Steering: Service and Repair

ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION





1. 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. BLEED POWER STEERING SYSTEM
(a) Check the fluid level.
(b) Jack up the front of the 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 times.
(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 left or right to the 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.*1
(2) Repeat (*1) several times.
(g) Stop the engine.





(h) Check for foaming or emulsification. Especially, if the system has to be held twice because of foaming or emulsification, check for fluid leaks in the system.
(i) Check the fluid level.





3. CHECK FLUID LEVEL
(a) Keep the vehicle horizontal.
(b) With the engine stopped, check the fluid level in the reservoir. If necessary, add fluid.
Fluid: ATF DEXRON II or III

HINT: If the fluid is hot, check that the fluid level is within the HOT range. If the fluid is cold, check that the fluid level is within the COLD 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 the power steering system.





(f) With the engine idling, measure the fluid level in the reservoir.
(g) Stop the engine.
(h) Wait a few minutes and remeasure the fluid level in the reservoir.
Maximum fluid level rise: About 5 mm (0.20 in.)
If a problem is found, bleed the power steering system.
(i) Check the fluid level.
4. CHECK STEERING FLUID PRESSURE
(a) Disconnect the pressure feed tube assembly.
(b) 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.

(c) Bleed the power steering system.
(d) Start the engine and run at idle.
(e) Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times to raise fluid temperature.
Fluid temperature: 75 to 80°C (167 to 176°F)








(f) With the engine idling, close the valve of the SST and observe the reading on the SST.
Minimum fluid pressure: 8,336 kPa (85 kgf/cm2, 1,209 psi)

NOTICE:
^ 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.





(g) With the engine idling, fully open the valve.
(h) Measure the fluid pressure at engine speeds of 1,000 rpm and 3,000 rpm.
Difference in fluid pressure: 490 kPa (5 kgf/cm2, 71 psi) or less

NOTICE: Do not turn the steering wheel.

If not within the specified range, check for fluid leaks and replace parts as necessary.





(i) With the engine idling and the valve fully opened, turn the steering wheel left or right to the full lock position. Observe the reading on the SST.
Minimum fluid pressure: 8,336 kPa (85 kgf/cm2, 1,209 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.

If not within the specified range, check for fluid leaks and replace parts as necessary.
(j) Disconnect the SST.
SST 09640-10010 (09641-01010, 09641-01030, 09641-01060)
(k) Connect the pressure feed tube assembly to the vane pump assembly.
(l) Bleed the power steering system.





5. CHECK STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY
(a) Center the steering wheel.
(b) Remove the steering pad.
(c) Start the engine and run at idle.
(d) Measure the steering effort in both directions.
Torque: Steering effort (Reference) 6.0 Nm (60 kgf/cm, 53 in. lbs.) or less

HINT: Check tire type, pressure and road surface before making your diagnosis.

If not within the specified range, check the power steering system.
(e) Tighten the steering wheel set nut.
Torque: 50 Nm (510 kgf/cm, 37 ft. lbs.)
(f) Install the steering pad.