Fluid Change (Oil, Power Steering, Transmission)
09/09/2022
~155K Mileage
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When I get a vehicle I like to swap all the fluid out for a fresh start. Since the 4Runner had really good service records I didn't feel like it was a priority but I also didn't like the color of the transmission fluid. After driving it a while, it shifts really well so I felt the best course of action was to just do a few drain and fills. I've never dropped a transmission pan to swap the filter and thought "this was a great idea, I'm so glad I did this" and I wanted to avoid making problems where there wasn't one.
Figuring the oil was the easiest I started with that but I was in for a bit of surprise. I dropped the skid pan and was shocked at the amount of accumulated oil and dirt. I immediately got worried there was a leak somewhere and starting searching for a source. I couldn't find anything that looked fresh and I never saw any drips in the driveway so I removed the drain plug and filter. That's when I realized there probably wasn't a leak and it was just sloppy work from lube shops, I assume they never removed the skid pan and the draining oil just made a mess. So I used some degreaser and a wire brush to clean up the mess on the skid pan, steering rack, cross member, etc... but unfortunately its now in my driveway and ill have to pressure wash that tomorrow.
Moving on to the transmission, I removed the drain plug and let the pan fully drain. I assume is the original fluid, the picture below shows how its lost its nice red color. While I was waiting for the pan to drain I figured I would take the MAF sensor out and clean it as well. I disconnected and removed the air box from the engine bay, removed the sensor from the housing, and sprayed it with some MAF sensor cleaner. While I had the air box out it gave me really good access to the power steering reservoir, so that fluid was next... and what a mess. I started by pumping out the old, horrible looking, fluid. Then I removed the return line, unbolted it from the frame, and routed it to a drain pan. Plugging the return line, with a finger from a glove and zip tie, I was able to fill the fluid and turn the wheels forcing all the old fluid out.
After restoring the power steering and airbox to normal and verifying all fluid levels were good, I called it a day. Tomorrow Ill clean up the mess in the driveway and I should get the trailer wiring harness and LED tail light bulbs I ordered.
Old Transmission Fluid
Dirty MAF sensor
Old Power Steering Fluid
Power Steering "Plug"
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