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.
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)
    
    Fig 1: Checking Fluid Level
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
5. Check for foaming or emulsification.
  If there is foaming or emulsification, bleed power steering system (See BLEEDING ).
  
  Fig 2: Checking Power Steering Fluid Foaming Or Emulsification
  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 BLEEDING ).
9. Check the fluid level.
  
  Fig 3: Checking Fluid Level
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
CHECK STEERING FLUID PRESSURE
1. Disconnect the pressure feed tube from the PS gear (See REMOVAL ).
2. Connect SST, as shown in Fig 4 .
  1. SST 09640-10010 (09641-01010, 09641-01030, 09641-01060)
  NOTE: Check that the valve of the SST is in the open position.
  
  Fig 4: Identifying Connection Of SST For Checking Steering Fluid Pressure
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
3. Bleed the power steering system (See BLEEDING ).
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: 6,900 kPa (70 kgf/cm ², 996 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 Steering Fluid Pressure (1 Of 3)
    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: Checking Steering Fluid Pressure (2 Of 3)
  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: 6,900 kPa (70 kgf/cm ², 996 psi)
  NOTE:
  - Do not maintain lock position for more than 10 seconds.
  - Do not let the fluid temperature become too high.
10. Disconnect the SST.
  1. SST 09640-10010 (09641-01010, 09641-01030, 09641-01060)
11. Connect the pressure feed tube to the PS gear (See INSTALLATION ).
12. Bleed the power steering system (See BLEEDING ).
  
  Fig 7: Checking Steering Fluid Pressure (3 Of 3)
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002