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 cap dipstick.
  
  If the fluid is cold, check that it is within the COLD LEVEL range.
  
  Fig 1: Checking Fluid Level (Hot Or Cold)
  Courtesy 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 POWER STEERING FLUID ).
  
  Fig 2: Checking 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.
  Maximum fluid level rise: 5 mm (0.20 in.)
  
  If a problem is found, bleed power steering system (See POWER STEERING FLUID ).
9. Check the fluid level.
  
  Fig 3: Measuring Fluid Level (Engine Idling And Stopped)
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
CHECK STEERING FLUID PRESSURE
1. 3UZ-FE:
  Remove the air cleaner inlet.
2. 3UZ-FE:
  Remove the air cleaner assembly with air cleaner hose.
3. Disconnect the pressure feed tube from the PS vane pump.
  (2JZ-GE Engine: See POWER STEERING VANE PUMP (2JZ-GE) )
  
  (3UZ-FE Engine: See POWER STEERING VANE PUMP (3UZ-FE) )
  
  SST 09023-12700
4. Connect SST, as shown in Fig 4.
  SST 09640-10010 (09641-01010, 09641-01030, 09641-01060)
  
  NOTE: Check that the valve of the SST is in the open position.
  
  Fig 4: Installing SST To Check Steering Fluid Pressure
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
5. Bleed the power steering system (See POWER STEERING FLUID ).
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: Testing Steering Fluid Pressure - 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: Testing Steering Fluid Pressure - SST Valve Opened
  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: Testing Steering Fluid Pressure - SST Valve Opened; Wheels Turned To Lock Position
  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.
  (2JZ-GE Engine: See POWER STEERING VANE PUMP (2JZ-GE) )
  
  (3UZ-FE Engine: See POWER STEERING VANE PUMP (3UZ-FE) )
  
  3UZ-FE Engine:
  
  Install the air cleaner assembly with air cleaner hose.
14. 3UZ-FE Engine:
  Install the air cleaner inlet.
15. Bleed the power steering system (See POWER STEERING FLUID ).