considered a good mineral oil; Dexron oils up to and including the IID marking were also mineral.
Replacement
Changing the oil in the power steering of a Toyota Camry 40 is not a difficult task, and it will take you about 30 minutes to change it yourself in the garage:
- First of all, warm up the engine, turn off and raise the front of the car. If the engine is cold, the pump begins to pump fluid from the system at increased speeds;
- For ease of replacement, remove the expansion tank with coolant. The procedure is not difficult, and just pull the tank up;
- Using a syringe and a dropper tube, pump out the fluid from the power steering reservoir;
- When the tank is empty, unscrew it (3 bolts) with a 10mm head from the fastenings and remove completely. Place a napkin/rag, etc., in case of leakage when removing the tank, and so as not to flood the adjacent components and the engine compartment with oil;
- Remove the clamps and hoses from the power steering. Insert the return hose (upper) into a pre-prepared 1.5-liter container, for example, a plastic bottle (to make draining more convenient, we recommend extending the hose so that the container is between the engine and the radiator);
- Clean the tank of deposits with kerosene or gasoline, and wash away the dirt on the mesh in the tank, which most likely has accumulated enough. If the deposit is large, use brake cleaner or solvent 646, in the worst case, carburetor cleaner Carbcleaner (Hi Gear or Ravenol). Next, rinse the tank with clean oil and install it in its original place, connecting the supply hose (the lower one, through which oil from the tank enters the system), and install a cap from a syringe with a needle in the return fitting, which is ideal for this. The second hose remains in the container to drain the old fluid;
- Check that the rag and drain container do not come into contact with the belt, rollers and power unit;
- Pour new oil into the reservoir (a little higher than o). Start the engine and turn it off after 2 seconds. At the moment the engine starts, power steering fluid will begin to come out of the return hose, and if you don’t turn it off, all the fluid will leave the reservoir (at this stage you don’t need to turn the steering wheel!) - repeat this operation until then (start/turn off 3-4 times ), until clear liquid flows from the hose;
- Carefully remove the “plug” (syringe cap) from the tank and insert the return hose. If necessary, add oil to the middle level. Start the engine and turn the steering wheel left and right to the extreme positions 4-5 times. Turn off the engine;
- After this procedure, the new power steering fluid will not be so clean, so we pump it out again with a syringe and add it to the level;
- Start the engine and turn the steering wheel again. In order for air to escape from the system, hold the steering wheel in its extreme positions for about 5 seconds;
- Reinstall the expansion tank with coolant;
- After carrying out the above work, you will arrive a little, after which you need to add or remove the oil to normal (o);
Causes of breakdowns and oil leaks from power steering
Hydraulic fluid is a technological solution that allows pressure to be transmitted from the steering wheel to the hydraulic pump. Without oil, the driver will have difficulty turning the wheels.
Basically, power steering oil is changed during scheduled maintenance. However, in some cases, replacement is required more often - if the hydraulic mechanisms are damaged or fluid leaks from the system.
Steering rack leak
A leak in the steering rack is determined by the following signs:
- knocking sound when driving. You can feel it through the steering wheel;
- heavy rotation of the steering wheel;
- the appearance of extraneous noise in the power steering pump;
- play when the wheels rotate.
Such malfunctions indicate the presence of a power steering fluid leak. However, you can solve the problem yourself, without outside help. To do this, you need to remove the steering rack from the car and disassemble it, replacing worn parts. After the operations have been completed, the rail is assembled and installed back.
The pump is leaking
A leak in the power steering pump is also one of the reasons for the power steering to malfunction. The pump is overloaded and soon begins to malfunction. Basically, this problem arises due to poor sealing of the unit itself. Failure of the line or hoses is also possible. The pump distils liquid through these parts.
In order to eliminate leaks in the pump, it is necessary to carefully inspect all components of the power steering system mechanism. If there are cracks in the hose or line, the parts are urgently replaced with new ones. It is also necessary to rebuild the pump and install new seals.
Broken hoses and tubes
Broken tightness of hoses and tubes —
the most common option, in which the work flows from the power steering. If such a breakdown occurs, it is necessary to check all connections of the hydraulic system for strength. If the tightness of the tubes is in doubt, the parts are updated. After repairing the breakdowns, as a rule, problems with oil leaks disappear.
Which one to choose
The choice of fluid is not as complicated as in the case of selecting oil for a Prado 150 engine. The full name of the fluid that needs to be filled is indicated on the filler cap of the power steering reservoir; for the power steering of the Toyota LC Prado J150 it is POWER STEERING FLUID (PSF). The original fluid, which is recommended by the manufacturer and chosen by most Prado 150 owners:
- Toyota PSF 08886-01005. 4 liter canister in an iron can;
- Toyota PSF NEW-W 4L 08886-01115. Recommended for cold climates, with temperatures below -30;
- Toyota ATF Dexron III 08886-80506. When using this fluid, control may be different (less comfortable), so first of all it is better to focus on PSF;
If it is not possible to purchase an original fluid, below is a list of the best oil for Toyota power steering from other manufacturers, in other words, an analogue, but the main thing is not to purchase a fake:
| Brand | Oil brand |
| Idemitsu | ZEPRO PSF (16470005) |
| RAVENOL | Hydraulik PSF Fluid (Toyota PSF-EH approval) |
| Castrol | Transmax Dex III Multivehicle |
| GT-OIL | ATF Type III |
| Petro-Canada | DuraDrive MV Synthetic ATF |
| Total | Fluide XLD FE |
| Takumi | ATF D-3 |
Color classification
It is wrong to be guided only by color gradation when choosing oil, although this practice is widespread among car owners. It is also often indicated what color liquids can be mixed and which ones should not be mixed.
Mixing is contraindicated with liquids based on composition and not color, and since now both mineral water and synthetics can be presented in any color, you should treat this information very carefully.
Red ATF gear oil is usually synthetic, the Dexron brand from General Motors is considered the standard, but there are products from other manufacturers, such as Revenol, Motul, Shell, Zic, etc.
Yellow oil, produced by the Daimler concern and under its license, is used in Mercedes-Benz hydraulic boosters. It can be synthetic and mineral.
Green oil. For the most part, multifunctional and universal liquids can be either synthetic or mineral in composition. They are used in power steering, suspension and other systems that operate on liquids. It cannot be mixed with other colors, except in cases where the manufacturer declares full compatibility, for example Comma PSF MVCHF is compatible with some types of Dexron.
