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 .
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) .
  
  Fig 1: Identifying Brake Fluid Reservoir Hot & Cold Levels
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
5. Check for foaming or emulsification.
  
  Fig 2: Inspecting For Air Bubbles In Brake Fluid
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  If there is foaming or emulsification, bleed power steering system. See BLEEDING .
6. With the engine idling, measure the fluid level in the oil reservoir.
  
  Fig 3: Acceptable Brake Fluid Reservoir Fluctuations
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
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 BLEEDING .
9. Check the fluid level.
Check steering fluid pressure
1. Disconnect the pressure feed tube from the PS gear. See steps 1-7 of REMOVAL .
2. Connect SST, as shown in Fig 4.
  SST 09640-10010 (09641-01010, 09641-01020, 09641-01030)
  
  NOTE: Check that the valve of the SST is in the open position.
  
  Fig 4: Installing Power Steering System Pressure Tester
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
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: 80 °C (176 °F)
6. With the engine idling, close the valve of the SST and observe the reading on the SST.
  
  Fig 5: Power Steering System Pressure Tester (Valve Closed)
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  Minimum fluid pressure:
  
  7,845 kPa (80 kgf/cm2, 1,138 psi) .
  NOTE:
  - Do not keep the valve closed for more than 10 seconds.
  - Do not let the fluid temperature become too high.
7. With the engine idling, open the valve fully.
  
  Fig 6: Power Steering System Pressure Tester (Valve Open)
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
8. Measure the fluid pressure at engine speeds of 1,000 RPM and 3,000 RPM.
  Difference fluid pressure:
  
  490 kPa (5 kgf/cm2, 71 psi) or less .
9. With the engine idling and valve fully opened, turn the steering wheel to full lock position.
  Minimum fluid pressure:
  
  7,845 kPa (80 kgf/cm2, 1,138 psi) .
10. Disconnect the SST.
  SST 09640-10010 (09641-01010, 09641-01020, 09641-01030)
11. Connect the pressure feed tube to the PS gear. See 3.
12. Bleed the power steering system. See BLEEDING .