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Home >> Nissan-Datsun >> 2004 >> Sentra SE-R >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 1936 (Power Steering) >> Power Steering System >> On-Vehicle Inspection

On-Vehicle Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Scion tC. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. 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.

      Fig 1: Inspecting Drive Belt
      G04223363Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  2. BLEED POWER STEERING SYSTEM 
    1. Check the fluid level.
    2. Jack up the front of the vehicle and support it with 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 steering wheel to the left or right full lock position and keep it there for 2 to 3 seconds, and then turn the wheel to the opposite full lock position and keep it there for 2 to 3 seconds.
      2. Repeat the step above several times.
    7. Stop the engine.
    8. Check for foaming or emulsification. Especially, if the system has to be bled twice because of foaming or emulsification, check for fluid leaks in the system.
    9. Check the fluid level.
      Fig 2: Checking Power Steering Fluid For Foaming Or Emulsification
      G04223364Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  3. CHECK POWER STEERING FLUID LEVEL 
    1. Keep the vehicle level.
    2. With the engine stopped, check the fluid level in the oil reservoir.

      If necessary, add fluid.

      Fig 3: Checking Power Steering Fluid Level
      G04223365Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

      Fluid: ATF "DEXRON" II or III 

      HINT:

      When hot, check that the fluid level is within the HOT range on the oil reservoir. If the fluid is cold, check that it is within the COLD range.

    3. Start the engine and run it at idle.
    4. Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times to raise fluid temperature.

      Standard fluid temperature: 75 to 80°C (167 to 176°F) 

    5. Check for foaming or emulsification. If foaming or emulsification is identified, bleed the power steering system.
      Fig 4: Checking Power Steering Fluid For Foaming Or Emulsification
      G04223366Courtesy 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 the power steering system.

    9. Check the fluid level.
      Fig 5: Measuring Fluid Level In Oil Reservoir
      G04223367Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  4. CHECK STEERING FLUID PRESSURE 
    1. Disconnect the pressure feed tube (see REMOVAL  ).
    2. Connect SST, as shown in the illustration.

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

      NOTE: Check that the valve of the SST is in the open position.
    3. Bleed the power steering system.
    4. Start the engine and run it at idle.
    5. Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times to raise fluid temperature.

      Standard fluid temperature: 75 to 80°C (167 to 176°F) 

      Fig 6: Connecting SST
      G04223368Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    6. With the engine idling, close the valve of the SST and observe the reading on the SST.

      Standard 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 to become too high.

      If not within the specified range, check for fluid leaks and replace parts as necessary.

      Fig 7: Checking Power Steering Fluid Pressure (Valve Closed)
      G04223369Courtesy 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.

      Standard difference in fluid pressure: 490 kPa (5 kgf/cm 2  , 71 psi) or less 

      NOTE: Do not turn the steering wheel.

      If not within the specified range, check for fluid leaks and replace parts as necessary.

      Fig 8: Checking Power Steering Fluid Pressure (Valve Open)
      G04223370Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    9. With the engine idling and the valve fully opened, turn the steering wheel to the left or right full lock position.

      Standard 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 to become too high.
      Fig 9: Checking Power Steering Fluid Pressure (Valve Open)
      G04223371Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

      If not within the specified range, check for fluid leaks and replace parts as necessary.

    10. Disconnect the SST.

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

      Connect the pressure feed tube (see REMOVAL  ).

    11. Bleed the power steering system.
  5. CHECK STEERING EFFORT 
    1. Center the steering wheel.
    2. Remove the steering wheel pad (see REMOVAL ).
    3. Start the engine and run it at idle.
    4. Measure the steering effort in both directions.

      Standard effort (Reference): 5.5 N*m (56 kgf*cm, 49 in.*lbf) or less 

      HINT:

      Check tire type, pressure and road surface before making your diagnosis.

      If not within the specified range, check the power steering system (see SYSTEM DESCRIPTION  ).

    5. Torque the steering wheel set nut.

      Torque: 50 N*m (510 kgf*cm, 37 ft.*lbf) 

    6. Install the steering wheel pad (see INSTALLATION ).
    Fig 10: Checking Steering Effort
    G04223372Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002