POWER STEERING SYSTEM ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION

CHECK POWER STEERING FLUID LEVEL
1. Keep the vehicle level.
2. With the engine stopped, check the fluid level in the fluid reservoir.
  
  If necessary, add fluid.
  
  Fluid
  
  ATF DEXRON II or III, or equivalent.
  
  Fluid temperature
  
  0 to 40°C (32 to 104°F)
  
  Tech Tips
  
  Check that the fluid level is within the MAX LEVEL range on the reservoir.
3. Start the engine and run it at idle.
4. Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times to raise fluid temperature.
  
  Fluid temperature
  
  50 to 60°C (122 to 140°F)
5. Check for foaming or emulsification.
  
  If foaming or emulsification is identified, bleed the power steering system Click here.
6. With the engine idling, measure the fluid level in the fluid reservoir.
7. Stop the engine.
8. Wait a few minutes and remeasure the fluid level in the fluid reservoir.
  
  Maximum fluid level rise
  
  5 mm (0.20 in.)
  
  If any problem is found, bleed the power steering system Click here.
9. Check the fluid level.
INSPECT STEERING FLUID PRESSURE
1. Disconnect the pressure feed hose assembly Click here.
2. Connect SST as shown in the illustration.
  
  SST
  
  09640-10010 ( 09641-01010, 09641-01020, 09641-01030 )
  
  Note
  
  Check that the valve of SST is in the open position.
3. Bleed the power steering system Click here.
4. Start the engine and run it at idle.
5. Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times to raise fluid temperature.
  
  Fluid temperature
  
  50 to 60°C (122 to 140°F)
6. With the engine idling, close the valve of SST and observe the reading on SST.
  
  Standard fluid pressure
  
  9300 to 10000 kPa (95 to 101 kgf/cm², 1349 to 1450 psi)
  Note
  
  Do not keep the valve closed for more than 10 seconds.
  
  Do not allow the fluid temperature to 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.
  
  Fluid pressure difference
  
  490 kPa (5 kgf/cm², 71 psi) or less
  
  Note
  
  Do not turn the steering wheel.
9. With the engine idling and the valve fully opened, turn the steering wheel left or right to the full lock position. Observe the reading on SST.
  
  Standard fluid pressure
  
  9300 to 10000 kPa (95 to 101 kgf/cm², 1349 to 1450 psi)
  Note
  
  Do not keep the steering wheel in the full lock position for more than 10 seconds.
  
  Do not allow the fluid temperature to become too high.
10. Disconnect SST.
11. Connect the pressure feed tube assembly Click here.
12. Bleed the power steering system Click here.
CHECK STEERING EFFORT
1. Stop the vehicle on a level, paved surface and turn the wheels straight ahead.
2. Disconnect the negative (-) battery cable from the battery.
3. Remove the horn button assembly.
  - (See Pub. No. RM1008E, page 50-8)
4. Using a torque wrench, check if the steering wheel set nut is properly tightened.
  
  Torque:
  
  50 N*m { 510 kgf*cm, 37 ft.*lbf }
5. Connect the negative (-) battery cable to the battery.
6. Start the engine and run it at idle.
7. Turn the steering wheel 90 degrees to the right and check steering effort (torque) while turning the wheel. Check the opposite direction in the same manner.
  
  Torque:
  
  Steering effort (Reference)
  
  6.0 N*m { 60 kgf*cm, 53 in.*lbf }
  
  Tech Tips
  
  Check the tire type, pressure, and the road surface before making your diagnosis.
8. Disconnect the negative (-) battery cable from the battery.
9. Tighten the steering wheel set nut.
  
  Torque:
  
  50 N*m { 510 kgf*cm, 37 ft.*lbf }
10. Install the horn button assembly.
  - (See Pub. No. RM1008E, page 50-17)
11. Connect the negative (-) battery cable to the battery.