Power Steering System On-Vehicle Inspection

Visually check the drive 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.

Keep the vehicle level.

With the engine stopped, check the fluid level in the fluid reservoir.
If necessary, add fluid.

Fluid:

ATF DEXRON II or III, or equivalent

HINT:

If the fluid is hot, check that the fluid level is within the HOT range on the fluid reservoir. If the fluid is cold, check that the fluid level is within the COLD range.

Start the engine and run it at idle.

Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times to raise fluid temperature.

Fluid temperature:

75°C (167°F) to 80°C (176°F)

Check for foaming or emulsification.
If foaming or emulsification is identified, bleed the power steering system (CAMRY_ACV40 RM000001BOQ005X.html).

With the engine idling, measure the fluid level in the fluid reservoir.

Stop the engine.

Wait a few minutes and remeasure the fluid level in the fluid reservoir.

Maximum fluid level rise:

5 mm (0.20 in.)

Check the fluid level.

Disconnect the pressure feed tube assembly from the vane pump assembly (CAMRY_ACV40 RM000001A1S006X.html for 2AZ-FE, CAMRY_ACV40 RM000001A1S007X.html for 2GR-FE).

Connect SST as shown in the illustration.

SST

09640-10010(09641-01010,09641-01060,09641-01030)

NOTICE:

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

Bleed the power steering system (CAMRY_ACV40 RM000001BOQ005X_01_0001.html).

Start the engine and run it at idle.

Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times to raise fluid temperature.

Fluid temperature:

75°C (167°F) to 80°C (176°F)

With the engine idling, close the valve of the SST and observe the reading on the SST.

Standard fluid pressure:

7,800 to 8,300 kPa (79.5 to 84.6 kgf/cm², 1,131 to 1,204 psi)

NOTICE:

1. Do not keep the valve closed for more than 10 seconds.
   
2. Do not allow the fluid temperature to become too high.
   

With the engine idling, open the valve fully.

Measure the fluid pressure at engine speeds of 1,000 rpm and 3,000 rpm.

Fluid pressure difference:

490 kPa (5 kgf/cm², 71 psi) or less

NOTICE:

Do not turn the steering wheel.

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.

Standard fluid pressure:

7,800 to 8,300 kPa (79.5 to 84.6 kgf/cm², 1,131 to 1,204 psi)

NOTICE:

1. Do not keep the steering wheel in the full lock position for more than 10 seconds.
   
2. Do not allow the fluid temperature to become too high.
   

Disconnect the SST.

Connect the pressure feed tube assembly to the vane pump assembly (CAMRY_ACV40 RM000001A1P006X.html for 2AZ-FE, CAMRY_ACV40 RM000001A1P007X.html for 2GR-FE).

Bleed the power steering system (CAMRY_ACV40 RM000001BOQ005X_01_0001.html).

Stop the vehicle on a level, paved surface and turn the wheels straight ahead.

Disconnect the negative (-) battery cable from the battery.

CAUTION:

Wait at least 90 seconds after disconnecting the cable from the negative (-) battery terminal to prevent airbag and seat belt pretensioner activation.

Remove the steering pad (CAMRY_ACV40 RM000000UW800QX.html).

Connect the negative (-) battery cable to the battery.

Using a torque wrench, check if the steering wheel set nut is properly tightened.

Torque:

50 N*m{510 kgf*cm, 37 ft.*lbf}

Start the engine and run it at idle.

Turn the steering wheel 90 degrees to the right and check steering effort (torque) while turning the wheel. Check the opposite direction in the same manner.

Steering effort (Reference):

6.5 N*m (66 kgf*cm, 58 in.*lbf)

HINT:

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

Disconnect the negative (-) battery cable from the battery.

Torque the steering wheel set nut.

Torque:

50 N*m{510 kgf*cm, 37 ft.*lbf}

Install the steering pad (CAMRY_ACV40 RM000000UW600RX.html).

Connect the negative (-) battery cable to the battery.

Clear the DTCs (CAMRY_ACV40 RM000000XFE014X.html).

Inspect the airbag warning light (CAMRY_ACV40 RM000000XFD015X.html).