Lexus ES300 (1997 year). Manual - part 549

SR05P–01

R09599

Normal

Abnormal

SR–4

–

STEERING

POWER STEERING FLUID

1300

1997 LEXUS ES300   (RM511U)

POWER STEERING FLUID

BLEEDING

1.

CHECK FLUID LEVEL
(See page 

SR–5

)

2.

JACK UP FRONT OF VEHICLE AND SUPPORT IT
WITH STANDS

3.

TURN STEERING WHEEL

With the engine stopped, turn the wheel slowly from lock to lock
several times.
4.

LOWER VEHICLE

5.

START ENGINE

Run the engine at idle for a few minutes.
6.

TURN STEERING WHEEL

(a)

With the engine idling, turn the wheel to left or right full
lock and keep it there for 2–3 seconds, then turn the
wheel to the opposite full lock and keep it there for 2–3 se-
conds.

(b)

Repeat (a) several times.

7.

STOP ENGINE

8.

CHECK FOR FOAMING OR EMULSIFICATION

If the system has to be bled twice specifically because of foam-
ing or emulsification, check for fluid leaks in the system.
9.

CHECK FLUID LEVEL
(See page 

SR–5

)

SR05Q–10

R00427

R09599

Normal

Abnormal

R11562

Engine Idling

Engine Stopped

5 mm (0.2 in.)
or less

–

STEERING

POWER STEERING FLUID

SR–5

1301

1997 LEXUS ES300   (RM511U)

INSPECTION

1.

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

®

 II or III

HINT:
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 it at idle.

(d)

Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times to
boost fluid temperature.
Fluid temperature: 80

°

C (176

°

F)

(e)

Check for foaming or emulsification.
If there is foaming or emulsification, bleed power steering
system.
(See page 

SR–4

)

(f)

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

(g)

Stop the engine.

(h)

Wait a few minutes and remeasure the fluid level in the oil
reservoir.
Maximum fluid level rise: 5 mm (0.20 in.)

If a problem is found, bleed power steering system.
(See page 

SR–4

)

(i)

Check the fluid level.

W03438

Attachment

Attachment

IN

OUT

Pressure Feed Tube

SST

Z15498

Oil
Reservoir

PS Vane
Pump

PS Gear

SST

Closed

SR–6

–

STEERING

POWER STEERING FLUID

1302

1997 LEXUS ES300   (RM511U)

2.

CHECK STEERING FLUID PRESSURE

(a)

Disconnect the pressure feed tube.
(See page 

SR–20

)

(b)

Connect SST, as shown below.
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.
(See page 

SR–4

)

(d)

Start the engine and run it at idle.

(e)

Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times to
boost fluid temperature.
Fluid temperature: 80 

°

C (176 

°

F)

(f)

With the engine idling, close the valve of the SST and ob-
serve the reading on the SST.
Minimum fluid pressure:
7,845 kPa (80 kgf·cm

2

, 1,138 psi)

NOTICE:

Do not keep the valve closed for more than 10 se-
conds.

Do not let the fluid temperature become too high.

Z15499

Oil
Reservoir

PS Vane
Pump

PS Gear

SST

Open

Z15500

Oil
Reservoir

PS Vane
Pump

PS Gear

SST

Open

Lock Position

–

STEERING

POWER STEERING FLUID

SR–7

1303

1997 LEXUS ES300   (RM511U)

(g)

With the engine idling, open the valve fully.

(h)

Measure the fluid pressure at engine speeds of 1,000 rpm
and 3,000 rpm.
Difference fluid pressure:
490 kPa (5 kgf·cm

2

, 71 psi) or less

NOTICE:
Do not turn the steering wheel.

(i)

With the engine idling and valve fully opened, turn the
steering wheel to full lock.
Minimum fluid pressure:
7,845 kPa (80 kgf·cm

2

, 1,138 psi)

NOTICE:

Do not maintain lock position for more than 10 se-
conds.

Do not let the fluid temperature become too high.

(j)

Disconnect the SST.

(k)

Connect the pressure feed tube.
(See page 

SR–27

)

(l)

Bleed the power steering system.
(See page 

SR–4

)