Section 497 (Power Steering Fluid): Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Toyota RAV4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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:
  
  If the fluid is hot, 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 Fluid Hot Level Range & Cold Level Range
  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: Identifying Normal & Abnormal 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.
  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.
  
  Fig 3: Measuring Reservoir Fluid Level With Engine Idling & Stopped
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
CHECK STEERING FLUID PRESSURE
1. Disconnect the pressure feed tube from the P/S 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: Measuring Steering Fluid Pressure
  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:
  
  7,400 kPa (75 kgf/cm ² , 1,067 psi)
  
  Fig 5: Closing SST Valve & Observing Reading On SST
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  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.
8. Measure the fluid pressure at engine speeds of 1,000 RPM and 3,000 RPM.
  Difference fluid pressure:
  
  490 kPa (5 kgf/cm ² , 71 psi) or less
  
  Fig 6: Measuring Fluid Pressure At Engine Speeds Of 1000 & 3000 RPM
  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.
  Minimum fluid pressure:
  
  7,400 kPa (75 kgf/cm ² , 1,067 psi)
  
  Fig 7: Measuring Fluid Pressure With Engine Idling & 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 P/S vane pump (See INSTALLATION ).
12. Bleed the power steering system (See BLEEDING ).