Hydraulic System Pressure Test

NOTE: Before testing, fluid temperature should be at least 176°F (80°C).

Disconnect pressure lines from steering gear and pump. Following manufacturer's instructions, install Pressure Gauge (09631-22020 ). See Fig 1.

Fig 1: Installing Pressure Gauge
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
Bleed air from system. See HYDRAULIC SYSTEM BLEEDING under LUBRICATION. Ensure fluid level is correct. Start and idle engine. Close valve and note pressure. Open valve.
CAUTION: DO NOT keep valve closed longer than 10 seconds.

Compare pump pressure reading to specification. See POWER STEERING PUMP PRESSURE TEST SPECIFICATIONS . Replace power steering pump if pressure is less than specified.

POWER STEERING PUMP PRESSURE TEST SPECS

Application	psi (kg/cm² )
3.0L (3VZ-E)	1140 (80)

With valve open, record pressure with engine speed at 1000 and 3000 RPM. Difference between readings should not exceed 71 psi (5.0 kg/cm² ). Replace flow control valve in power steering pump if difference exceeds specification.
On all models except Pickup with electronic power steering, turn wheels against lock, and note pressure reading with valve open. See POWER STEERING PUMP PRESSURE TEST SPECIFICATIONS . If pressure is less than specified, steering gear has internal leak and must be repaired.
On Pickup with electronic power steering, turn wheels to full lock position. Unplug electrical connector from solenoid valve, located on steering gear. See Fig 2.

Fig 2: Connecting Wiring To Solenoid Valve (W/ Elec Power Steering)
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
With valve open and engine speed at 1000 RPM, note pressure. See POWER STEERING PUMP PRESSURE TEST SPECIFICATIONS . If pressure is less than specified, steering gear has internal leak and must be repaired.
Connect battery voltage to solenoid valve electrical connector. See Fig 2. Note pressure reading. Maximum pressure should be 570 psi (40 kg/cm² ).
CAUTION: DO NOT connect voltage to solenoid valve longer than 30 seconds. Allow solenoid valve to cool between test procedures.
If pressure is high, measure resistance between solenoid terminals. Replace solenoid if resistance is not 6-11 ohms. If resistance is okay, connect battery voltage and ground to solenoid connector terminals.
Solenoid valve needle should be drawn into solenoid valve approximately 0.8" (20 mm). Replace solenoid valve if solenoid does not operate as specified.
Reconnect wiring harness to solenoid valve. Note pressure. See POWER STEERING PUMP PRESSURE TEST SPECIFICATIONS . If pressure is less than specified, check electronic power steering system. See STEERING SYSTEM - POWER RECIRCULATING BALL article in this section.