POWER STEERING SYSTEM ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION


  1. CHECK POWER STEERING FLUID LEVEL


    1. Keep the vehicle level.

    2. A01CIZFE03

      With the engine stopped, check the fluid level in the fluid reservoir.

      If necessary, add fluid.

      Fluid
      ATF DEXRON II or III, or equivalent.

      Tech Tips

      If the fluid is hot, check that the fluid level is within the HOT range on the fluid reservoir. If the fluid is cold, check that the fluid level is within the COLD range.

    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. A01CGMDE01

      Check for foaming or emulsification.

      If foaming or emulsification is identified, bleed the power steering system Click here.

    6. A01CJDRE01

      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
      6 mm (0.24 in.)

      If any problem is found, bleed the power steering system Click here.

    9. Check the fluid level.

  2. INSPECT STEERING FLUID PRESSURE


    1. Disconnect the pressure feed hose assembly Click here.

    2. Connect SST as shown in the illustration.

      Note

      Check that the valve of SST is in the open position.

      A01CI4EE01
      SST
      09640-10010   ( 09641-01010, 09641-01020, 09641-01030 )

    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. A01CI93E01

      With the engine idling, close the valve of SST and observe the reading on SST.

      Standard fluid pressure
      10900 to 11800 kPa (111 to 120 kgf/cm2, 1581 to 1711 psi)

      Note


      • Do not keep the valve closed for more than 10 seconds.

      • Do not allow the fluid temperature to become too high.

    7. A01CI3LE01

      With the engine idling, open the valve fully.

    8. Measure the fluid pressure at engine speeds of 1000 rpm and 3000 rpm.

      Fluid pressure difference
      490 kPa (5 kgf/cm2, 71 psi) or less

      Note

      Do not turn the steering wheel.

    9. A01CILGE01

      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
      10900 to 11800 kPa (111 to 120 kgf/cm2, 1581 to 1711 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.

  3. 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.

      Note

      When disconnecting the cable, some systems need to be initialized after the cable is reconnected Click here.

    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.

      Note

      When disconnecting the cable, some systems need to be initialized after the cable is reconnected Click here.

    6. Start the engine and run it at idle.

    7. A01CHTA

      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.

      Note

      When disconnecting the cable, some systems need to be initialized after the cable is reconnected Click here.

    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.

      Note

      When disconnecting the cable, some systems need to be initialized after the cable is reconnected Click here.