Power Steering Fluid: Inspection

CHECK FLUID LEVEL
1. Keep the vehicle level.
2. With the engine stopped, check the fluid level in the oil reservoir.
  
  Fig 1: Checking Steering Fluid Level
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  If necessary, add fluid.
  
  Fluid: ATF DEXRON® II or III
  
  NOTE: Check that the fluid level is within the HOT LEVEL range on the reservoir.
  
  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.
  Fluid temperature: 80° C (176° F)
5. Check for foaming or emulsification.
  
  Fig 2: Checking For Foaming Or Emulsification
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  If there is foaming or emulsification, bleed power steering system (See BLEEDING ).
6. With the engine idling, measure the fluid level in the oil reservoir.
7. Stop the engine.
8. Wait a few minutes and remeasure the fluid level in the oil reservoir.
  Maximum fluid level rise: 5 mm (0.20 in.)
  
  If a problem is found, bleed power steering system (See BLEEDING ).
9. Check the fluid level.
CHECK STEERING FLUID PRESSURE
1. Remove the air cleaner assembly with air cleaner hose (See REMOVAL ).
2. Disconnect the pressure feed tube from the PS vane pump (See REMOVAL ).
3. Connect SST, as shown in Fig 4.
  SST 09640-10010 (09641-01010, 09641-01030, 09641-01060)
  
  NOTE: Check that the valve of the SST is in the open position.
  
  Fig 4: Checking SST Connection To Pressure Feed Tube
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
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.
  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 5: Checking Steering Fluid Pressure with SST Closed
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  Minimum fluid pressure:
  
  8,336 kPa (85 kgf/cm ² , 1,209 psi)
  CAUTION:
  - 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 6: Checking Steering Fluid Pressure With SST Open
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
9. Measure the fluid pressure at engine speeds of 1,000 rpm and 3,000 rpm.
  Difference fluid pressure:
  
  490 kPa (5 kgf/cm ² , 71 psi) or less
  
  CAUTION: Do not turn the steering wheel.
10. With the engine idling and valve fully opened, turn the steering wheel to full lock.
  
  Fig 7: Checking Steering Fluid Pressure With Steering Wheel In Lock Position
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  Minimum fluid pressure:
  
  8,336 kPa (85 kgf/cm ² ,1,209 psi)
  CAUTION:
  - Do not maintain lock position for more than 10 seconds.
  - Do not let the fluid temperature become too high.
11. Disconnect the SST.
12. Connect the pressure feed tube (See INSTALLATION ).
13. Install the air cleaner assembly with air cleaner hose (See INSTALLATION ).
14. Bleed the power steering system (See BLEEDING ).