Parts for your 1998 Daihatsu Terios-Power steering fluid

1998 Daihatsu Terios Power-Steering-Fluid: What It Uses and How To Look After It

Based on technical sources, the 1998 Daihatsu Terios (J100 series) is fitted with a conventional hydraulic power-steering system that uses power-steering fluid. The Daihatsu Terios J100 Series Service Manual (1997–2005, Steering section) and period owner’s manual guidance specify automatic transmission fluid to Dexron II or Dexron III standards for the power-steering system. That means power-steering fluid is absolutely relevant to this model.

On a 1998 Terios, the power-steering fluid does the heavy lifting—literally. It transfers hydraulic pressure from the engine-driven pump to the steering rack, making low-speed manoeuvres and parking far easier while keeping steering feel consistent on the open road. The correct fluid also lubricates the pump and rack internals, helping prevent wear, noise and premature seal failure.

For ongoing care, owners typically stick with ATF meeting Dexron II or Dexron III. Most under-bonnet reservoir caps and handbook references for this era point to those specs. Capacity is modest—roughly 0.8–1.0 litres for a drain-and-fill, and up to about 1.2 litres for a more complete flush—so using a quality fluid is affordable insurance. While many manufacturers of the time didn’t publish strict replacement intervals, a practical schedule in local conditions is to inspect each service and replace every 60,000–100,000 kilometres or 3–5 years, sooner if the fluid darkens, smells burnt, or if the steering groans or feels notchy.

• Check the reservoir level and fluid colour at each service, top up only with Dexron II/III ATF.
• Inspect the drive belt, hoses and clamps for cracks, sweating or leaks around the pump, lines and rack ends.
• If replacing fluid, a simple turkey-baster drain-and-fill done twice (with some driving between) refreshes most of the system without special tools.
• After any fluid change, bleed by turning the wheels lock-to-lock with the front end raised, then recheck the level. Avoid overfilling and watch for foaming.

Keeping the fluid clean and at the right level helps the Terios steer quietly and predictably, reduces pump stress, and can extend the life of the rack seals—handy for an older J100 that still does daily duties or weekend tracks.

Popular questions

What power-steering fluid does a 1998 Daihatsu Terios use?
For this model, use automatic transmission fluid that meets Dexron II or Dexron III. That’s what the factory literature for the J100-series hydraulic system calls for. Avoid mixing with non-compatible fluids like CVT or brake fluid.

How often should the power-steering fluid be changed?
Inspection each service is smart, with a change every 60,000–100,000 km or 3–5 years in typical AU/NZ conditions. Replace earlier if the fluid turns dark, smells burnt, or the steering becomes noisy or heavy.

How much fluid does it take, and how is it bled?
A routine drain-and-fill uses around 0.8–1.0 L, a more thorough flush can take up to about 1.2 L. After refilling, raise the front wheels and turn lock-to-lock several times with the engine off, then recheck the level and run the engine to final-bleed, topping up as needed.