lexus LS400 1998 Electrical Components / LEXUS 1998 LS400 OWNER'S MANUAL (OM50498U)

SECTION 6 3
236
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Chassis
Specifications 237. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking brake fluid 239. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking power steering fluid 240. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking tire pressure 241. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rotating tires 242. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing tires 243. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing snow tires and chains 245. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing wheels 247. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum wheel precautions 247. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension and chassis 247. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CHASSIS
237
SPECIFICATIONS
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Fluid capacity
Drain and refill
Fluid type
1.9 L (2.0 qt., 1.7 lmp.qt.)
Automatic transmission fluid Type T IV or equivalent
DIFFERENTIAL
Oil capacity
Oil type
Oil viscosity
1.3 L (1.4 qt., 1.1 lmp.qt.)
Hypoid gear oil API GL5
Above 18C (0F): SAE 90
Below 18C (0F): SAE 80W or SAE 80W90
BRAKES
Pedal clearance
Pedal freeplay
Brake pad wear limit
Parking brake lining wear limit
Parking brake adjustment
Fluid type
70 mm (2.8 in.) Min. *1
1 6 mm (0.04 0.24 in.)
1.0 mm (0.04 in.)
1.0 mm (0.04 in.)
5 7 clicks *
2
SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3
*1: Minimum pedal clearance when depressed with the pressure of 490 N (50 kgf, 110 lbf.) with the engine running
*
2: Parking brake adjustment when depressed with the pressure of 294 N (30 kgf, 66.1 lbf.)

CHASSIS
238 STEERING
Freeplay
Power steering fluid
Less than 30 mm (1.2 in.)
Automatic transmission fluid DEXRONII or III
TIRES AND WHEELS
Tire size
Tire inflation pressure
Recommended cold tire inflation pressure
Vehicle load up to four occupants
Vehicle loaded up to vehicle capacity weight
Wheel size
Wheel nut torque
P225/60R16 97V
Front 200 kPa (2.0 kgf/cm
2
or bar, 29 psi)
Rear 200 kPa (2.0 kgf/cm2 or bar, 29 psi)
Front 220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 32 psi)
Rear 220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 32 psi)
For sustained high speeds above 160 km/h (100 mph), in
countries where such speeds are permitted by law, add 80 kPa (0.9
kgf/cm
2, 0.8 bar, 12 psi) to the front tires and rear tires, but never
exceed the maximum cold tire pressure molded on the tire
sidewall.
16 x 7 JJ
103 N·m (10.5 kgf·m, 76 ft·lbf.)

CHASSIS
239
CHECKING BRAKE FLUID
63L0012
To check the fluid level, simply look at the seethrough reservoir.
The level should be between the ”MAX” and ”MIN” 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 ”MAX” 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.

CHASSIS
240
CHECKING POWER STEERING
FLUID
63L0021
Check the fluid level on the dipstick. If necessary, add automatic
transmission fluid DEXRONII 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 (60C
8 0C or 140F 175F). You may also check the level when the
fluid is cold (about room temperature, 10C 30C or 50F 85F)
if the engine has not been run for about five hours.
63L0031
1
If cold O.K. 2
If hot O.K. 3
Add fluid
1. Clean all dirt off the reservoir.
2. Remove the filler cap by turning it counterclockwise and wipe the
dipstick clean.
3. Reinstall the filler cap.
4. Remove the filler cap again and look at the fluid level. If the fluid
is cold, the level should be in the ”COLD” range on the dipstick.
Similarly, if it is hot, the fluid level should be in the ”HOT” range.
If the level is at the low side of either range, add automatic
transmission fluid DEXRON
II or III to bring the level within the
range.
5. After replacing the filler cap, visually check the steering box case,
vane pump and hose connections for leaks or damage.

CHASSIS
241
CAUTION
The reservoir may be hot so be careful not to burn yourself.
NOTICE
Avoid overfilling, or the power steering could be damaged.
When adding the power steering fluid, avoid spilling it. The
generator under the power steering reservoir could be
damaged if fluid is spilled on it.
CHECKING TIRE PRESSURE
63L004-1
The recommended cold tire pressures, tire size and the vehicle
capacity weight are given on the label inside the glovebox lid.
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 be 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.

CHASSIS
242High 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.
ROTATING TIRES
63L007-2
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. If the
optional chromeplated wheels are mounted, rotate them as pattern
A. For the standard wheels, use pattern B.
When rotating tires, check for uneven wear and damage. Abnormal
wear is usually caused by incorrect tire pressure, improper wheel
alignment, outof 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.

CHASSIS
243
CHECKING AND REPLACING
TIRES
When to replace your tires
63L006-2
1
New tread 2
Tread wear indicator
3
Worn tread
Replace the tires when the tread wear indicators show. The
location of the tread wear indicators is shown by the ”TWI” or
”
Δ” marks molded on the sidewall of each tire.
The tires on your Lexus have builtin 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.).If you have tire damage such as cuts, splits, cracks deep enough
to expose the fabric, or bulges indicating internal damage, the
tire should be replaced.
If a tire often goes flat or cannot be properly repaired due to the size
or location of a cut or other damage, it should be replaced. If you are
not sure, consult with your Lexus dealer.
If an air loss occurs while driving, do not continue driving with a
deflated tire. Driving even a short distance can damage a tire beyond
repair.
Any tires which are over 6 years old must be checked by a
qualified technician even if damage is not obvious.
Tires deteriorate with age even if they have never or seldom been
used.
This also applies to the spare tire and tires stored for future use.

CHASSIS
244
Uniform tire quality grading
This information has been prepared in accordance with
regulations issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation. It
provides the purchasers and/or prospective purchasers of Lexus
vehicles with information on uniform tire quality grading.
Your Lexus dealer will help answer any questions you may have
as you read this information.
DOT quality grades All passenger vehicle tires must conform
to Federal Safety Requirements in addition to these grades.
These quality grades are molded on the sidewall.
Treadwear The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on
a specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150
would wear one and a half (1 1/2) times as well on the government
course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and may
depart significantly from the norm due to variations in driving
habits, service practices and differences in road characteristics and
climate.
Traction A, B, C The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
A, B and C, and they represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance.Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on braking
(straight ahead) traction tests and does not include cornering
(turning) traction.
Temperature A, B, C The temperature grades are A (the highest),
B, and C, representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat
and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained
high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and
reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire
failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all
passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required
by law.
Warning: The temperature grade of this tire established for a tire that
is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.

CHASSIS
245
Tire selection
When replacing a tire, use only the same size and construction
as originally installed and with the same or greater load capacity.
Using any other size or type of tire may seriously affect handling,
ride, speedometer/odometer calibration, ground clearance, and
clearance between the body and tires or snow chains.
Do not mix radial, belted, or conventional tires on your vehicle.
Do not use tires or wheels other than the manufacturer’s
recommended size.
It can cause dangerous handling characteristics, resulting in loss of
control. If you need to change from conventional tires to radial tires
or vice versa, replace them as a set.
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.