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
  
  HINT:
  
  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.
  
  Fig 1: Checking Fluid Level
  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: 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 For Foaming Or Emulsification
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
6. With the engine idling, measure the fluid level in the oil reservoir.
  
  Fig 3: Measuring Fluid Level In Oil Reservoir
  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 vane pump (See REMOVAL ).
2. Connect SST, as shown in Fig 4 .
  SST 09640-10010 (09641-01010, 09641-01030, 09641-01060)
  
  NOTE: Check that the valve of the SST is in the open position.
  
  Fig 4: Checking SST Valve Is In Open Position
  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.
  Minimum fluid pressure: 5,400 kPa (55 kgf/cm² 781 psi)
  
  Fig 5: Observing Reading On SST (Valve Closed)
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  NOTE:
  - Do not keep th 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.
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
  
  Fig 6: Measuring Fluid Pressure (Valve Fully Open)
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  NOTE: Do not turn the steering wheel.
9. With the engine idling and valve fully opened, turn the steering wheel to full lock position.
  Minimum fluid pressure: 5,400 kPa (55 kgf/cm² , 781 psi)
  
  Fig 7: Turning Steering Wheel To Full Lock Position (Valve Fully Opened)
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  NOTE:
  - Do not maintain lock position for more than 10 seconds.
  - Do not let the fluid temperature become too high.
10. Disconnect the SST.
  SST 09640-10010 (09641-01010, 09641-01030, 09641-01060)
11. Connect the pressure feed tube to the PS vane pump (See INSTALLATION ).
12. Bleed the power steering system (See BLEEDING ).