PROCEDURE
INSPECT DRIVE BELT
Visually check the belt for excessive wear, frayed cords, etc.
If any defect is found, replace the drive belt.
Tech Tips
Cracks on the rib side of a belt are considered acceptable. Replace the belt if there are any missing ribs.
BLEED AIR FROM POWER STEERING SYSTEM
Check the fluid level.
Jack up the front of the vehicle and support it with stands.
Turn the steering wheel.
With the engine stopped, turn the wheel slowly from lock to lock several times.
Lower the vehicle.
Start the engine.
Run the engine at idle for a few minutes.
Turn the steering wheel.
With the engine idling, turn the wheel to the left or right full lock position and keep it there for 2 to 3 seconds, and then turn the wheel to the opposite full lock position and keep it there for 2 to 3 seconds.*1
Repeat *1 several times.
Stop the engine.
| *a | CORRECT |
| *b | INCORRECT |
Check for foaming or emulsification.
If the system has to be bled twice specifically because of foaming or emulsification, check for fluid leaks in the power steering system.
Check the fluid level.
CHECK POWER STEERING FLUID LEVEL
| *a | HOT Range |
| *b | COLD Range |
Keep the vehicle horizontal.
With the engine stopped, check the fluid level in the reservoir.
If necessary, add fluid.
| Fluid |
|---|
| ATF "DEXRON" II or III, or equivalent. |
Tech Tips
If the fluid is hot (over 40°C (104°F)), make sure that the fluid level is within the HOT range on the reservoir. If the fluid is cold, make sure that it is within the COLD range.
Start the engine and run it at idle.
Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times to raise the fluid temperature.
| Fluid temperature |
|---|
| 80°C (176°F) |
| *a | CORRECT |
| *b | INCORRECT |
Check for foaming or emulsification.
If foaming or emulsification is identified, bleed air from the power steering system.
| *a | Engine Idling |
| *b | Engine Stopped |
| *c | 5 mm or less |
With the engine idling, measure the fluid level in the reservoir.
Stop the engine.
Wait a few minutes and remeasure the fluid level in the reservoir.
| Maximum increase in fluid level |
|---|
| Approximately 5 mm (0.197 in.) |
If the fluid level increase is more than the maximum, bleed air from the power steering system.
Check the fluid level.
CHECK STEERING FLUID PRESSURE
Disconnect the pressure feed tube from the vane pump.
Connect SST as shown in the illustration below.
| *A | w/o VSC | *B | w/ VSC |
| *1 | Attachment | *2 | Pressure Feed Tube |
| *3 | Union Bolt | *4 | Gasket |
| *a | In | *b | Out |
Note
Check that the valve of SST is in the open position.
Bleed air from the power steering system.
Note
Check the level of power steering fluid and refill as necessary.
Start the engine and run it at idle.
Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times to raise the fluid temperature.
| Fluid temperature |
|---|
| 80°C (176°F) |
| *1 | Power Steering Gear |
| *2 | Power Steering Fluid Reservoir |
| *3 | Power Steering Vane Pump |
| *a | Valve Closed |
With the engine idling, close the valve of SST and observe the reading on SST.
| Standard fluid pressure |
|---|
| 8300 to 8800 kPa (84.7 to 89.7 kgf/cm2, 1204 to 1276 psi) |
Note
Do not keep the valve closed for more than 10 seconds.
Do not allow the fluid temperature to become too high.
If the pressure is not as specified, check for fluid leaks and replace parts as necessary.
| *1 | Power Steering Gear |
| *2 | Power Steering Fluid Reservoir |
| *3 | Power Steering Vane Pump |
| *a | Valve Open |
With the engine idling, open the valve fully.
Measure the fluid pressure at engine speeds of 1000 rpm and 3000 rpm.
| Fluid pressure difference |
|---|
| 490 kPa (5.0 kgf/cm2, 71 psi) or less |
Note
Do not turn the steering wheel.
If the pressure difference is not within the specified range, check for fluid leaks and replace parts as necessary.
| *1 | Power Steering Gear (Lock Position) |
| *2 | Power Steering Fluid Reservoir |
| *3 | Power Steering Vane Pump |
| *a | Valve Open |
With the engine idling and the valve fully open, turn the steering wheel left or right to the full lock position. Observe the reading on SST.
| Standard fluid pressure |
|---|
| 8300 to 8800 kPa (84.7 to 89.7 kgf/cm2, 1204 to 1276 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.
If the pressure is not as specified, check for fluid leaks and replace parts as necessary.
Disconnect SST.
Connect the pressure feed tube to the vane pump.
Bleed air from the power steering system.