Sooner or later, the moment comes when you have to say goodbye to your beloved vehicle for a while so that the service station can change the oil for the power steering system. Even experienced drivers are not fully versed in the specifics of this process. To understand what will be done with the car, you need to know the procedure.
First steps
Service station specialists visually evaluate the power steering system. The one in Toyota and Lexus is almost identical. After evaluating the oil level, proceed to pump it out if it is above the permissible level. The old liquid has the ability to remain in the tanks, therefore, during a complete replacement by specialists, up to 2 liters of such a filling is pumped out with a hose.
Before this, the front wheels are hung out, and then the injection and return lines are separated. Specialists unwind the tubes using fittings - these are dark blue plastic round caps.
Next, a new "feed" is introduced. To do this, the assistant starts turning the steering wheel left and right, and the old fluid continues to drain. A new portion is slowly introduced, and until the replacement is visible through the transparent walls of the hose, the procedure does not stop. That is why it is necessary to leave the keys to your car to the service station employees.
Foreign cars are adapted to work in conditions of replenishment of the steering hydraulic system with specialized ATF fluid. After new fluid is visible through the hose, you need to start the car and put it in neutral. Then lubricating fluid is drawn up to the upper mark of the tank. Experts monitor the level, because 10 minutes after pouring, it begins to fall. To even out the indicators and get rid of air bubbles in the tank, rotate the wheel. If the level has dropped noticeably, then you can add a new portion. The experience of the service station staff in working with Toyota and Lexus allows you to adjust the system as efficiently as possible. If the oil level does not fall after the rotation of the wheel, but, on the contrary, grows, we can say that the hydraulic booster is somewhere clogged with decay products or the amount of air in the tank is large. To do this, the filled liquid is again pumped out using a hose of medium diameter, and the flushing starts again.
The main rules for changing the lubricant in the power steering system:
- when draining the liquid, the engine does not turn on;
- the wheels are pre-hung;
- it is impossible to allow the power steering to work dry;
- after filling in a new make-up, the engine must be immediately turned on;
- in order to equalize the liquid level in the tank, it is necessary to turn the steering wheel 10-15 times until it stops;
- Service station specialists regularly check the fluid level, as well as the number of air bubbles: it should decrease with every minute of operation after a new refueling.
The hydraulic booster system for Toyota and Lexus requires special attention from the driver. Due to the fact that the car responds more clearly to commands while driving at any speed, the loss of the chemical properties of the fluid can provoke not only a breakdown, but also an emergency. To avoid this, it is necessary to regularly conduct specialized inspection and measurements of the liquid level. If the car does not show high speed in control, this is the first signal to contact the service station. The station staff will additionally inspect the drive belt, and if it slips, tighten or replace it. It is also worth checking the pump wear level.
For cars with a mileage of up to 50 thousand kilometers, the fluid for the amplifying system is replaced once a year and a half, depending on the operating conditions.
Each owner of a Toyota Camry car makes sure that his car works properly and for a long time. But, as you know, safe traffic on the roads largely depends on timely maintenance. For reliable movement, during maintenance, special attention must be paid to changing the oils of all automotive systems.
One of the most reliable systems in vehicle design is hydraulic steering. The main purpose of the power steering is to comfortably control the direction of movement of the machine. When the car hits rocks or other obstacles, the hydraulic power steering softens the impacts that are transmitted to the steering wheel. In the event of a front tire rupture, power steering increases safety in this situation.
Gur Toyota Camry consists of such elements - a hydraulic cylinder, a pump, a steering gear with a distributor, oil for the system. Without the presence of high-quality lubricating fluid in the hydraulic system, the safe movement of the car is impossible.
That is why during regular maintenance of the machine, special attention should be paid to the quality of the oil used, checking its level. And if necessary, the Toyota Camry power steering fluid should be replaced. Despite the fact that the manufacturer pours oil into the power steering for the entire life of the car, it is simply necessary to replace the substance. Given the difficult road conditions, environmental pollution, the driving style of a motorist, it is necessary to change the oil.
