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
206
SPECIFICATIONS
±AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE
Fluid capacity
Transmission
Drain and refill 3.5 L (3.7 qt., 3.1 Imp.qt.)
Differential0.85 L (0.9 qt., 0.7 Imp.qt.)
Fluid type Automatic transmission fluid D±II or DEXRONIII
(DEXRONII)
±BRAKES
Pedal clearance 70 mm (2.8 in.) Min. *
1
Pedal freeplay 1 ± 6 mm (0.04 ± 0.24 in.)
Brake pad wear limit 1.0 mm (0.04 in.)
Parking brake lining wear limit 1.0 mm (0.04 in.)
Parking brake adjustment 3 ± 6 clicks *
2
Fluid type 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 lbf.)

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

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
212If 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.
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.
You 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
213 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 Standards 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 is 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.
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 tham as a set.

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.