Power Steering Fluid: Inspection

Check fluid level.
1. Keep the vehicle level.
2. With the engine stopped, check the fluid level in the reservoir.
  
  Fig 1: Checking Fluid Level In Reservoir
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  1. If necessary, add fluid.
  2. Fluid: ATF DEXRON® II or III
  NOTE:
  - Check that the fluid level is within the HOT LEVEL range on the reservoir cap dipstick.
  - If the fluid is cold, check that it is within the COLD LEVEL range.
3. Start the engine and run it at idle.
4. Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times to boost fluid temperature.
  1. Fluid temperature: 80°C (176°F)
5. Check for foaming or emulsification.
  1. If there is foaming or emulsification, bleed power steering system. See BLEEDING .
  Fig 2: Displaying Normal & Abnormal Power Steering Fluid
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
6. With the engine idling, measure the fluid level in the reservoir.
7. Stop the engine.
8. Wait a few minutes and remeasure the fluid level in the reservoir.
  1. Maximum fluid level rise: 5 mm (0.20 in.)
  2. If a problem is found, bleed power steering system. See BLEEDING .
9. Check the fluid level.
  
  Fig 3: Checking Fluid Levels Based On Engine Condition
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
Check steering fluid pressure.
1. Place matchmarks on the pressure feed tubes.
2. Using SST, disconnect the pressure line joint.
  1. SST 09023-12700
3. Connect SST, as shown in Fig 5.
  1. SST 09640-10010 (09641-01010, 09641-01030, 09641-01040)
    NOTE: Check that the valve of the SST is in the open position.
4. Bleed the power steering system. See BLEEDING .
5. Start the engine and run it at idle.
6. Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times to boost fluid temperature.
  1. Fluid temperature: 80°C (176°F)
7. With the engine idling, close the valve of the SST and observe the reading on the SST.
  
  Fig 6: Displaying Fluid Movement During Idling With Valve Closed
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  1. Minimum fluid pressure: 8336 kPa (85 kgf/cm² , 1209 psi)
  NOTE:
  - Do not keep the valve closed for more than 10 seconds.
  - Do not let the fluid temperature become too high.
8. With the engine idling, open the valve fully.
  
  Fig 7: Displaying Fluid Movement During Idling With Valve Open
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
9. Measure the fluid pressure at engine speeds of 1000 RPM and 3000 RPM.
  1. Difference in fluid pressure: 490 kPa (5 kgf/cm² , 71 psi) or less
    NOTE: Do not turn the steering wheel.
10. With the engine idling and valve fully opened, turn the steering wheel to full lock.
  1. Minimum fluid pressure: 8336 kPa (85 kgf/cm² , 1209 psi)
    NOTE:
    Do not maintain lock position for more than 10 seconds.
    
    Do not let the fluid temperature become too high.
11. Disconnect the SST.
  1. SST 09640-10010 (09641-01010, 09641-01030, 09641-01040)
12. Align the matchmarks on the pressure feed tubes and connect them with SST.
  1. SST 09023-12700
  2. Torque: 40 N.m (410 kgf.cm, 30 ft.lbf)
  NOTE:
  - Use a torque wrench with a fulcrum length of 345 mm (13.58 in.).
    
    Fig 9: Displaying SST & Torque Wrench
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  - This torque value is effective in case that SST is parallel to a torque wrench.
13. Bleed the power steering system. See BLEEDING .