If the owner does not replace the fluid in a timely manner, this will lead to a breakdown and repair of the pump or spool. But since not every car can replace the sealing element, the right solution would be to regularly check the oil level, top up, and, if possible, completely replace the fluid in the power steering in the Camry.
How to change power steering fluid in Toyota Camry?
Car manufacturers in the operating instructions indicate that the gur liquid is filled for the entire period and it is not necessary to change it. But, hydraulic oil loses its quality properties over time. That is why there are planned lubrication changes, and there are also early, emergency ones.
The working oil in the power steering should be replaced once every two years or every 60 thousand kilometers of the car. If the operating conditions of the machine are poor or harsh, the power steering fluid on the Camry is replaced earlier than the recommended period.
Like any fluid, the hydraulic steering oil needs to be changed periodically. How often the fluid should be changed depends on the condition of the steering wheel, the brand of the steering wheel, and the type of fluid being filled.
The success of changing the fluid in the power steering depends on the correct implementation of all steps and compliance with safety regulations. Do not change oil near children or pets. Accidentally spilled grease must be immediately collected by carefully wiping the place of contact with the liquid.
To avoid contact of the spent element with the skin or eyes, the replacement is carried out with goggles and rubber gloves. Before starting to change the lubricant, you need to make sure that all tools and improvised materials are in good condition.
It is recommended to dispose of the old oil upon completion of the replacement.
Untimely replacement of the fluid will lead to a hum when cornering, the steering wheel will start to spin poorly, which will lead to wear of the parts of the Toyota Camry hydraulic system. To avoid serious problems with the repair of hydraulic system components, the oil level should be checked regularly.
Preparation for replacement, list of necessary tools
A high-quality replacement of the Toyota Camry power steering fluid begins with the preparation of this process.
It will help to do everything correctly, prepared in advance list of tools for replacing the fluid in the power steering on a Toyota Camry, which includes:
- Large syringe with a tube;
- New oil;
- Empty dishes for waste fluid;
- Rubber gloves and goggles;
- Jack;
- Funnel of small volume;
- Clean rag.
When choosing a fluid, the owner of the machine should pay attention to the recommendations of the manufacturer. You should not buy oil from unknown persons or at unverified oil sales points.
Before proceeding with the procedure for changing the lubricant, you should check its level and condition. With a slight turbidity of the oil, a partial fluid change is performed. Basically, for reliability and confidence in the quality of the power steering, it is necessary to carry out a complete replacement of the transmission fluid. If the car has a high mileage, in addition to changing the oil, the hydraulic control system should be flushed.
And the last thing you need to pay attention to when preparing for work. Before draining the old oil, the power unit should be warmed up. To do this, it is enough to drive the car for several kilometers, and then turn off the engine. Warm oil flows more easily when drained from the hoses.
Drain
In order to change the Toyota Camry power steering fluid, the first step is to drain the old grease from the system. For this you need:
- Install the car on a viewing hole or jack;
- Raise the front wheels so that they do not touch the ground;
- Unscrew the cover of the expansion tank;
- Disconnect the return hose;
- Use a syringe with a tube to pump out all the oil from the tank;
- Remove the expansion tank by unscrewing the bolts;
- Rinse the tank, removing the remaining liquid;
- Install the tank in place, do not connect the return hose yet;
- Direct one end of the hose into the prepared container, extending it with an additional piece of hose;
- Start the engine by turning the steering wheel in different directions until it stops;
- Drain all oil from the steering hydraulic system;
- Stop the engine.
Waste oil must be inspected for the presence of metal chips, dirt, silver dust. If the old oil is of very poor quality, flushing the entire power steering system is necessary.
Filling with new power steering fluid
After removing all the old liquid, you can start pouring a new substance.
