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.
  
  If the fluid is cold, check that it is within the COLD LEVEL range.
  
  Fig 1: Checking Fluid Level In Oil 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: 80°C (176°F)
5. Check for foaming or emulsification.
  If there is foaming or emulsification, bleed power steering system (See POWER STEERING FLUID ).
  
  Fig 2: Check 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 (Engine Idling)
  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 (0.200040 in.)
  
  If a problem is found, bleed power steering system (See POWER STEERING FLUID ).
9. Check the fluid level.
CHECK STEERING FLUID PRESSURE
1. Remove the air cleaner assembly with air cleaner hose (See REMOVAL ).
2. Disconnect the pressure feed tube from the PS vane pump (See REMOVAL ).
3. 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 Steering Fluid Pressure Using SST
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
4. Bleed the power steering system (See POWER STEERING FLUID ).
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.
  Minimum fluid pressure: 10,000 kPa (1020005 kgf/cm ² 0006, 1,451 psi)
  NOTE:
  - Do not keep the valve closed for more than 10 seconds.
  - Do not let the fluid temperature become too high.
    
    Fig 5: Measuring Fluid Pressure (SST Valve Closed)
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
8. With the engine idling, open the valve fully.
9. Measure the fluid pressure at engine speeds of 1,000 rpm and 3,000 rpm.
  Difference fluid pressure: 490 kPa (5 kgf/cm ² 0007, 71 psi) or less
  
  NOTE: Do not turn the steering wheel.
  
  Fig 6: Measuring Fluid Pressure (SST Valve Open)
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
10. With the engine idling and valve fully opened, turn the steering wheel to full lock.
  Minimum fluid pressure: 10,000 kPa (1020008 kgf/cm ² 0009, 1,451 psi)
  NOTE:
  - Do not maintain lock position for more than 10 seconds.
  - Do not let the fluid temperature become too high.
  Fig 7: Measuring Fluid Pressure (SST Valve Fully Open)
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
11. Disconnect the SST.
  SST 09640-10010 (09641-01010, 09641-01030, 09641-01060)
12. Connect the pressure feed tube (See INSTALLATION ).
13. Install the air cleaner assembly with air cleaner hose (See INSTALLATION ).
14. Bleed the power steering system (See POWER STEERING FLUID ).