On-Vehicle Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Toyota Camry Solara. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

INSPECT DRIVE BELT
1. Visually check the belt for excessive wear, frayed cords, etc.
If any defect is found, replace the drive belt.

HINT:

Cracks on the rib side of a belt are considered acceptable. Replace the belt if there are any missing ribs.

Fig 1: Inspecting Drive Belt
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
BLEED POWER STEERING SYSTEM
1. Check the fluid level (see step 3).
2. Jack up the front of the vehicle and support it with stands.
3. Turn the steering wheel.
  1. With the engine stopped, turn the wheel slowly from lock to lock several times.
4. Lower the vehicle.
5. Start the engine.
  1. Run the engine at idle for a few minutes.
6. Turn the steering wheel.
  1. With the engine idling, turn the wheel to the left or right full lock position and keep it there for 2 to 3 seconds, then turn the wheel to the opposite full lock position and keep it there for 2 to 3 seconds.
  2. Repeat ( 1) several times.
7. Stop the engine.
8. Check for foaming or emulsification.
  Especially, if the system has to be bled twice because of foaming or emulsification, check for fluid leaks in the system.
  
  Fig 2: Checking Foaming Or Emulsification
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
9. Check the fluid level (see step 3).
CHECK FLUID LEVEL
1. Keep the vehicle horizontal.
2. With the engine stopped, check the fluid level in the oil reservoir.
  If necessary, add fluid.
  
  Fluid: ATF DEXRON® II or III
  
  HINT:
  
  When hot, check that the fluid level is within the HOT LEVEL range on the oil reservoir. If the fluid is cold, check that it is within the COLD LEVEL range.
3. Start the engine and run at idle.
4. Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times to raise fluid temperature.
  Fluid temperature: 75 to 80°C (167 to 176°F)
  
  Fig 3: Checking Fluid Level
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
5. Check for foaming or emulsification.
  If foaming or emulsification is identified, bleed the power steering system.
  
  Fig 4: Checking Foaming Or Emulsification
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
6. With the engine idling, measure the fluid level in the oil reservoir.
  
  Fig 5: Measuring Fluid Level In Oil Reservoir (Engine Idling)
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
7. Stop the engine.
8. Wait a few minutes and remeasure the fluid level in the oil reservoir
  Maximum fluid level rise: About 5 mm (0.20 in.)
  
  If a problem is found, bleed the power steering system.
9. Check the fluid level.
CHECK STEERING FLUID PRESSURE
1. Disconnect the pressure feed tube assy (see OVERHAUL ).
2. Connect SST, as shown in Fig 6 .
  SST 09640-10010 (09641-01010, 09641-01020, 09641-01030)
  
  Fig 6: Connecting SST
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  NOTE: Check that the valve of the SST is in the open position.
3. Bleed the power steering system (see step 2.).
4. Start the engine and run at idle.
5. Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times to raise fluid temperature
  Fluid temperature: 75 to 80°C (167 to 176°F)
6. With the engine idling, close the valve of the SST and observe the reading on the SST
  Fluid pressure: 7, 800 to 8, 300 kPa (80 to 85 kgf/cm ² , 1, 131 to 1, 204 psi)
  
  Fig 7: Closing Valve Of SST (Engine Idling)
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  NOTE:
  - Do not keep the valve closed for more than 10 seconds.
  - Do not allow the fluid temperature to become too high.
  If not within the specified range, check for fluid leaks and replace parts as necessary.
7. With the engine idling, fully open the valve.
  
  Fig 8: Opening Valve (Engine Idling)
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
8. Measure the fluid pressure at engine speeds of 1, 000 rpm and 3, 000 rpm
  Difference in fluid pressure: 490 kPa (5 kgf/cm ² , 71 psi) or less
  
  NOTE: Do not turn the steering wheel.
  
  If not within the specified range, check for fluid leaks and replace parts as necessary.
9. With the engine idling and the valve fully opened, turn the steering wheel to the left or right full lock position
  Fluid pressure: 7, 800 to 8, 300 kPa (80 to 85 kgf/cm ² , 1, 131 to 1, 204 psi)
  
  Fig 9: Turning Steering Wheel Left Or Right In Full Lock Position (Engine Idling & Valve Fully Opened)
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  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 not within the specified range, check for fluid leaks and replace parts as necessary.
10. Disconnect the SST
  SST 09640-10010 (09641-01010, 09641-01020, 09641-01030)
11. Connect the pressure feed tube assy
  (see OVERHAUL ).
12. Bleed the power steering system (see step 2.).
CHECK STEERING EFFORT
1. Center the steering wheel.
2. Remove the horn button assy (see HORN ASSY ).
3. Start the engine and run at idle.
4. Measure the steering effort in both directions
  Steering effort (Reference): 6.0 N.m (61 kgf.cm, 53 in.lbf) or less
  
  Fig 10: Measuring Steering Effort In Both Directions
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  HINT:
  
  Check tire type, pressure and road surface before making your diagnosis.
  
  If not within the specified range, check the power steering system (see PROBLEM SYMPTOMS TABLE ).
5. Tighten the steering wheel set nut
  Torque: 50 N.m (510 kgf.cm, 37 ft.lbf)
6. Install the horn button assy (see HORN ASSY ).