Power Steering Fluid: Testing and Inspection

POWER STEERING FLUID

INSPECTION





1. CHECK FLUID LEVEL
a. Keep the vehicle level.
b. With the engine stopped, check the fluid level in the reservoir.
If necessary, add fluid.
Fluid: ATF DEXRON II or III

HINT: When the fluid is hot, check that the fluid level is within the HOT range on the reservoir/reservoir cap dipstick.

If the fluid is cold, check that it is within the COLD range.
c. Start the engine and run at idle.
d. Turn the steering wheel from the lock position to the other side of lock position several times to boost fluid temperature.
Fluid temperature: 80°C (176°F)





e. Check for foaming or emulsification. If there is foaming or emulsification, bleed the air from the power steering system.





f. With the engine idling, measure the fluid level in the reservoir.
g. Stop the engine.
h. Wait a few minutes and remeasure the fluid level in the reservoir.
Maximum fluid level rise: 5 mm (0.20 inch)
If a problem is found, bleed the air from the power steering system.
i. Check the fluid level.

2. CHECK STEERING FLUID PRESSURE
a. Remove the air cleaner assembly with the air cleaner hose connected.
b. Disconnect the pressure feed tube from the PS vane pump.





c. Connect SST, as shown in the illustration.
SST 09640-10010 (09641-01010, 09641-01030, 09641-01060)

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

d. Bleed the power steering system.
e. Start the engine and run at idle.
f. Turn the steering wheel from the lock position to the other side of lock position several times to boost fluid temperature.
Fluid temperature: 80°C (176°F)





g. With the engine idling, close the valve of the SST and observe the reading on the SST.
Minimum fluid pressure: 8,336 kPa (85 kgf/cm2, 1,209 psi)

NOTICE:
^ Do not keep the valve closed for more than 10 seconds.
^ Do not let the fluid temperature become too high.





h. With the engine idling, open the valve fully.
i. Measure the fluid pressure at engine speeds of 1,000 rpm and 3,000 rpm.
Difference in fluid pressure: 490 kPa (5 kgf/cm2, 71 psi) or less

NOTICE: Do not turn the steering wheel.





j. With the engine idling and the valve fully opened, turn the steering wheel left or right to the full lock position.

Minimum fluid pressure: 8,336 kPa (85 kgf/cm2, 1,209 psi)

NOTICE:
^ Do not maintain the lock position for more than 10 seconds.
^ Do not let the fluid temperature become too high.
k. Disconnect the SST. SST 09640-10010 (09641-01010, 09641-01030, 09641-01060)
l. Connect the pressure feed tube.
m. Install the air cleaner assembly with air cleaner hose.
n. Bleed air from the power steering system.