Power Steering Fluid: Testing and Inspection

INSPECTION






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

HINT: Check that the fluid level is within the HOT LEVEL range on the reservoir cap dipstick. If the fluid is cold, check that it is within the COLD LEVEL range.

c. Start the engine and run it at idle.
d. Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock 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 power steering system.





f. With the engine idling, measure the fluid level in the oil reservoir.
g. Stop the engine.
h. Wait a few minutes and remeasure the fluid level in the reservoir. If a problem is found, bleed power steering system.
Maximum fluid level rise 5 mm (0.2 inch)
If a problem is found, bleed power steering system.
i. Check fluid level.





2. Check steering fluid pressure.
a. Place matchmarks on the pressure feed tubes.
b. Using SST 09631 - 22020, disconnect the pressure line joint.
c. Connect SST 09640 - 10010 (09641 - 01010, 09641 - 01030, 09641 -01040), as shown.

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





d. Bleed power steering system.
e. Start the engine and run it at idle.
f. Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock 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 (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 (71 psi) or less.

NOTICE: Do not turn the steering wheel.





j. With the engine idling and valve fully opened, turn the wheel to full lock.
Minimum fluid pressure 7,845 kPa (1,138 psi)

NOTICE: Do not maintain lock position for more than 10 seconds. Do not let the fluid temperature become too high.
k. Disconnect the SST.






l. Align the matchmarks on the pressure feed tubes and connect them with SST 09631 - 22020 and torque to 37 Nm (27 ft. lbs.)

HINT: Use a torque wrench with a fulcrum length of 345 mm (13.58 inch). This torque value is effective in case that SST is parallel to a torque torque wrench.

m. Bleed power steering system.