Toy, PS fluid in replacement IFS box - replace w/ ATF or no?

RatLabGuy

RatLabGuy

You look like a monkey and smell like one too
Joined
May 18, 2005
Location
Churchville, MD
'89 Runner.
My PS gearbox is leaking badly at the input shaft. Been slow for awhile but not it's gushing, and I need to DD it for a short while.
unf this is the later style w/ solid housing that's a PITA to disassembe just to rpelacet he seal, so I got my hands on a used box (same style).
In cleaning it up, I've discovered it had power steering fluid in it, not ATF like it's supposed to. From what I udnerstand, there's an issue w/ PS fluid killing the seals, the Toy FSM calls for ATF instead.
Actually, I switched the old one to ATF a few years ago, the PO has PS fluid in it, when I got it I didn't know any better either.

My point is... if I flush teh system, install this used pump, if I put ATF in it, think it will leak? Or should I just keep my fingers crossed and stick w/ the PS fluid?
 
Dexron3 would be just fine. Is what Toyota suggests on the sticker that is no longer legable on your PS resevior.

Might try some Lucas PS additive as well, it "might" soften the seals up and resolve your leaking.

i pour Lucas in my GMC when I remember, it's been leaking since long before I got it.
 
I guess my concern is, if the seals are dried now but not leaking w/ the thicker hydraulic fluid in there, if I put DexIII in now, will they start? E.g. is the damage done but holding itself together until the fuild changes back?
And, can you mix Lucas PS additives (I assume these are hydraulic based) w/ Merc/Dex fluids?
 
Pour it in and let us know. You are gonna wreck it in a week anyways so what's it matter :D

I would try the Lucas PS stuff with the steering box you have now, never know it might stop your leak or at least slow it some. Might be worth it to see if it will make it last you longer. IIRC you can actually return the empty bottle and get your $ back if it does not stop the leak.
 
I think you are worrying about nothing, if the new box leaks, it leaks, all you can do is try. as for the fluid, Dex is supposed to be in there, Dex is hyd fluid with modifiers and detergents.

The Lucas is similar, and thicker viscosity with seal "conditioners" Hell, I'd get 2 bottles of Lucas, one for the current box, see what happens (with DEXRON) and if the leak doesn't stop, you've at least bought some time for putting in the new box.

The real enemy here is AGE, all these parts are old, 15-20years or better. you can't get around that. Rubber seals dont' age well, no matter how they are treated ( I'm sure somebodys Gramma has a 1967 Nova bigblock only driven to church that hasn't leaked a drop of oil since it left the dealership, but thats the rare exception)
 
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