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.
  
  Fluid: ATF DEXRON® II or III
  
  HINT:
  
  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.
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 (2UZ-FE And 5VZ-FE Engine)
  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: Inspecting Power Steering Fluid
  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 power steering system (See BLEEDING ).
9. Check the fluid level.
  
  Fig 3: Measuring Fluid Level While Engine Idling And Stopped
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
CHECK STEERING FLUID PRESSURE
1. 5VZ-FE engine:
  Remove the air cleaner assembly (See REMOVAL ).
2. 2UZ-FE engine:
  Remove the air cleaner assembly with air cleaner hose (See REMOVAL ).
3. Disconnect the pressure feed tube from the PS vane pump.
  (5VZ-FE engine: See REMOVAL )
  
  (2UZ-FE engine: See REMOVAL )
4. Connect SST, as shown in the illustration below.
  SST 09640-10010 (09641-01010, 09641-01030, 09641-01060)
  
  NOTE: Check that the valve of the SST is in the open position.
  
  Fig 4: Connecting SST To Pressure Feed Tube (5VZ-FE And 2UZ-FE Engine)
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
5. Bleed the power steering system (See BLEEDING ).
6. Start the engine and run it at idle.
7. Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times to boost fluid temperature.
  Fluid temperature: 80 °C (176 °F)
8. 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: Measuring Fluid Pressure With SST Valve Closed
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
9. With the engine idling, open the valve fully.
10. 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: Measuring Fluid Pressure With SST Valve Open
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
11. With the engine idling and valve fully opened, turn the steering wheel to full lock.
  Minimum fluid pressure: 8,336 kPa (85 kgf/cm ² , 1,209 psi)
  NOTE:
  - Do not maintain lock position for more than 10 seconds.
  - Do not let the fluid temperature become too high.
    
    Fig 7: Measuring Fluid Pressure With SST Valve Fully Open
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
12. Disconnect the SST.
  SST 09640-10010 (09641-01010, 09641-01030, 09641-01060)
13. Connect the pressure feed tube.
  (5VZ-FE engine: See INSTALLATION )
  
  (2UZ-FE engine: See INSTALLATION )
14. 5VZ-FE engine:
  Install the air cleaner assembly (See INSTALLATION ).
15. 2UZ-FE engine:
  Install the air cleaner assembly with air cleaner hose (See INSTALLATION ).
16. Bleed the power steering system (See BLEEDING ).