Power Steering Fluid: Service and Repair

POWER STEERING FLUID


Inspection


FLUID LEVEL
1. Check fluid level with engine stopped.





2. Ensure that fluid level is between MIN and MAX.
3. Fluid levels at HOT and COLD are different. Do not confuse them.

HOT : Fluid temperature 50 - 80�C (122 - 176�F)
COLD : Fluid temperature 0 - 30�C (32 - 86�F)

Recommended fluid : Refer to "Fluids and Lubricants"
Fluid capacity : Refer to ST-53, "General Specifications" General Specifications


CAUTION:
- The fluid level should not exceed the MAX line. Excessive fluid causes fluid leakage from the cap.
- Never reuse drained power steering fluid.

FLUID LEAKAGE





Check hydraulic connections for fluid leakage, cracks, damage, looseness, or wear.
1. Run the engine until the fluid temperature reaches 50 to 80�C
(122 to 176�F) in reservoir tank, and keep engine speed idle.
2. Turn steering wheel several times from full left stop to full right stop.
3. Hold steering wheel at each lock position for five seconds and carefully check for fluid leakage.

CAUTION:
Never hold the steering wheel in a locked position for more than 10 seconds. (There is the possibility that power steering oil pump assembly may be damaged.)
4. If fluid leakage at connections is noticed, then loosen flare nut and then retighten. Do not overtighten connector as this can damage O-ring, washer and connector.
5. If fluid leakage from oil pump is noticed, check oil pump.
6. Check steering gear boots for accumulation of fluid leaked from steering gear.

AIR BLEEDING HYDRAULIC SYSTEM
If air bleeding is not complete, the following symptoms can be observed.
- Bubbles are created in reservoir tank.
- Clicking noise can be heard from oil pump.
- Excessive buzzing in the oil pump.

NOTE:
Fluid noise may occur in the steering gear or oil pump. This does not affect performance or durability of the system.
1. Turn steering wheel several times from full left stop to full right stop with engine off.

CAUTION:
Fill reservoir tank with a sufficient amount of fluid so that fluid level is not below the MIN line while turning steering wheel.
2. Start the engine and hold steering wheel at each lock position for 3 second at idle to check for fluid leakage.
3. Repeat step 2 above several times at approximately 3 second intervals.

CAUTION:
Never hold the steering wheel in a locked position for more than 10 seconds. (There is the possibility that oil pump may be damaged.)
4. Check fluid for bubbles and white contamination.
5. Stop the engine if bubbles and white contamination do not drain out. Perform step 2 and 3 above after waiting until bubbles and white contamination drain out.
6. Stop the engine, and then check fluid level.