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.
  
  Fig 1: Identifying Hot And Cold Level Range On Reservoir
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  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. 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.
  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.
  
  Fig 3: Identifying Fluid Level When Engine Idling & Engine Stopped
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
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 power steering system (See BLEEDING ).
9. Check the fluid level.
Check Steering Fluid Pressure
1. Disconnect the pressure feed tube from the PS gear (See POWER STEERING GEAR .
2. Connect SST, as shown in the illustration below.
  SST 09640-10010 (09641-01010, 09641-01020, 09641-01030)
  
  Fig 4: Check Steering Fluid Pressure By Connecting SST
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  NOTE: Check that the valve of the SST is in the open position.
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.
  Fluid temperature: 80 °C (176 °F)
6. With the engine idling, close the valve of the SST and observe the reading on the SST.
  
  Fig 5: Closing Valve Of SST & Observing Reading On SST
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  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.
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.
  
  Fig 6: Engine Idling & Valve Fully Open
  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.
9. With the engine idling and valve fully opened, turn the steering wheel to full lock position.
  
  Fig 7: Valve Fully Opened & Steering Wheel To Full Lock Position
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  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.
10. Disconnect the SST.
  SST 09640-10010 (09641-01010, 09641-01020, 09641-01030)
11. Connect the pressure feed tube to the PS gear (See POWER STEERING GEAR ).
12. Bleed the power steering system (See BLEEDING ).