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.
  
  Fig 1: Checking Fluid Level
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  If necessary, add fluid.
  
  Fluid: ATF DEXRON® II or III
  
  NOTE:
  Check that the fluid level is within the HOT LEVEL range on the reservoir cap dipstick. If the fluid is cold, check that it is within the COLD LEVEL range.
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)
5. Check for foaming or emulsification.
  If there is foaming or emulsification, bleed power steering system (See BLEEDING ).
  
  Fig 2: Checking Steering Fluid
  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.
  
  Fig 3: Measuring Fluid Level In Oil Reservoir
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  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. 5VZ-FE Engine:
  Loosen the 3 bolts and air cleaner assembly (See COMPONENTS ).
2. Disconnect the pressure feed tube from the PS vane pump
  (2RZ-FE, 3RZ-FE Engines: See step 2 of REMOVAL ).
  
  (5VZ-FE Engine: See step 1 of REMOVAL ).
3. Connect SST, as shown in Fig 4.
  SST 09640-10010 (09641-01010, 09641-01030, 09641-01060)
4. Bleed the power steering system (See BLEEDING ).
5. Start the engine and run it at idle.
6. Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times to boost fluid temperature.
  Fluid temperature: 80 °C (176 °F)
7. With the engine idling, close the valve of the SST and observe the reading on the SST.
  
  Fig 5: Checking Fluid Pressure With SST (Closed Position)
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  Minimum fluid pressure:
  
  8,336 kPa (85 kgf/cm ² , 1,209 psi)
  CAUTION:
  - Do not keep the valve closed for more than 10 seconds.
  - Do not let the fluid temperature become too high.
8. With the engine idling, open the valve fully.
  
  Fig 6: Checking Fluid Pressure With SST (Open Position)
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
9. 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
10. With the engine idling and valve fully opened, turn the steering wheel to full lock.
  Minimum fluid pressure:
  
  8,336 kPa (85 kgf/cm ² , 1,209 psi)
11. Disconnect the SST.
12. Connect the pressure feed tube
  (2RZ-FE, 3RZ-FE Engines: See step 3 of INSTALLATION ).
  
  (5VZ-FE Engine: See step 3 of INSTALLATION ).
13. 5VZ-FE Engine:
  Install the air cleaner and 3 bolts (See COMPONENTS ).
14. Bleed the power steering system (See BLEEDING ).