How to Add Power Steering Fluid in a Toyota Corolla
Did your steering suddenly get very difficult? Do you hear squeaking or chattering when you turn the steering wheel? Follow this guide to add power steering fluid to your Toyota Corolla!
Keep your power steering working consistently by performing regular maintenance and checking it every 5,000 miles.
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How Power Steering Works
The power steering fluid in your vehicle works as hydraulic fluid to provide hydraulic pressure to assist you in steering. Your car could operate without power steering, it would just be a lot harder to turn the steering wheel; think using both arms to turn the wheel when traveling at slow speeds, rather than just being able to use your pinky!
The following steps are the ones I used to add power steering fluid to my 2004 Toyota Corolla. The steps should be similar for 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 Corollas as well.
Tools and supplies needed:
A note on power steering fluid for these Toyota Corollas: the recommended power steering fluid is actually automatic transmission fluid (ATF). So don’t be confused by this in your owner’s manual, it is not a typo!
How to Add Power Steering Fluid
Alright, let’s get started. The first step is to pop the hood, prop it up, and locate the power steering fluid reservoir.
The the power steering fluid reservoir is located on the left hand side of the engine bay.
The the first step is to check the level. Look on the side of the reservoir, it is transparent, and it will give you an indication of what the level should be when the engine is hot, and when the engine is cold.
If grime has built up on the side of the reservoir, use a rag to wipe it off. This will allow you to see the writing.
In the in the example shown here, the engine is cold, therefore the power steering fluid level is at the max for cold engine.
If the fluid level is not correct, you will need to add fluid. Open the reservoir by unscrewing the cap.
Use a funnel to add the correct fluid directly into the reservoir.
When the fluid is at the correct fill like, replace the cover.
Take the vehicle for a test spin to make sure the steering is working properly again.
Toyota power steering fluid (Dextron III ATF)
That’s it!
For more information on 9th generation 2003-2008 Toyota Corolla maintenance, check out these articles:
Does 2014 corolla have electric steering assist.