checking Lexus ES300 1997 Service Procedures And Specifications: Chassis

205
SECTION 6 ± 3
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Chassis
Specifications 206
Checking brake fluid 208
Checking power steering fluid 209
Checking tire pressure 210
Rotating tires 211
Checking and replacing tires 211
Installing snow tires and chains 214
Replacing wheels 215
Aluminum wheel precautions 216
Suspension and chassis 216

CHASSIS
208
CHECKING BRAKE FLUID
To check the fluid level, simply look at the see±through
reservoir. The level should be between the ªMAXº and
ªMINº lines on the tank.
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the
brake pads wear. So be sure to keep the reservoir filled.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a
serious mechanical problem.
If the level is low, add FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3 or SAE
J1703 brake fluid to the brake reservoir.
Remove and replace the reservoir cover by hand. Add brake
fluid up to the ªMAXº line.
Use only newly opened brake fluid. Once opened, brake fluid
absorbs moisture from the air, and excess moisture can
cause a dangerous loss of braking efficiency.
CAUTION!
Take care when filling the reservoir because brake
fluid can harm your eyes and damage painted
surfaces. If fluid gets in your eyes, flush your eyes
with clean water.
NOTICE
If you spill some of the fluid, be sure to wash it off
with water to prevent it from damaging the parts or
paintwork.

CHASSIS
209
CHECKING POWER STEERING
FLUID
Check the fluid level on the dipstick. If necessary, add
automatic transmission fluid DEXRON)II or III.
If the vehicle has been driven around 80 km/h (50 mph) for
20 minutes (a little more in frigid temperatures), the fluid is
hot (605C±805C or 1405F±1755F). You may also check the
level when the fluid is cold (about room temperature,
105C±305C or 505F±855F) if the engine has not been run for
about five hours.

If hot O.K. If hot add If cold O.K.
 If cold add
Clean all dirt off the ressevior and lok at the fluid level. If the
fluid is cold, the level should be in the ªCOLDº range.
Similarly, if it is hot, the fluid level should be in the ªHOTº
range. If the level is at the low side of the appropriate range,
add automatic transmission fluid DEXRON
)II or III to bring
the level within the range.
To remove the filler cap, turn it counterclockwise and lift it up.
To reinstall it, turn it clockwise. After replacing the filler cap,
visually check the steering box case, vane pump and hose
connections for leaks or damage.
CAUTION!
The reservoir may be hot so be careful not to burn
yourself.

CHASSIS
210
NOTICE
Avoid overfilling, or the power steering could be
damaged.
CHECKING TIRE PRESSURE
The recommended cold tire pressures, tire size and the
vehicle capacity weight are given on the label.
You should check the tire pressures every two weeks, or at
least once a month. And don't forget the spare! The pressure
for the spare tire should 220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 32 psi).
Incorrect tire pressure can reduce tire life and make your
vehicle less safe to drive.Low tire pressure results in excessive wear, poor handling,
reduced fuel economy, and the possibility of blowouts from
overheated tires. Also, low tire pressure can cause poor
sealing of the tire bead. If the tire pressure is excessively low,
there is the possibility of wheel deformation and/or tire
separation. So keep your tire pressures at the proper level.
If a tire needs frequent refilling, have it checked by your
Lexus dealer.
High tire pressure produces a harsh ride, handling problems,
excessive wear at the center of the tire tread, and a greater
possibility of tire damage from road hazards.
The following instructions for checking tire pressure should
be observed:
The pressure should be checked only when the tires
are cold. If your vehicle has been parked for at least 3
hours and has not been driven for more than 1.5 km or 1
mile since, you will get an accurate cold tire pressure
reading.
Always use a tire pressure gauge. The appearance of
the tire can be misleading. Besides, tire pressures that are
even just a few pounds off can degrade handling and ride.
Do not bleed or reduce tire pressure after driving. It is
normal for the tire pressure to be higher after driving.
Never exceed the vehicle capacity weight. The
passengers and luggage weight should be located so that
the vehicle is balanced.
Be sure to reinstall the tire valve caps. Without the valve
caps, dirt or moisture could get into the valve core and
cause air leakage. If the caps have been lost, have new
ones put on as soon as possible.

CHASSIS
211
ROTATING TIRES
To equalize tire wear and help extend tire life, Lexus
recommends that you rotate your tires approximately
every 12000 km (7500 miles). However, the most
appropriate timing for tire rotation may vary according
to your driving habits and road surface conditions.
The wheel assemblies must be rotated as illustrated above.
When rotating tires, check for uneven wear and damage.
Abnormal wear is usually caused by incorrect tire pressure,
improper wheel alignment, out±of±balance wheels, or
severe braking.
Before storing radial, snow or studded tires, mark the
direction of rotation and be sure to install them in the same
direction when using them again. Tires should be stored in
a cool dry place.
CHECKING AND REPLACING TIRES
When to replace your tires

New treadTread wear indicatorWorn tread
Replace your tires when the tread wear indicators show.
The location of the tread wear indicators is shown by
the ªTWIº or ªDº marks molded on the sidewall of each
tire.
The tires on your Lexus have built±in tread wear indicators
to help you know when the tires need replacement. When
the tread depth wears to 1.6 mm (0.06 in.) or less, the
indicators will appear. If you can see the indicators in two or
more adjacent grooves, the tire should be replaced.
The effectiveness of snow tires is lost if the tread wears
down below 4 mm (0.16 in.).

CHASSIS
214
INSTALLING SNOW TIRES AND
CHAINS
When to use snow tires or chains
Snow tires or chains are recommended when driving on
snow or ice.
On wet or dry roads, conventional or radial tires provide
better traction than snow or studded tires.
Snow tire selection
If you need snow tires, select the same size,
construction and load capacity as the original tires on
your Lexus.
Do not use tires other than stated above. Since your vehicle
has radial tires as original equipment, make sure your snow
tires also have radial construction. Do not install studded
tires without first checking local regulations for possible
restrictions.
Snow tire installation
Snow tires should be installed on all wheels.
Installing snow tires on the rear wheels only can lead to an
excessive difference in road grip capability between the front
and rear tires which could cause loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Snow tires should be inflated to the same
pressure as the original tires.
Never drive over 120 km/h (75 mph) with any type
of snow tires.
Tire chain selection
Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary
according to location or type of road. Always check the
local regulations before installing chains.
Use SAE Class ªSº type radial tire chains, with the exception
of radial cable chains or V±bar type chains.
Chain installation
Install the chains on the rear tires as tightly as possible.
Do not use tire chains on the front tires. Retighten
chains after driving 0.5 ± 1.0 km (1/4 ± 1/2 mile).
When installing chains on your tires, carefully follow the
instructions of the chain manufacturer.