Lexus ES300 1995 Chassis

SECTION 6 – 3
177
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Chassis
Specifications178 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking brake fluid180 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking power steering fluid181 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking tire pressure182 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rotating tires183 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing tires183 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing snow tires and chains186 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing wheels187 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum wheel precautions187 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CHASSIS
178
SPECIFICATIONS
− AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE
Fluid capacity
TRANSMISSION
Drain and refill
DIFFERENTIAL
Fluid type
3.5 L (3.7 qt., 3.1 Imp. qt.)
0.85 L (0.9 qt., 0.7 Imp.qt.)
Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON
®−II
− BRAKES
Minimum pedal clearance when depressed
Pedal freeplay
Pad wear limit
Parking brake lining wear limit
Parking brake adjustment
Fluid type
70 mm (2.8 in.) Min.
1 − 6 mm (0.04 − 0.24 in.)
1.0 mm (0.04 in.)
1.0 mm (0.04 in.)
5 − 8 clicks
SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3

CHASSIS
179 − STEERING
Wheel freeplay
Power steering fluid type
Less than 30 mm (1.2 in.)
Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON®−II
− TIRES AND WHEELS
Tire size
Recommended cold tire inflation pressure
Vehicle load up to 4 occupants
Vehicle loaded up to vehicle capacity weight
Spare tire
Trailer towing (conventional and snow tires)
Wheel size
Wheel nut torque
P205 / 65 R15 92V
180 kPa (1.8 kg / cm
2 or bar, 26 psi) (Both front and rear)
220 kPa (2.2 kg / cm2 or bar, 32 psi) (Both front and rear)
220 kPa (2.2 kg / cm2 or bar, 32 psi)
220 kPa (2.2 kg / cm2 or bar, 32 psi) (Both front and rear)
15 x 6 JJ
103 N
.m (10.5 kgf.m, 76 ft.lb.)

CHASSIS
Brake fluid reservoir
Maximum level line
180
CHECKING BRAKE FLUID
To check the fluid level, simply look at the see−through
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.
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
If cold O.K.
If hot add
If hot O.K.
If cold add
181
CHECKING POWER STEERING
FLUID
Check the fluid level through the reservoir. If necessary,
add automatic transmission fluid DEXRON®−II.
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
(60
C − 80
C or 140
F − 175
F). You may also check the level
when the fluid is cold (about room temperature, 10
C − 30
C
or 50
F − 85
F) if the engine has not been run for about five
hours.Clean all dirt off the reservoir and look at the fluid level. If the
fluid is cold, the level should be in the “COLD” range. Similarly,
if it is hot, the fluid level should be in the “HOT” range. If the
level is at the low side of the appropriate range, add automatic
transmission fluid DEXRON
®−II to bring the level within the
range.
To remove the filler cap, turin it counterclockwise and lift 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.
NOTICE:
Avoid overfilling, or the power steering could be
damaged.

CHASSIS
182
CHECKING TIRE PRESSURE
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 air
pressure for the spare tire should be 30 kPa (0.3 kg / cm
2 or bar,
4 psi) above the recommended cold tire pressure. 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
New treadWorn tread
Tread wear indicator
183
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 only between the front
and rear 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
Replace the tires when the tread wear indicators show.
The location of the tread wear indicators is shown by the
“TWI” or “
” 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.).
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.

CHASSIS
184If 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.
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.

CHASSIS
185 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.
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.
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.

CHASSIS
186
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 front 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 “S” type radial tire chains, with the exception
of radial cable chains or V−bar type chains.
Chain installation
Install the chains on the front tires as tightly as possible.
Do not use tire chains on the rear 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.
CAUTION:
Do not exceed 50 km / h (30 mph) or the chain
manufacturer’s recommended speed limit, whichever
is lower.
Drive carefully avoiding bumps, holes, and sharp turns,
which may cause the vehicle to bounce.
Avoid sharp turns or locked−wheel braking, as use of
chains may adversely affect vehicle handling.