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Power Steering Fluid: Inspection

  1. 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.

      If the fluid is cold, check that it is within the COLD LEVEL range.

      3. Fig 1: Checking Fluid Level In Oil Reservoir
      G03146369Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    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  ).

      6. Fig 2: Identifying Fluid Foaming Or Emulsification
      G03146370Courtesy 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. Fig 3: Measuring Fluid Level In Oil Reservoir
      G03146371Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    9. Check the fluid level.
  2. CHECK STEERING FLUID PRESSURE 
    1. Remove the air cleaner assembly with air cleaner hose.
    2. Disconnect the pressure feed tube from the PS vane pump.
    3. Connect SST, as shown below.

      SST 09640-10010 (09641-01010, 09641-01030, 09641-01060)

      NOTE: Check that the valve of the SST is in the open position.
      4. Fig 4: Connecting SST To Pump
      G03146372Courtesy 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.

      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.
      8. Fig 5: Checking Fluid Pressure - SST Valve Closed
      G03146373Courtesy 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.
      10. Fig 6: Checking Fluid Pressure - SST Valve Open
      G03146374Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    10. 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.
      11. Fig 7: Checking Fluid Pressure - Valve Fully Opened, Steering Turned To Full Lock
      G03146375Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    11. Disconnect the SST.
    12. Connect the pressure feed tube.
    13. Install the air cleaner assembly with air cleaner hose.
    14. Bleed the power steering system (See BLEEDING  ).
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