Lah Jebus Help Me: PS Issues

Took my '03 Limited Runner to a new shop for fluid changes. They put Universal PSF and now my PS is stiffer and squealing louder than before. Called the shop and they swear it's ok to use but I'm taking her to a Toyota specialized shop soon, he has great reviews so I'm betting it'll be worth the tow out of town (I'm not driving her at all in the meantime). I have 360k miles, some other issues popped off within a week after this shop had it. What fluid recommendations do y'all have on a very worn old Runner? PS specifically but also any other recommendations. Was planning on buying a new thermostat, OEM serpentine belt/MAF/Gas Cap and was going to wait on new new shops diag to see what else is needed.

 

^Manual says Dexron II/III. That's what I use, no issues. It's usually labeled "Dexron/Mercon", "D+M", etc., under $10 a bottle at most big box stores.

 

this is like the 3rd post ive read where a shop will put in "universal fluid" and then there is an issue

 

A newer 4R can probably tolerate wrong fluid. In a 22 year-old example, the universal fluid is probably the straw that broke the camel's back. i.e. flushing the system with the correct fluid now may not fix the issue.

 

Yep, "universal fluid" works in everything from a Cat D-4 to a Learjet.

 

Probably true for MIL-PRF-5606 hydraulic oil...

 

That's pretty much what they told me, silly me

 

I'm towing it to a guy who specializes in all things Toyota tomorrow so fingers crossed but I'm prepared to hear the worst.

 

They swear there's no way this caused any issues, they must be smarter than the manufacturers!

 

We are at least. That's why we change everything out that came stock.

 

Agree. To that point, puzzles me that so many people use MaxLife and other multi-vehicle ATFs instead of the specified WS. Especially when an apparent expert says it's not a good idea. I don't think anybody's transmission is going to blow apart b/c they didn't stick to WS but I'm inclined to go the conservative route when there's no verifiable (not anecdotal) evidence.

 

Off she goes, diagnostic coming soon