Toyota RAV4 Power Steering Fluid
If your Toyota RAV4 was made before 2006, you’ll need to get familiar with how to change its power steering fluid.
Written by Natalie Todoroff
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
If you drive a pre-2006 Toyota RAV4, your vehicle is equipped with a hydraulic steering system that uses power steering fluid to keep the wheel turning smoothly. For a RAV4, Toyota recommends that you flush the fluid every two years or every 50,000 miles.
RAV4s manufactured in 2006 and later use electric power steering to translate the motion from your steering wheel to the steering rack. Pre-2006 RAV4s, however, use something called hydraulic steering—which utilizes power steering fluid to keep your steering system working properly. If you’re not diligent about changing out your old power steering fluid, you could experience difficulty turning your wheel.
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Toyota RAV4 insurance cost
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4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversWhat type of power steering fluid does Toyota RAV4 use?
If you flip open your pre-2006 Toyota RAV4’s owner’s manual, you’ll see that they recommend that you use either Dexron IIor Dexron III power. While we always suggest going with the manufacturer’s recommendation, there’s just one issue: Dexron fluid was discontinued in 2011.
That said, there are still plenty of power steering fluids that work wonderfully for a RAV4:
- Idemitsu PSF Universal Power Steering Fluid($7.98 for 12oz)
- Royal Purple Max EZ Power Steering Fluid($14.99 for 12oz)
- Prestone Power Steering Fluid with Stop Leak($4.47 for 12oz)
How to change Toyota RAV4 power steering fluid
Knowing how to change your own power steering fluid can save you tons of money in the long run. If you opt to have a mechanic do it for you, you’ll end up spending around $100. Plus, if your RAV4 uses power steering fluid, chances are, the warranty is long expired.
Thankfully, it’s super easy to learn to do it yourself! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Wrench
- Paper towels
- Pliers
- A suction device such as a vacuum pump or syringe—even a turkey baster will do!
- Power steering fluid
- Bucket
Step 1: Park your car with the wheels facing forward. Turn off your engine,
open the hood
, and use the wrench to disconnect the cable from the negative power terminal on your battery. Step 2: Locate the power steering fluid reservoir on the passenger side of the vehicle. Remove the cap from the reservoir, insert your pump, and pump out the old fluid into the bucket.
Step 3: Unplug the electrical connector and unscrew the pressure line-to-pump union bolt and let the remaining fluid drain out into your bucket. Disconnect the power steering return line and also allow it to drain into your bucket. Once the fluid has completely drained, reconnect the return hose.
Step 4: Fill your power steering fluid reservoir with power steering fluid up to the “cold” mark, and re-screw the cap.
Step 5: It’s now time to test your work. Reconnect the battery cable to the negative power terminal and start your engine and allow it to idle. While it’s idling, double-check the power steering fluid reservoir and make sure there is enough fluid to reach the “cold” mark.
Step 6: With your engine still idling, turn your steering wheel to the left and to the right a few times. Continue to allow your engine to idle for about 5 to 10 more minutes before turning it off.
Step 7: Take your RAV4 for a test drive to ensure that it’s steering properly.
Step 8: After your test drive, open the hood once more and check that the power steering fluid level has reached the “hot” mark.
And that’s it! You’re not only on your way to smooth, squeak-free steering—and you’ve saved yourself a decent chunk of change.
What is the power steering fluid change interval for Toyota RAV4?
Ideally, your Toyota RAV4 power steering should be changed every two years or every 50,000 miles—whichever comes first. But, if your vehicle needs a power steering fluid flush ahead of schedule, it won’t be shy about letting you know. If you notice the following, it’s probably time for a flush:
- An usually stiff or loose steering wheel
- A loud groaning noise from beneath the hood when you turn the wheel
- Normal power steering fluid is a light pink or amber color. If it’s any other color, there’s likely an issue with it.
How to save on Toyota RAV4 insurance
Now that you know how to save on one of your RAV4’s routine maintenance services, you should download
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