All Toyota Camrys prior to model year 2012 require power steering fluid, which should be flushed every two years or every 50,000 miles. If you take your Camry to an auto repair shop, this service could cost $100 or more—but you can do it yourself for as little as $10!

In vehicles with a hydraulic power steering system, the Toyota Camry power steering pump uses fluid to pressurize the steering system and keep your car working properly. If that fluid becomes old, contaminated, or low, you’ll likely notice stiff steering or some mysterious groaning.

If it’s time to change your Toyota Camry power steering fluid, you’ve come to the right place.

Jerry

, the licensed insurance broker app that makes finding cheap car insurance a breeze, has all the information you need to purchase and replace the correct power steering fluid and find the best

Toyota Camry insurance cost

in this

car repair

guide.

What type of power steering fluid does Toyota Camry use?

If you own a Toyota Camry manufactured before 2012, your owner’s manual probably says to use Dexron III power steering fluid. There’s just one issue—this fluid was discontinued in 2011, which could make it pretty much impossible to find the recommended fluid for your model.

Not to worry. You can still purchase equivalent power steering fluid, such as:

Prestone Power Steering Fluid + Stop Leak

($9.69 for 32 oz.)

Peak Original Equipment Technology Full Synthetic Asian Power Steering Fluid

($16.49 for 12 oz.)

But you can also use automatic transmission fluid (ATF) in place of power steering fluid. While they’re not exactly the same fluid, they’re the same type of hydraulic fluid. In fact, your owner’s manual may recommend using ATF.

MORE: How to replace power steering fluid for a 2013 Toyota Corolla

Jerry sends free alerts to keep your car up-to-date so you can avoid costly repairs

* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

Get ahead of my car maintenance

* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

How to change Toyota Camry power steering fluid

Changing your own power steering fluid can save you a hefty chunk of change, especially since all Toyotas with hydraulic steering systems are old enough to be out of warranty.

Luckily, it’s not hard to do at home! All you need for this DIY service is:

A suction device such as a vacuum pump or syringe—even a turkey baster will do!

Power steering fluid or ATF that fits your model’s specifications

Pliers

Paper towels

Jack and jack stands (optional)

Step 1: Locate the power steering reservoir under your Camry’s hood. It should be on the passenger side of the engine bay; it looks a little like a Nalgene water bottle. Remove all fluid from the reservoir using your pump or syringe.

Step 2: Fill the fluid reservoir about halfway with new fluid and replace the cap, twisting to make sure it’s securely in place.

Step 3: Disconnect the power steering return line. You should see a set of clamps that you can loosen with your pliers. Once the clamps are disconnected, drain any remaining fluid out of the system.

Step 4: Cycle the power steering. In order to do this, you’ll turn the Camry on and turn the steering wheel back and forth “from lock to lock”—in other words, as far as it can go in each direction. This will force the fresh fluid through the power steering system; keep doing it until you see bright new fluid coming out. (Note: jacking up your car for this step will reduce friction on the front wheels as you turn the steering wheel.)

Step 5: Reconnect the power steering hose, top up the fluid to the fill line, and run the engine again for about 10 seconds. Turn the car off again and top up the fluid one last time.

Once you’ve completed all five steps, check the ground under the vehicle for any leaks and take the car for a test drive. If everything went well, your steering should feel smooth and liquid—without any of the stiffness associated with old power steering fluid.

MORE:

Steering rack/gearbox replacement

What is the power steering fluid change interval for a Toyota Camry?

You should change the power steering fluid in your Toyota Camry every 50,000 miles or every two years—whichever comes first.

In between changes, keep an eye out for signs of contamination or a power steering fluid leak:

Difficulty turning the steering wheel

Unusually loose steering

A groaning noise under the hood when turning the steering wheel

Black or brown fluid in power steering reservoir

Ideally, power steering fluid should be a lovely clear pink or amber color. It’s worth checking periodically that your fluid is still in good condition—especially if you’re noticing any of the problems above.

MORE:

2011 Toyota Highlander oil capacity guide

How to save on Toyota Camry insurance

Regular maintenance

like power steering flushes contribute to the overall cost of Toyota Camry ownership—but

car insurance

costs for the Camry are an even bigger expense.

Luckily,

Jerry

, the

trustworthy insurance comparison app

, can help Camry owners slash those costs too! In just 45 seconds, Jerry can search for competitive rates on the coverage you need for your Camry. And because those rates are real-time quotes from a pool of over 55 top insurance companies, you can trust the coverage options you find with Jerry.

The best news? On average, Jerry users save over $800 a year on car insurance.

“You must get this app! It’s my first time getting my own insurance, so I called a few companies myself. Their rates priced me around $600/month. I used
Jerry
and my rates went down to $250/month. I’m so happy!” —Melissa C.

RECOMMENDED