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.
  If necessary, add fluid.
  1. Fluid: ATF DEXRON® II or III
  HINT:
  
  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.
  
  Fig 1: Checking Fluid Level
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
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.
  If there is foaming or emulsification, bleed power steering system (See POWER STEERING FLUID ).
  
  Fig 2: Checking Foaming
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
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.
  1. Maximum fluid level rise: 5 mm (0.20 in.)
  If a problem is found, bleed power steering system (See POWER STEERING FLUID ).
9. Check the fluid level.
Fig 3: Measuring Fluid Level
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
CHECK STEERING FLUID PRESSURE
1. Disconnect the pressure feed tube (See REMOVAL ).
2. Connect SST to pressure feed tube, as shown in the illustration below.
  1. SST 09640-10010 (09641-01010, 09641-01020, 09641-01030)
  NOTE: Check that the valve of the SST is in the open position.
  
  Fig 4: Connecting SST Pressure Feed Tube
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
3. Bleed the power steering system (See POWER STEERING FLUID ).
4. Start the engine and run it at idle.
5. Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times to boost fluid temperature.
  1. Fluid temperature: 80 °C (176 °F)
6. With the engine idling, close the valve of the SST and observe the reading on the SST.
  1. Minimum fluid pressure: 7,845 kPa (80 kgf/cm ² , 1,138 psi)
  NOTE:
  - Do not keep the valve closed for more than 10 seconds.
  - Do not let the fluid temperature become too high.
  Fig 5: Checking Valve Of SST Position
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
7. With the engine idling, open the valve fully.
8. Measure the fluid pressure at engine speeds of 1,000 rpm and 3,000 rpm.
  1. Difference fluid pressure: 490 kPa (5 kgf/cm ² , 71 psi) or less
  NOTE: Do not turn the steering wheel.
  
  Fig 6: Measuring The Fluid Pressure At Engine Speeds
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
9. With the engine idling and valve fully opened, turn the steering wheel to full lock position.
  1. Minimum fluid pressure: 7,845 kPa (80 kgf/cm ² , 1,138 psi)
  NOTE:
  - Do not maintain lock position for more than 10 seconds.
  - Do not let the fluid temperature become too high.
  Fig 7: Connecting The Pressure Feed Tube
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
10. Disconnect the SST.
  1. SST 09640-10010 (09641-01010, 09641-01030, 09641-01060)
11. Connect the pressure feed tube (See INSTALLATION ).
12. Bleed the power steering system (See POWER STEERING FLUID ).