Power steering fluid flush or D&F?

I chose the drain and fill method.
I drove the truck around the neighborhood (1-2 minute drive) between each D&F to circulate and mix the fluid making sure I turned the wheel to the stops right and left.
I found this method the easiest for me verses the flush method, but it was more time consuming.
I ended up using 2.2 quarts of AMSOIL ATF with the Dexron II-III compatibility.
The fluid became clean at the 7th drain and since I like nice round numbers I went to 10.

Here’s what I learned:
My ‘21 reservoir holds 7 fluid ounces.
Since the fluid was clean and clear at the 7th drain I can calculate the system holds about 1.5 quarts. That amount agrees with what the tech at the dealership told me the system holds.
Amazon sells in a pack of 30 some really big clear syringes called JelloShots. I tossed the syringes after completion and have 27 left.
I found it necessary to attach a 8-10” rubber hose to the syringe in order to get thru the the fill hole and to the bottom of the reservoir and suck the fluid out.
For refilling it’s convenient to have a funnel with a narrow spout. Hope this helps anyone with questions especially if you’ve never done this maintenance before.

 

I use the pump from a shampoo bottle to extract it. Goes pretty fast.

 

I did the the full flush on my first one since I was going from clear to red fluid. Now I just drain and fill the reservoir. The flush is super simple though, jack up the front end. Pull the return line, cap off the reservoir. Have someone turn the wheel left and right with the return line in a bottle and keep adding to the reservoir until it comes out clean.

 

Which one is the return line?

 

The higher one. Here's a good video.
https://youtu.be/mAIRqYs_dkE
Picture showing the return line

 

I did it the way Joe did it. Super easy and you know its completely flushed when the fluid comes out red.

 

I got a fluid extractor from Amazon and pumped all the fluid out. Kept filling the reservoir until the fluid being extracted turned cherry red. A lot easier and cleaner of a method in my opinion.


Here's a link to a vid of it being done to a 4runner. Very similar to the tundra.

https://youtu.be/_FOYgaNMeZc?si=irf5PajzM9kyLLsb

 

I put through this together when I had my old 1st gen. I actually used all these same tools to do my current Tundra over the winter holidays.

https://www.tundras.com/threads/power-steering-flush-how-to.85254/

 

Thanks for the info, I plan on doing this soon.

 

I like the flush method no doubt, but my maintenance is always a one man operation so I just go with the d&f.
Before the p/s d&f I did the transmission d&f, both diffs, and the transfer case.

Speaking of transmission d&f’s does the factory thermostat on the transmission drain fluid back into the pan when shut off hot? I installed a transmission cooler a couple years ago and have always wondered about that.

 

Same

 

I did the flush method by myself. It's no harder than a D&F, I think. As for you trans question, I would say if the t-stat is open then yes. I did a D&F the other day on my trans. I didn't think of it at the time, but the truck was at an incline and about 5 1/4 quarts came out. I had to jack the back up to level the trans and do a level check procedure to get it back to level.

 

After watching the video, seems like the route to take. Thank you

 

I’m pumping an extra 1.75qts (plus the factory stated 2.2) into an empty pan to cover for the cooler and lines. I know overfilling, if that’s what I’m doing, probably isn’t all that great for the system, but it’s that or under fill and scorch the fluid.

 

On a typical D&F about 3 1/2-4 quarts should come out. This is with the trans leveled out. I dont know how the factory spec is 2.2 because according to all the members here, including myself, have drain almost double that. If I were you, I would do a trans level check. Making sure the trans is level to the ground, not just by parking it one level ground.

 

Yes, this is why when you check the level of the atf you need to have the thermostat pinned open so that the pan volume is correct with the amount needed for the cooler taken into the equation. If level was set with it closed then the pan level would be short what ever amount it takes to fill the cooler.

 

Ok, I have never jacked up the front end of the truck, where is a suitable place?

 

You could jack one side up and put a jack stand then use the jack on the other side to level it out. Or, there is a front cross member, but I would probably use a 2x4 to spread the load more side to side instead of the load being right on the center jacking point. I am on a upward incline, so I have to jack the back end up which is easy by doing it from the differential pumpkin.

 

I have a 2016 Tundra. I bought in 2019.
I have never done a power steering d&f.
When should I do this? Do I need to do this?

 

Yes.

 

I will get online to Amsoil and get the ATF Fluid then do the d&f when it comes in.
Thank you.

 

I need to do mine as well...I have a fluid extractor and plenty of fluid...Time for some fresh fluids! Mine is dark! Thanks for the video link and suggestions!

 

Hey bud I get discounts on amsoil. If you want, DM me and I'll link you. *shameless plug*

 

Amsoil is a over kill. But it's your money.

 

@pursuit2550 I have been using Amsoil since I had my 2006 Mazda Speed 6.
I know what you mean.