Step-by-step instructions for pouring new fluid into the power steering:
- Having drained all the old oil, plug the tube on the power steering expansion tank where the return hose was removed;
- Fill in new grease to the maximum level;
- Turn the steering wheel to the right and to the left until it stops, do not start the engine;
- The old fluid will begin to drain through the drain hose;
- When the steering wheel is rotated, the oil from the expansion tank will go throughout the power steering system;
- Check the level and add new oil to the Toyota Camry reservoir;
- Turn the steering wheel again. Rotate the wheels until a new light-colored liquid begins to flow from the hose into the container. To clean the pump from air, start the power unit for a few seconds. Liquid should come out of the drain hose in the cleaning comb. Remove the remnants of the old fluid from the expansion tank of the power steering;
- Remove the plug, disconnect the oil drain hose from the return line;
- Connect the return line to the expansion tank;
- Add lubricant to the maximum level;
- Start the engine and, turning the steering wheel, add oil.
At this stage, the process of filling new oil is completed. After a few days, check the fluid level in the expansion tank.
Differences in power steering fluid change in different Toyota models
The process of replacing the power steering fluid in the Toyota Camry and Toyota Highlander models is practically the same. The ongoing fluid replacement in the Toyota Highlander power steering should be carried out in the presence of ATF Dextron III, with a volume of 1.5 liters. When replacing, Mobil ATF 320 can be used.
Toyota Camry in its size is in many ways inferior to the Toyota Highlander model.
Power steering - the mechanism is not complicated and not capricious. And, nevertheless, its correct operation is necessary.
To prolong the operation of the power steering, you should regularly check the oil level in the expansion tank, completely change the fluid once every two years, and do not hold or leave the front wheels in the extreme position. This situation will lead to overheating of the liquid in the Toyota Highlander gur. And most importantly, the entire hydraulic steering system can fail.
How to change the fluid in the power steering yourself. very helpful article guys! Like most components in a car, the power steering also needs maintenance. Although some car manufacturers do not regulate the life of the power steering fluid in any way, believing that it is filled for the entire life of the car and needs only gravy, it is still worth changing the fluid sometimes. Since the liquid is heated during intensive use of the car, its color becomes darker over time, and sometimes it can be accompanied by a burning smell, in such cases an unconditional replacement of the liquid is required. If you decide to replace the fluid yourself, then you will need: A new fluid recommended by the car manufacturer, in the required amount (see the technical documentation for the car). 20 gram syringe with a tube for pumping out old fluid. Container for old liquid (a plastic 1.5 liter bottle is suitable). The fluid in the hydraulic booster can be changed in two ways: 1) by partial replacement. 2) complete replacement. The first method is simpler, but less effective: -Unscrew the cap of the power steering fluid reservoir. -We pick up a syringe with a tube and completely pump out the liquid from the tank. -Fill in new fluid, up to the level. -Start the engine and turn the steering wheel. We turn off the engine and repeat this procedure until we get the desired result. The second method will take you a little more time and effort, but you will achieve almost 100% fluid replacement. Previously, you will need to hang out in front of the car so that the steering wheel can be easily rotated on an idle engine. We unscrew the lid of the hydraulic booster barrel and completely pump out the liquid from it, as in the first method. We loosen the clamps on the hoses suitable for the barrel. After removing the hoses, remove the tank. Rinse it if necessary. Now we have two hoses in our hands. One goes straight to the power steering pump, the second from the steering rack (passes through the cooling tube in front of the radiator). So we won’t need the first one yet, but the second one is the return line, we send it to the plastic bottle prepared by us. We sit behind the wheel and start turning the steering wheel left to right. Thus, we will remove the old fluid from the system. At the same time, some start the engine, in which case the removal of the old fluid will occur many times faster, but I do not practice this method. When the liquid has practically stopped running, we go under the hood. We take the hose going to the pump and insert a funnel into it. Further help would not hurt. We open a bottle with fresh liquid, and pour it into the funnel, and at this time the assistant actively rotates the steering wheel, just like you did before. If there is no assistant, then you will have to do it yourself, having previously secured the hose with a funnel. We add fresh fluid and turn the steering wheel until we see that clean new fluid has gone from the return line. -We put on the hoses and put the tank in place. -Add fluid to the level. - Turn the steering wheel again. -Start the engine, turn the steering wheel. - We turn off the engine and lower it in front of the car. - Top up the fluid again to the level. ==================================== Did you like the article? Then subscribe to.
