Power Steering Fluid: Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Lexus GS 430 and 2004 Lexus GS 300. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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
  
  NOTE:
  Check that the fluid level is within the HOT LEVEL range on the reservoir cap dipstick.
  
  Fig 1: Checking Fluid Level
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  If the fluid is cold, check that it is within the COLD LEVEL range.
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.
  
  Fig 2: Checking For Foaming Or Emulsification
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  If there is foaming or emulsification, bleed power steering system (See POWER STEERING FLUID ).
6. With the engine idling, measure the fluid level in the oil reservoir.
7. Stop the engine.
8. Wait a few minutes and remeasure the fluid level in the oil reservoir.
  
  Fig 3: Measuring Fluid Level In Reservoir
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  Maximum fluid level rise: 5 mm (0.20 in.)
  
  If a problem is found, bleed power steering system (See POWER STEERING FLUID ).
9. Check the fluid level.
CHECK STEERING FLUID PRESSURE

Fig 4: Checking Steering Fluid Pressure
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
1. 3UZ-FE:
  Remove the air cleaner inlet.
2. 3UZ-FE:
  Remove the air cleaner assembly with air cleaner hose. (See INSTALLATION )
3. Disconnect the pressure feed tube from the PS vane pump.
  (2JZ-GE Engine: See POWER STEERING VANE PUMP )
  
  (3UZ-FE Engine: See INSTALLATION )
  
  SST 09023-12700
4. Connect SST, as shown below.
  SST 09640-10010 (09641-01010, 09641-01030, 09641-01060)
  
  NOTE: Check that the valve of the SST is in the open position.
5. Bleed the power steering system (See POWER STEERING FLUID ).
6. Start the engine and run it at idle.
7. Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times to boost fluid temperature.
  Fluid temperature: 80 °C (176 °F)
8. With the engine idling, close the valve of the SST and observe the reading on the SST.
  
  Fig 5: Closing Valve Of SST At Engine Idling
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  Minimum fluid pressure:
  
  8,336 kPa (85 kgf/cm ² , 1,209 psi)
  NOTE:
  - Do not keep the valve closed for more than 10 seconds.
  - Do not let the fluid temperature become too high.
9. With the engine idling, open the valve fully.
  
  Fig 6: Opening Valve Fully At Engine Idling
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
10. Measure the fluid pressure at engine speeds of 1,000 RPM and 3,000 RPM.
  Difference fluid pressure:
  
  490 kPa (5 kgf/cm ² , 71 psi) or less
  
  NOTE: Do not turn the steering wheel.
11. With the engine idling and valve fully opened, turn the steering wheel to full lock.
  
  Fig 7: Opening Valve Fully & Turning Steering Wheel At Engine Idling
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  Minimum fluid pressure:
  
  8,336 kPa (85 kgf/cm ² , 1,209 psi)
  NOTE:
  - Do not maintain lock position for more than 10 seconds.
  - Do not let the fluid temperature become too high.
12. Disconnect the SST.
  SST 09640-10010 (09641-01010, 09641-01030, 09641-01060)
13. Connect the pressure feed tube.
  (2JZ-GE Engine: See POWER STEERING VANE PUMP )
  
  (3UZ-FE Engine: See INSTALLATION )
14. 3UZ-FE Engine:
  Install the air cleaner assembly with air cleaner hose (See INSTALLATION )
15. 3UZ-FE Engine:
  Install the air cleaner inlet.
16. Bleed the power steering system (See POWER STEERING FLUID ).