Power steering fluid replacement

[Joesson]

This topic was aired just over a year ago, I mentioned that this was something we should all be considering but cannot locate any definitive methods of " how to"  and whether Toyota fluid is a must or if Ravenol E-PSF does the job without problem.
IIRC @Carolyn did replace the fluid but how and with what I cannot find a record.
Any advice gratefully received, and when we've got it perhaps ask the Mods to move it into the " How To's "

[shnazzle]

I replaced mine with the Total Fluide DA I got from @Bossworld
He flushed his entirely with it, I did a partial flush. His is still going strong.
Another clandestine member johnmallon just did a power steering pipe swap and used that as well.

Ravenol e-psf is also fine.

The process (read the video description) :
https://youtu.be/naKLf7Tp_s8

[Beachbum957]

A Spyder owner in the US did an extensive analysis of possible replacement fluids, including a chemical analysis.

https://www.spyderchat.com/forums/showthread.php?148522-Testing-the-OEM-Toyota-EH-PS-fluid&highlight=E-PSF

The "final" conclusion was the fluid most similar to the Toyota oil was Nissan E-PSF with the Ravenol a close second.  A number of owners have switched to the Nissan fluid and have reported no issues, even after many miles

[Carolyn]

I used Ravenol.

Not done many miles since, but seems just fine.

Used same method as Pat.

[Bossworld]

Crucial thing seems to be that it's electro-hydraulic fluid you use.

When I crunched the numbers from spec sheets on a similar thread, the Total numbers were very close to Ravenol which others had recommended. I'll have a look at that Spyderchat thread though as I'd be interested to know more about the range/what the numbers really mean.

[shnazzle]

Do you have a chemical breakdown for the Total by any chance Joe? I can't find one. The flashpoiny and viscosity are spot on but that doesn't answer all the questions.

[Carolyn]

I've got a very vague recollection of someone advising against the Total stuff....  While I can't say there's anything wrong with it for our cars, I decided not to risk it.

[Bossworld]

Dick mentioned he'd used it for a few steering pump swaps now, nowt's blown up for me thus far 18 months on.  The big risk seems to be non EH stuff, which the Spyderchat thread references when it mentions automatic transmission fluid.

One of these days I could probably do with removing the pump to see if it cures the whine (suspect there probably is dust in the brushes after 135k miles) but it's working fine.  I've had replacement pipes too.

This was the numbers - Patrick sorry can't see the chemical make up but looking at those Spyderchat charts, it varies manufacturer to manufacturer anyway.

https://oilgroupbg.com/pdf/total/total-fluide-da.pdf

http://www.mr2roc.org/forum/index.php?topic=61751#p718444

Key bits - the flashpoint of the Total is beyond 300 (the concern with the Ravenol on that thread), the 100 degree viscosity is within range.

Frankly, would go back to my previous post (with added disclaimer that this is at people's own risk, and that I'm a computer engineer, not a proper one)

"Assuming the original stuff has been in there for 12 years, again you'd have to assume anything broadly similar will be an improvement."

[shnazzle]

In part, seeing how much I spend on engine oil every year, I'm thinking just to buy Toyota fluid and be done with it. Engine oil I bin every year and costs 50 quid. Two bottles of power steering fluid would be about 65 quid and last me probably the remaining life of my MR2. Worth saving pennies?

[Bossworld]

In part, seeing how much I spend on engine oil every year, I'm thinking just to buy Toyota fluid and be done with it. Engine oil I bin every year and costs 50 quid. Two bottles of power steering fluid would be about 65 quid and last me probably the remaining life of my MR2. Worth saving pennies?

You pays your money, you takes your choice

[cptspaulding]

I replaced mine with Honda stuff on the advice of another member. Was only £10 instead of £35 for Mr T's own.

No issues to report.

[Joesson]

Thank you all.
On spyderchat they seem to be of the opinion that Toyota fluid is no longer available in the USA.
I Googled Toyota E-PSF and the result was Ravenol E-PSF.