About two years ago, you analyzed oil samples from my 2003 and 2015 4Runners and my 1991 MR2. I appreciated your work then, but a recent discovery gave me another reason to say thank you.
I’ve owned my MR2 for over 30 years. Over time, as I learned more about working on cars, I took over most of the work done on my MR2—engine oil, oil filter, air filters, coolant flush, brake pads and rotors, alternator, air intake, coilovers, brake fluid flush, clutch fluid flush, etc. The power steering reservoir remained a scary mystery to me. It’s metal, so you can’t read the level from the outside. I finally worked up the courage to open the reservoir, and… it’s a *little* low.
Researching what fluid I need to use to top off the PS fluid, I found out that Toyota recommends Toyota Power Steering Fluid EH (part 08886-01206). This is, of course, discontinued. You can find it online, but it’s crazy expensive and, honestly, how can I be sure how old it is?
While researching alternatives, I ran across a post on a website for MR2 Spyder owners. The MR2 Spyder apparently requires the same PS fluid, and some owner ran into the same problem I just did—what to use as a replacement. The post shows that you did an analysis of 4 recommended alternatives:
I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your analysis. I thought you provided an incredibly valuable service BEFORE I ran into this power steering issue, but now…holy cow. Thank you so much for existing—you provide an invaluable service that seems unobtainable for the average home mechanic. If there is anything I can ever do to help you and your business, please let me know.
Best,
Chris
