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: TOYOTA POWER STEERING FLUID EH (Part No. 08886-01206) or equivalent
  
  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.
  
  Fig 1: Identifying HOT/COLD Fluid Level Ranges On Reservoir
  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: 50°C (122°F)
5. Check for foaming or emulsification. If there is foaming or emulsification, bleed power steering system. See BLEEDING .
  
  Fig 2: Noting Foaming Or Emulsification In Fluid Reservoir
  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.)
  
  Fig 3: Noting Maximum Fluid Level Rise
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  If a problem is found, bleed power steering system. See BLEEDING .
9. Check the fluid level.
Check steering fluid pressure.
1. Disconnect the pressure feed tube from the PS vane pump. See step 4 under REMOVAL.
2. Connect SST, as shown in Fig 4.
  SST 09640-10010 (09641-01010, 09641-01020, 09641-01030)
  
  Fig 4: Using SST To Test Steering Fluid Pressure
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  NOTE: Check that the valve of the SST is in the open position.
3. Bleed the power steering system. See BLEEDING .
4. Start the engine and run it at idle.
5. Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times to boost fluid temperature.
  Fluid temperature: 50°C (122°F)
6. With the engine idling, close the valve of the SST and observe the reading on the SST.
  Minimum fluid pressure: 4,900 kPa (50 kgf/cm ² , 711 psi)
  CAUTION:
  - Do not keep the valve closed for more than 10 seconds.
  - Do not let the fluid temperature become too high.
    
    Fig 5: Noting Valve Position On SST (Closed)
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
7. With the engine idling and valve fully opened, turn the steering wheel to full lock.
  
  Fig 6: Noting Valve Position On SST (Open)
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  Minimum fluid pressure: 4,900 kPa (50 kgf/cm ² , 711 psi)
  NOTE:
  - Do not maintain lock position for more than 10 seconds.
  - Do not let the fluid temperature become too high.
8. Disconnect the SST.
  SST 09640-10010 (09641-01010, 09641-01030, 09641-01060)
9. Connect the pressure feed tube to the PS vane pump. See INSTALLATION .
10. Bleed the power steering system. See BLEEDING .