Section 564 (Power Steering Fluid): Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Toyota Sequoia. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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.
  
  Fluid: ATF DEXRON® II or III
  
  NOTE: Check that the fluid level is within the HOT LEVEL range on the reservoir/reservoir cap dipstick.
  
  If the fluid is cold, check that it is within the COLD LEVEL range.
  
  Fig 1: Checking Steering Fluid Level
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
3. Start the engine and run it at idle.
4. Turn the steering wheel from the lock position to the other side of lock position several times to boost fluid temperature.
  Fluid temperature: 80°C (176°F)
5. Check for foaming or emulsification.
  If there is foaming or emulsification, bleed the air in the 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.
  Maximum fluid level rise: 5 mm (0.20 in.)
  
  If a problem is found, bleed the air in the 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. Remove the air cleaner assembly with air cleaner hose connected (See COMPONENTS ).
2. Disconnect the pressure feed tube from the PS vane pump (See COMPONENTS ).
3. Connect SST, as shown in the illustration.
  SST 09640- 10010 (09641- 01010, 09641- 01030, 09641- 01060)
  
  Fig 4: Connecting SST
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  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 the lock position to the other side of lock position 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.
  Minimum fluid pressure:
  
  8,336 kPa (85 kgf/cm ² , 1,209 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 Fluid Pressure (1 Of 3)
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
8. With the engine idling, open the valve fully.
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
  
  NOTE: Do not turn the steering wheel.
  
  Fig 6: Checking Fluid Pressure (2 Of 3)
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
10. With the engine idling and valve fully opened, turn the steering wheel to full lock position.
  Minimum fluid pressure:
  
  8,336 kPa (85 kgf/cm ² , 1,209 psi)
  NOTE:
  - Do not maintain the lock position for more than 10 seconds.
  - Do not let the fluid temperature become too high.
    
    Fig 7: Checking Fluid Pressure (3 Of 3)
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
11. Disconnect the SST.
  SST 09640- 10010 (09641- 01010, 09641- 01030, 09641- 01060)
12. Connect the pressure feed tube (See INSTALLATION ).
13. Install the air cleaner assembly with air cleaner hose (See INSTALLATION ).
14. Bleed the air in the power steering system (See BLEEDING ).