Today it is difficult to find a car without a hydraulic power steering, except perhaps models from the last century. Equipping a car with a hydraulic steering system (GUR) greatly simplifies wheelbase control. Power steering, like any equipment, requires proper care, and, if necessary, a complete replacement. Replacing the power steering is a very laborious process. Therefore, most car owners trust this stage of maintenance to service station specialists. But, if you wish, you can replace the power steering yourself. The main thing is to follow the step-by-step instructions, which we offer you to study further in our publication.
1. The procedure for removing the power steering
If the hydraulic booster starts to "jump", you will be able to continue driving, but we strongly do not recommend doing this, as the consequences can be the most unpredictable and even deplorable. Realizing the importance of the correct operation of the car control system, it is necessary to take even the most imperceptible signs of a power steering malfunction as seriously as possible, and also promptly eliminate them.
And if it is impossible to repair or change only a part to the mechanism, then the entire unit should be completely replaced. First you need to deal with the external signs of power steering malfunctions. In particular, if you notice one of the following signs in the operation of your car, most likely you will have to replace the power steering:
If you need to apply force while turning the steering wheel, or, conversely, the steering wheel rotates too easily. The problem is most likely a faulty pump. You should check the level of the working fluid in the filling tank. If there is not enough fluid, then the power steering may stop working altogether.
If you feel jerks while holding the steering wheel, as well as difficulties when turning the steering wheel to the right or left when cornering, then this indicates a loose drive belt. Another reason could be a lack of engine idle speed. If the steering wheel is difficult to turn exclusively in one direction, then most likely the problems should be looked for in the oil tank.
If noise is heard in the steering wheel while the car is moving, this may indicate that the tie rod ends were set incorrectly, as a result of which the mount was loosened. Another reason for such a malfunction may be incorrectly attached to the body of the power steering tube.
If the steering wheel turns, then this most likely indicates a jammed device pump valve, since its main function is to control the flow. Or there is not enough pressure in the pump.
If it is almost impossible to drive a car, and the problem is definitely not tire wear, then it is worth checking the control system for the presence of air. Ball joints are also subject to verification. Another reason for such incorrect operation of the control system may be weakening.
If the pump pulley unscrews on its own without your intervention, then most likely the problem is with the shafts of the device, on which the pulley is not installed correctly. Perhaps the shafts are defective.
If, after turning, the wheels with difficulty return to a smooth movement forward, then it is worth reviewing the steering wheel mount with the turn switch, and also pay attention to the tie rods and ball joints. They may have been loosened during use. Another reason could be inaccurate alignment of the flow control valve.
If complications occur while parking the vehicle, the cause may be insufficient pump pressure or a dysfunction in the operation of the power steering pump flow control valve.
If during the verification process you manage to establish that the power steering is really the cause of the malfunctions, then you should also figure out whether it is possible to repair the breakdown. In particularly critical situations, a complete replacement may be required. In this case, for some reason, I want to remember the proverb "greedy pays twice." Often self-replacement of parts in order to save money on repairs shows only excessive optimism of such ideas.
If you nevertheless decide that your power steering is still subject to a complete replacement, and you are going to replace it yourself, please note that this process is very complicated and time-consuming. Unless you belong to the category of those who like to sit in the garage, dig in your car, and this kind of work for you is nothing more than a vacation.
The procedure for removing the power steering is as follows:
1. First you need to thoroughly clean the engine compartment from the dirt accumulated on its nodes.
2. Drain the fluid from the system. In order for it to flow out to the maximum, it is necessary to turn the wheels in one direction or the other.
3. We unscrew the clamp with which the feed tube is attached.
4.
With a hexagon No. 6, we unscrew the screws that secure the steering shaft. To do this, you need to get under the car. It is necessary to note the initial position of the elastic coupling, since this mark will be needed during the installation of a new power steering.
5. With a puller, we disconnect the steering rods from the bipod.
7. The pump is held on a mount with three bolts. Two of them should be unscrewed immediately. The third bolt can be unscrewed only after the timing belt cover bolts have been unscrewed.
8. Substitute a container under the fittings, where all the remaining liquid from the hoses should flow. To do this, they will need to be disconnected one by one. Also, drain the liquid from each one in turn.
