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.
  
  Fig 1: Locating Fluid Level
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  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)
5. Check for foaming or emulsification.
  
  Fig 2: Checking Fluid Foaming Or Emulsification
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  If there is foaming or emulsification.
  
  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.
  
  Fig 3: Measuring Fluid Level While Engine Idling And Stop
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  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 below.
  SST 09640-10010 (09641-01010, 09641-01030, 09641-01060)
  
  Fig 4: Checking Feed Tube Pressing Using Special Tool
  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 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: Observing Reading On SST While Engine Idling
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  Minimum fluid pressure:
  
  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.
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.
  
  Fig 6: Measuring Fluid Pressure At Engine 1000 RPM And 3000 RPM
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  Difference fluid pressure:
  
  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.
  
  Fig 7: Turning Steering Wheel Full Lock While Engine Idling
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  Minimum fluid pressure:
  
  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.
  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 See INSTALLATION ).
14. Bleed the power steering system (See BLEEDING ).