Toyota Tacoma Power Steering Fluid
If you own a Toyota Tacoma, its power steering fluid needs to be changed every 3 to 4 years, or every 40,000 to 80,000 miles—click here to learn how.
Written by Andrew Biro
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
If you own a Toyota Tacoma, you will need to change the power steering fluid every 40,000 to 80,000 miles, or once every 3 to 4 years, whichever comes first. Taking your Tacoma to the shop for this service will cost upwards of $115, but you can do it yourself for as low as $30!
As with any vehicle that uses a hydraulic power steering system, Tacomas require power steering fluid to help pressurize and lubricate the steering system, which makes steering easier and more reliable. If your power steering fluid is too old or becomes contaminated, you’ll start experiencing difficulty steering, in which case the fluid will need to be drained and replaced.
But if you’ve never changed a Toyota Tacoma’s power steering fluid before, don’t worry!
Jerry
, the licensed broker
and car insurance
super app has put together the following guide detailing everything you need to know about purchasing, using, and changing the power steering fluid in a Toyota Tacoma.Don't get ripped off!
Don't get ripped off!
Estimate repairs near you with GarageGuard™ for free so you KNOW the fair price.
4.717k Ratings5M+Drivers Joined
7M+Cars Garaged
What type of power steering fluid does a Toyota Tacoma use?
Fortunately, Toyota’s aren’t too picky when it comes to power steering fluid, but we generally recommend sticking with Valvoline’s DEX/MERC Automatic Transmission Fluid, which can be purchased in a gallon jug for about $30.00.
But if that isn’t available, here are three alternatives we recommend:
How to change a Toyota Tacoma’s power steering fluid
If you’ve decided to change your Toyota Tacoma’s power steering fluid yourself, you’ll need to gather the following tools:
- Car jack
- Jack stands
- Needle-nose pliers
- Fluid pump (or a turkey baster, soap-bottle pump, etc.)
- Clean rags or shop towels
- 3/8 rubber screw end cap
- Empty container
Once you’ve got all of your tools—and have purchased the necessary power steering fluid—follow the instructions below to remove and replace your Tacoma’s power steering fluid:
- Find the reservoir: Open the hood and find the PSF reservoir. It should be located in the engine bay directly behind the passenger side headlight.
- Remove the cap and pump out the old fluid: Unscrew the reservoir’s cap and use the fluid pump or turkey baster to remove as much of the old power steering fluid as possible—the more you’re able to pump out, the easier the next step will be.
- Prep area to remove the hose: Place a rag or a couple of shop towels underneath the PSF return hose and get your empty container ready to catch the fluid once it starts to drain from the hose.
- Remove the upper return hose: Use your needle-nose pliers to slide the clamp on the upper return hose—the smaller of the hoses mounted above the reservoir—down and remove the hose. Place the end of the hose in the empty container and plug the reservoir barb with the screw end cap.
- Use the car jack to lift your Tacoma: Raise your Tacoma with a car jack and place it on jack stands to keep it steady. You’ll want to raise the truck high enough to have the front tires off the ground, which will allow you to turn your steering wheel back and forth with ease.
- Fill the reservoir halfway and turn the steering wheel: Pour about half of your power steering fluid into the reservoir and then begin cycling your steering system by turning the steering wheel from side to side. Keep an eye on the reservoir so as not to empty it completely and add fluid as needed.
- Reinstall the return hose: With half of the PSF cycled through the steering system, you can now reinstall the return hose. You’ll need to lower the truck back down to the ground, remove the screw end cap, and then replace the hose.
- Fill the reservoir the rest of the way: Now that the hose is reinstalled, fill the reservoir the rest of the way up until fluid reaches the “COLD MAX” line. Cycle the fluid a few more times, clean up any spills, and keep an eye on your fluid level over the next few days.
How often should I change my Toyota Tacoma’s power steering fluid?
Toyota recommends that you change your Tacoma’s power steering fluid every 40,000 to 80,000 miles, or once every 3 to 4 years, whichever comes first.
Of course, you should also periodically check your power steering fluid in between changes and keep an eye out for the following symptoms of low or contaminated power steering fluid:
- Dark brown or black power steering fluid
- Loose or unusually easy steering
- Difficulty operating or turning the steering wheel
- Odd noises (such as groaning or knocking) from under the hood when the steering wheel is turned
If you start noticing any of the aforementioned issues, it’s worth checking to see whether your power steering fluid is still in good condition or if it needs to be replaced.
How to find affordable car insurance
Learning how to change your Tacoma’s power steering fluid at home is an easy way to save yourself a couple of hundred dollars on vehicle-related expenses—another easy way is with a licensed broker and
car insurance
super app Jerry
.As the nation’s #1 rated car insurance comparison app, Jerry makes shopping for affordable
Toyota Tacoma insurance
easier than ever, saving the average user $800+ a year on their car insurance payments!All you have to do is download the app, answer a few short questions, and in as little as 45-seconds Jerry will have compared dozens of competitive quotes from 50+ trusted insurance providers to find you the best deals possible—no long phone calls or tedious paperwork necessary!
“I usually hate all the phone calls that come with getting car insurance quotes, but withJerryI was able to do everything over text. I went from $224 with my previous provider to $193 with Nationwide. Such a relief!” —Gabby P.
Are you overpaying for your car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
4.717k Ratings5M+Drivers Joined
7M+Cars Garaged
Estimate your repair costs for free with GarageGuard™
Simplify your car maintenance with Jerry.
4.7You might also be interested
We value your privacy