9. Well, in order to get the power steering, unscrew the remaining bolt, and you can remove the entire mechanism.
2. Power steering replacement
Before embarking on a complete replacement of the power steering, it is advisable to finally verify the mechanical nature of the problem. Perhaps by replacing the power steering reservoir, you will still be able to solve the problem. And perhaps it will be enough just to clean the tank (although it is quite difficult to clean the filter that is in it) or just change the liquid.
If the damage to the mechanism is incompatible with repair, or you nevertheless decided that it would be better to install a completely new mechanism once it would be much cheaper and more practical than to patch something up every month, then there was only a little left - to pick up a new kit and install it on the car. The new kit includes:
- steering gear;
Hydraulic cylinder;
Expansion tank;
Hose set;
Power steering pump.
3. Installing a new power steering
Let's start assembling the power steering wheel with our own hands:
1. Install the power steering pump on the left side of the engine where it is driven by the V-belt from the crankshaft pulley.
2. Install the second front pump mounting bolt and secure the pulley.
3. Install the hydraulic booster pump front mounting bolt through the hole on the pulley.
4. Tighten the rear mounting bolt.
5.
Connect the pipeline. Make sure that the holes of all tubes are free from plugs and other objects that could close the holes during disassembly so that the working fluid does not leak out. In addition, it is very important to pay attention to the fact that the junction of the pressure pipe and the hydraulic booster pump is sealed with a rubber gasket. We recommend using new O-rings each time a pressure pipe end is dismantled.
6. Fasten the pressure pipe fixing nut.
7. Attach the steam hose to the pump fitting.
8. Tighten the steam hose clamp.
9. Fasten the accessory drive belt.
10. Bleed the power steering system (to get a good result, it is better to use a new hydraulic fluid).
Bleeding the hydraulic booster system must be done as follows:
1. Fill the tank half of the total volume, then, while controlling the liquid level, start slowly turning the steering wheel from the stop in one direction and all the way in the opposite direction. This procedure should be continued until the appearance of bubbles completely stops. If, nevertheless, air enters the tubes due to a sharp drop in the liquid level, you should wait half an hour and repeat the procedure again (be sure to check the liquid level).
2.
Start the engine (while the car is in suspension) and continue pumping at idle, slowly turning the steering wheel. Ideally, air will stop being released at cycle 3-4, but if this does not happen, again you need to wait about another half an hour and repeat everything.
3. Stop the engine and lower the machine to the ground.
4. Start the engine and at idle, repeat the bleeding of the hydraulic system. In this case, you must not forget to ensure that bubbles stop appearing. In the presence of the following "symptoms", the procedure must be repeated every half hour:
The liquid level has decreased by more than 3 mm;
The steering pump began to creak;
Bubbles appeared on the surface.
4.
The final stage in pumping: start the engine and turn the steering wheel from lock to lock, while inspecting the accessible nipple connections of the power steering hydraulic system to avoid the development of leaks. If necessary, replace damaged fitting components or tighten nuts. After all dismantling, repair and installation work is completed, do not forget to double-check the results of your work a few more times. Carefully check all hose and pump connections for unacceptable damage.
We hope that you carefully followed the above instructions, and that after that your car will only delight you with the correct operation of the steering system. And finally, a few tips for operating the power steering of a car:
To avoid overheating of the oil and, in fact, a breakdown of the pump, it is not recommended to hold the steering wheel for more than 5 seconds in the extreme position.
Regularly monitor the fluid level, in no case allow it to fall below the minimum mark.
Inspect connections and lines from time to time. Thus, you will be safe from leakage through the bearings.
If the drive belt is too tight, then it threatens to repair the pump, but if it is loose, it will wear out quickly. For this reason, the degree of its tension must be monitored regularly.
: choosing the right ”we talked in detail about the composition and function of hydraulic fluids for power steering. This material contains details on how long the working fluid lasts and how to replace it correctly.
