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 Maximum-Minimum
    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 ).
  
  Fig 3: Measuring Fluid Level While Engine Idling & Engine Stopped
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
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.
  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 Steering Fluid Pressure Hose Components
  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: Inspecting Steering Oil Pressure Using SST When Valve Close
  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.
  1. Difference fluid pressure:
  2. 490 kPa (5 kgf/cm ² , 71 psi) or less
  NOTE: Do not turn the steering wheel.
  
  Fig 6: Checking Pressure When Valve Fully Open
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
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.
  1. SST 09640-10010 (09641-01010, 09641-01030, 09641-01060)
  Fig 7: Checking Oil Pressure When Valve Lock Position
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
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 ).