On-Vehicle Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Lexus RX 330. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

INSPECT DRIVE BELT
1. Visually check the belt for excessive wear, frayed cords, etc.
  If any defect is found, replace the drive belt.
  
  HINT:
  
  Cracks on the rib side of a belt are considered acceptable. Replace the belt if there are any missing ribs.
BLEED POWER STEERING SYSTEM
1. Check the fluid level.
2. Jack up the front of the vehicle and support it with the stands.
3. Turn the steering wheel.
  1. With the engine stopped, turn the wheel slowly from lock to lock several times.
4. Lower the vehicle.
5. Start the engine.
  1. Run the engine at idle for a few minutes.
6. Turn the steering wheel.
  1. With the engine idling, turn the wheel to left or right full lock position and keep it there for 2 to 3 seconds, then turn the wheel to the opposite full lock position and keep it there for 2 to 3 seconds.
  2. Repeat (1) several times.
7. Stop the engine.
8. Check for forming or emulsification.
  Especially, if the system has to be bled twice because of foaming or emulsification, check for fluid leaks in the system.
  
  Fig 1: Checking Fluid For Foaming Or Emulsification
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
9. Check the fluid level.
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 oil reservoir. If the fluid is cold, check that it is within the COLD LEVEL range.
3. Start the engine and run at idle.
4. Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times to raise fluid temperature.
  Fluid temperature: 75 to 80°C (167 to 176°F)
  
  Fig 2: Checking Fluid Level
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
5. Check for foaming or emulsification.
  If foaming or emulsification is identified, bleed the power steering system.
  
  Fig 3: Checking Fluid 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 re-measure the fluid level in the oil reservoir.
  Maximum fluid level rise: 5 mm (0.20 in.)
  
  If a problem is found, bleed the power steering system.
  
  Fig 4: Measuring Fluid Level
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
9. Check the fluid level.
CHECK STEERING FLUID PRESSURE
1. Disconnect the pressure feed tube (See OVERHAUL ).
2. Connect SST, as shown in the illustration.
  SST 09640-10010 (09641-01010, 09641-01020, 09641-01030)
  
  NOTE: Check that the valve of the SST is in the open position.
  
  Fig 5: Identifying SST Connection
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
3. Bleed the power steering system.
4. Start the engine and run at idle.
5. Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times to raise fluid temperature.
  Fluid temperature: 75 to 80°C (167 to 176°F)
6. With the engine idling, close the valve of the SST and observe the reading on the SST.
  Fluid pressure:
  
  7,800 to 8,300 kPa (80 to 85 kgf/cm ² , 1,131 to 1,204 psi)
  NOTE:
  - Do not keep the valve closed for more than 10 seconds.
  - Do not allow the fluid temperature become too high.
    
    Fig 6: Checking Steering Fluid Pressure (Closed SST Valve)
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
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.
  Difference in fluid pressure:
  
  490 kPa (5 kgf/cm ² , 71 psi) or less
  
  NOTE: Do not turn the steering wheel.
  
  Fig 7: Checking Steering Fluid Pressure (Valve Open)
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
9. With the engine idling and the valve fully opened, turn the steering wheel left or right to full lock position.
  Fluid pressure:
  
  7,800 to 8,300 kPa (80 to 85 kgf/cm ² , 1,131 to 1,204 psi)
  NOTE:
  - Do not keep the steering wheel in the full lock position for more than 10 seconds.
  - Do not allow the fluid temperature become too high.
    
    Fig 8: Checking Steering Fluid Pressure (Valve Fully Opened)
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
10. Disconnect the SST.
  SST 09640-10010 (09641-01010, 09641-01020, 09641-01030)
11. Connect the pressure feed tube (See OVERHAUL ).
12. Bleed the power steering system.
CHECK STEERING EFFORT
1. Center the steering wheel.
2. Remove the steering wheel pad (See REPLACEMENT ).
3. Start the engine and run it at idle.
4. Measure the steering effort in both directions.
  Steering effort (Reference):
  
  6.0 N.m (60 kgf.cm, 53 in.lbf) or less
  
  HINT:
  
  Check tire type, pressure and road surface before making your diagnosis.
  
  Fig 9: Measuring Steering Effort In Both Directions
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
5. Torque the steering wheel set nut.
  Torque: 50 N.m (510 kgf.cm, 37 ft.lbf)
6. Install the steering wheel pad (See REPLACEMENT ).