On-Vehicle Inspection
ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION1. INSPECT DRIVE BELT
a. 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.
2. 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(R) II or III
HINT: When hot, 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 at idle.
d. Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times to raise fluid temperature.
Fluid temperature: 75 to 80°C (167 to 176°F)
e. Check for foaming or emulsification.
If foaming or emulsification is identified, bleed air in the power steering system (see step 3).
f. With the engine idling, measure the fluid level in the reservoir.
g. Stop the engine.
h. Wait a few minutes and measure the fluid level in the reservoir again.
Maximum fluid level rise: 5 mm (0.20 inch) or less
If the fluid level rise exceeds the maximum, bleed air in the power steering system (see step 3).
i. Check the fluid level.
3. BLEED AIR IN POWER STEERING SYSTEM
NOTICE: If you replace or separate the components for power steering oil pressure line, bleed air in the power steering system after the operation.
a. Idle the engine at 1,000 rpm or less until bubbles in the fluid disappear. (Be sure not to turn the steering wheel.)
b. When the bubbles disappear, slowly turn the steering wheel from lock to lock 2 or 3 times.
c. Repeat procedures (a) and (b) until the fluid level in the reservoir becomes stable and bubbles disappear. If the fluid level goes below the MAX line, add fluid.
d. When the fluid level becomes stable, increase and decrease oil pressure 2 or 3 times for both left and right by turning the steering wheel to the full lock positions and jiggling it there.
e. Make sure that no bubbles exist in the reservoir. When turning the steering wheel quickly or turning it from lock to lock position, check that the steering wheel is not heavy to turn and there is no abnormal noise or vibration.
f. When there are fluid leaks or abnormalities after bleeding air, repair them and repeat procedures (a) to (e). If the abnormalities still exist, replace the related parts.
4. CHECK STEERING FLUID PRESSURE
a. Put a wrench on the pressure feed tube hose to secure it.
b. Put SST on the flare nut as shown in the illustration.
SST 09023-12701
c. Joint a spinner handle to the SST
HINT: Use an extension bar or universal joint according to a situation.
d. Loosen and disconnect the pressure feed tube.
e. Connect SST as shown in the illustration.
SST 09640-10010 (09641-01010, 09641-01030, 09641-01040)
NOTICE: Check that the valve of the SST is in the open position.
f. Bleed air in the power steering system (see step 2).
g. Start the engine and run at idle.
h. Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times to raise fluid temperature.
Fluid temperature: 75 to 80°C (167 to 176°F)
i. With the engine idling, close the valve of the SST and observe the reading on the SST
Standard fluid pressure: 8,336 to 8,826 kPa (85 to 90 kgf/cm2, 1,209 to 1,280 psi)
NOTICE:
^ Do not keep the valve closed for more than 10 seconds.
^ Do not allow the fluid temperature to become too high.
j. With the engine idling, fully open the valve.
k. Measure the fluid pressure at engine speeds of 1,000 rpm and 3,000 rpm.
Standard fluid pressure difference: 490 kPa (5 kgf/cm2, 71 psi) or less
NOTICE:
^ Do not turn the steering wheel.
^ If the observed value exceeds the standard, check the flow control valve.
l. With the engine idling and the valve fully opened, turn the steering wheel to the right or left full lock position.
Standard fluid pressure: 8,336 to 8,826 kPa (85 to 90 kgf/cm2, 1,209 to 1,280 psi)
NOTICE:
^ 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.
m. Disconnect the SST
SST 09640-10010 (09641-01010, 09641-01030, 09641-01040)
n. Connect the pressure feed tube.
o. Put a wrench on the pressure feed tube hose side to hold it.
p. Put SST on the flare nut as shown in the illustration on the left.
SST 09023-12701
q. Using a torque wrench, tighten the flare nut.
Torque: 40 Nm (410 kgf-cm, 30 ft. lbs.)
HINT:
^ Use a torque wrench with a fulcrum length of 345 mm (13.58 inch).
^ This torque value is effective when SST is parallel to the torque wrench.
r. Bleed air in the power steering system (see step 2).
5. CHECK AIR CONTROL VALVE
a. Turn the air conditioning switch off.
b. Start the engine and run at idle.
c. Fully turn the steering wheel assembly.
d. Check the air control valve assembly.
1. Pinch the vacuum hose of the air control valve.
Standard: The engine speed decreases.
2. Release the vacuum hose of the air control valve.
Standard: The engine speed increases.
If engine speed does not change as specified, check and repair or replace the air control valve assembly and vacuum hoses.
If you replace the air control valve assembly, tighten it to the specified torque.
Torque: 31.4 to 41.2 Nm (320 to 420 kgf-cm, 23 to 30 ft. lbs.)
6. CHECK STEERING EFFORT
a. Center the steering wheel assembly.
b. Remove the horn button assembly.
c. Start the engine and run at idle.
d. Measure the steering effort in both directions.
Steering effort (Reference): 6.9 Nm (70 kgf-cm, 61 inch lbs.) or less
HINT: Check tire type, pressure and road surface before making a diagnosis.
e. Disconnect the PPS solenoid connector.
f. Measure steering effort in both directions.
Standard: Steering effort is heavier than the reference values in procedure (d), and that the power assist is operating.
If steering effort is not as specified, check the PPS solenoid valve.
g. Connect the PPS solenoid connector.
h. Check that the steering wheel assembly set nut is tightened.
Torque: 50 Nm (510 kgf-cm, 37 ft. lbs.)
i. Install the horn button assembly.