When to change the oil in the power steering
Some car dealers claim that the hydraulic fluid poured into the power steering from the factory cannot be replaced throughout the life of the car (this mainly applies to the so-called "green" oils). This statement is wrong. Hydraulic fluid is a consumable material for which such concepts as aging during operation are inherent. You need to understand that there are recommended (planned) by the car manufacturer for the replacement of fluid in the power steering (noted in the instruction manual), and there are special replacement periods - early and emergency.
The hydraulic fluid in the power steering is changed ahead of schedule due to the failure of the elements of the steering mechanism (racks, gears, rods). In order for the newly installed steering elements to work smoothly, it is recommended to replace the fluid in the power steering - especially if it has been in operation without replacement for several years.
Emergency replacement of hydraulic fluid in the power steering is carried out in case of depressurization of the hydraulic booster system or failure of its components and mechanisms (hydraulic cylinder, control spool, pump, hoses).
It is necessary periodically, once every six months, to check the level and condition of the hydraulic fluid in the expansion tank.
If the level has dropped (and it should be in the tank between the Min and Max marks), then the system may have been depressurized and the oil is leaving. Then it is necessary to check the condition of all components of the hydraulic booster system, identify the breakdown and fix it. If this is not done in time, the consequences can be sad: increased wear of the working parts of the pump (as a result, failure of the steering mechanism housing in the area of the compression rings), reduced mobility of the pump pressure reducing valve due to insufficient heat removal from the pump components, increased wear of the teeth of the steering rack and gearbox shafts.
We simply check the condition of the working fluid in the power steering: open the expansion tank, use a dipstick to take a certain amount of oil and apply it to a clean sheet of paper. If the liquid is transparent, has a stable color - everything is in order with it. If cloudy, with visible impurities, such oil must be replaced. The appearance of sediment in the hydraulic fluid indicates that its additives no longer cope with their functions due to decomposition during operation. If such a liquid is not replaced, then the oil in the power steering may foam, oxidize, lose its lubricating and anti-corrosion properties, which will lead to a breakdown of the system.
Power Steering Fluid Change: Five Easy Steps
To replace the working fluid in the hydraulic booster, we need: a jack, a medical syringe, a clean rag, a canister of power steering oil. On average, no more than 1 liter of liquid is taken for replacement. The recommended amount can be found in the vehicle owner's manual.
Step 1. We put the car on a lift. If not, then we use two jacks to hang the front wheels.
Step 2 We open the cap of the power steering expansion tank, using a medical syringe we pump out the waste liquid.
The liquid remaining in the tank can be drained by removing the hoses in series (the main one leading to the pump and the return one coming from it) and lowering them into a prepared container (a 1.5 liter plastic bottle will do). First, remove the main hose (usually located below), turn the steering wheel to bleed the system.
The engine does not turn on! When the liquid has stopped dripping, install the main hose in place, remove the return hose and perform the same actions with it.
Step 3 Pour fresh hydraulic fluid into the power steering expansion tank, monitoring its level. The optimal level is between the Min and Max marks. Note that some expansion tanks have four labels: Min Cold and Min Hot, Max Cold and Max Hot. Cold is the level of “cold” liquid, Hot is “hot”, that is, when the car is in operation.
Step 4 Turn the steering wheel left and right to pump fluid through the power steering system. Again we note the oil level according to the marks - if it has become less, add it and so on until we set the optimal level. We twist the cap of the expansion tank.
Step 5 We lower the car from the lift, remove the jacks. We start the engine, drive several kilometers and again measure the fluid level in the power steering reservoir. If it is in the middle of the Min Hot and Max Hot marks, then you no longer need to add oil. If the liquid exceeds the Max Hot level, then a certain amount of liquid must be drained, since during operation (when heated), it can splash out of the tank and flood nearby engine components, which will lead to engine failure.
As you can see, there is no particular difficulty in the process of replacing the working fluid in the power steering. However, it is important to remember that changing the oil in the power steering must be done carefully, using clean improvised means, since the ingress of dirt into the fluid can lead to a deterioration in its performance. For those who are not confident in their own abilities, we advise you to change the fluid in the power steering at the service station - there this operation is carried out on a special stand, which guarantees a high-quality oil change.
