Steering: Service and Repair
ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION
1. INSPECT DRIVE BELT
Visually check the belt for excessive wear, frayed cords, etc. If any defect has been found, replace the drive belt.
HINT: Cracks on the rib side of the belt are considered acceptable. If the belt has chunks missing from the ribs, it should be replaced.
2. BLEED AIR FROM POWER STEERING
a. Check the fluid level.
b. Jack up the front of vehicle and support it with stands.
c. Turn the steering wheel.
1. With the engine stopped, turn the wheel slowly from lock to lock several items.
d. Lower the vehicle.
e. Start the engine.
1. Run the engine at idle for a few minutes.
f. Turn the steering wheel.
1. With the engine idling, turn the wheel to 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 the previous step several times.
g. Stop the engine.
h. Check for forming or emulsification.
If the system has to be bled twice specifically because of forming or emulsification, check for fluid leaks in the system.
i. Check the fluid level.
3. CHECK POWER STEERING 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. 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.
Standard fluid temperature: 80°C (176°F)
e. Check for foaming or emulsification.
If there is foaming or emulsification, bleed air from the 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 oil reservoir.
Maximum fluid level rise: 5 mm (0.20 inch)
If a problem is found, bleed air from the power steering system.
i. Check the fluid level.
4. CHECK STEERING FLUID PRESSURE
a. Remove the air cleaner assembly with air cleaner hose.
b. Disconnect the pressure feed tube from the 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 air from the 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.
Standard 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: 10,000 kPa (102 kgf-cm, 1,451 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.
Standard difference fluid pressure: 490 kPa (5 kgf/cm2, 71 psi) or less
NOTICE: Do not turn the steering wheel.
j. With the engine idling and valve fully opened, turn the steering wheel to full lock.
Minimum fluid pressure: 10,000 kPa (102 kgf-cm, 1,451 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
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.
5. CHECK IDLE-UP
a. Turn the air conditioning switch off.
1. Start the engine and run it at idle.
2. Fully turn the steering wheel.
3. Check that the engine rotations decrease when the vacuum hose of the air control valve is pinched.
4. Check that the engine rotations increase when the hose is released.