Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
On-Vehicle Inspection
- INSPECT DRIVE BELT
- 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. If the missing chunks from the ribs are found on the belt, it should be replaced.
- Visually check the belt for excessive wear, frayed cords, etc.
- BLEED POWER STEERING SYSTEM
- Check the fluid level.
- Jack up the front of the vehicle and support it with the stands.
- Turn the steering wheel.
- With the engine stopped, turn the wheel slowly from lock to lock several times.
- Lower the vehicle.
- Start the engine.
- Run the engine at idle for a few minutes.
- Turn the steering wheel.
- With the engine idling, turn the wheel to left or right full lock position and keep it there for 2 - 3 seconds, then turn the wheel to the opposite full lock position and keep it there for 2 - 3 seconds.
- Repeat (1) several times.
- Stop the engine.
- Check for foaming or emulsification. Especially, if the system has to be bled twice because of foaming or emulsification, check for fluid leaks in the system.
- Check the fluid level.
- CHECK FLUID LEVEL
- Keep the vehicle level.
- With the engine stopped, check the fluid level in the oil reservoir.
If necessary, add fluid.
Fluid: ATF DEXRON & reg; II or III
HINT:
Check that the fluid level is within the HOT LEVEL range on the reservoir cap. If the fluid is cold, check that it is within the COLD LEVEL 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 - 80°C (167 - 176°F)
- Check for foaming or emulsification.
If foaming or emulsification is identified, bleed the power steering system.
- With the engine idling, measure the fluid level in the oil reservoir.
- Stop the engine.
- Wait a few minutes and measure the fluid level in the oil reservoir again.
Maximum fluid level rise: 5 mm (0.20 in.)
If a problem is found, bleed the power steering system.
- Check the fluid level.
- CHECK STEERING FLUID PRESSURE
- Disconnect the pressure feed tube from the PS gear (See OVERHAUL ).
- Connect SST, as shown in the illustration.
SST 09640-10010 (09641-01010, 09641-01020, 09641-01030)
NOTE: Check that the valve of the SST is in the open position. - Bleed the power steering system.
- 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 - 80 °C (167 - 176 °F)
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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