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.
  Fluid temperature: 80°C (176°F)
  
  Fig 1: Checking Fluid Level In Reservoir
  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 For 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 In Reservoir - Engine Stopped And Idling
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
CHECK STEERING FLUID PRESSURE
1. Remove the air cleaner assembly with air cleaner hose.
2. Disconnect the pressure feed tube from the PS vane pump (See REMOVAL ).
3. Connect SST, as shown below.
  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: Checking Power Steering Fluid Pressure
  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.
  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.
  1. Minimum fluid pressure:
  2. 10,000 kPa (102 kgf/cm ² , 1,451 psi)
  NOTE:
  - Do not keep the valve closed for more than 10 seconds.
  - Do not let the fluid temperature become too high.
  Fig 5: Closing Valve Of SST & Observe Reading On SST
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
8. With the engine idling, open the valve fully.
  
  Fig 6: Opening Valve Fully
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
9. Measure the fluid pressure at engine speeds of 1,000 rpm and 3,000 rpm.
  1. Difference fluid pressure:
  2. 490 kPa (5 kgf/cm ² , 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:
  2. 10,000 kPa (102 kgf/cm ² , 1,451 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.
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 ).
  
  Fig 7: Turning Steering Wheel To Full Lock
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002