Lexus ES300 1998 Owner's Manuals (in English)

CHASSIS203
SPECIFICATIONS
± AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLEFluid capacity TransmissionDrain and refill
Differential
Fluid type
3.5 L (3.7 qt., 3.1 lmp. qt.)
0.85 L (0.9 qt., 0.7 lmp.qt.)
Automatic transmission fluid D±II or DEXRON
III (DEXRONII)
± 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.)
3 ± 6 clicks *
2
SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3
*1: Minimum pedal clearance when depressed with the pressure of 490 N (50 k\
gf, 110 lbf.) with the engine running
*
2: Parking brake adjustment when depressed with the pressure of 294 N (30 \
kgf, 66 lbf.)

CHASSIS
204
± STEERING
Wheel freeplay
Power steering fluid type
Less than 30 mm (1.2 in.)
Automatic transmission fluid DEXRONII or III
± TIRES AND WHEELSTire 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 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 26 psi) (Both front and rear)
220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 32 psi) (Both front and rear)
220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 32 psi)
220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 32 psi) (Both front and rear)
15 x 6 JJ
103 N´m (10.5 kgf´m, 76 ft´lbf.)

CHASSIS205
CHECKING BRAKE FLUID
63E001
To check the fluid level, simply look at the see±through reservoir. The
level should be between the ºMAXº and ºMINº lines on the tank.
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pa\
ds wear.
So be sure to keep the reservoir filled.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious mec\
hanical
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
ºMAXº 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
206
CHECKING POWER STEERING FLUID
63E002±1
Check the fluid level through the reservoir. 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 (60 C ± 80C or 140F ± 175F).
You may also check the level when the fluid is cold (about room temperatur\
e,
10 C ± 30C or 50F ± 85F) if the engine has not been run for about five
hours.
63E003±1

1 If hot O.K. 2If hot add 3If cold O.K.
4If cold add
Clean all dirt off the reservoir and look at the fluid level. If the fluid is cold,
the level should be in the ºCOLDº range. Similarly, if it is hot, the fluid level
should be in the ºHOTº range. If the level is at the low side of the appropria\
te
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 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.

CHASSIS207
NOTICE
Avoid overfilling, or the power steering could be damaged.
CHECKING TIRE PRESSURE
63E004±1
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 mon\
th.
And don't forget the spare! The air 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.
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 ca\
ps
have been lost, have new ones put on as soon as possible.

CHASSIS
208
ROTATING TIRES
63E005±1
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 an\
d
be sure to install them in the same direction when using them again. Tire\
s
should be stored in a cool dry place.
CHECKING AND REPLACING TIRES
When to replace your tires
63E006

1 New tread 2Tread wear indicator 3Worn tread
Replace the tires when the tread wear indicators show. The location of
the tread wear indicators is shown by the marks such as ºTWIº or º
Dº
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.).

CHASSIS209
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 o\
r location
of a cut or other damage, it should be replaced. If you are not sure, c\
onsult
with your Lexus dealer.
If an air loss occurs while driving, do not continue driving with a deflat\
ed 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 g\
raded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of the\
ir
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
210
Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on braking (straigh\
t
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 performan\
ce
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.
Do not use tires or wheels other than the manufacturer's recommended
size.
It can cause dangerous handling characteristics, resulting in loss of co\
ntrol.
If you need to change from conventional tires to radial tires or vice ve\
rsa,
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 t\
ires
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.

CHASSIS211
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 r egarding the use of tire chains vary according to location or
type of road. Always check the local regulations before installing chains.
Use SAE Class ºSº type radial tire chains, with the exception of radi\
al 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.

CHASSIS
212
REPLACING WHEELS
When to replace your wheels
If you have wheel damage such as bending, cracks or heavy corrosion, the
wheel should be replaced.
If you fail to replace damaged wheels, a tire may slip off a wheel or they may
cause loss of handling control.
Replacement with used wheels is not recommended as they may have been
subjected to rough treatment or high mileage and could fail without warning.
Also, bent wheels which have been straightened may have hidden structural
damage and therefore should not be used. Never use an inner tube in a leaking
wheel which is designed for a tubeless tire.
Wheel selection
When replacing wheels, care should be taken to ensure that they are
equivalent to those removed in load capacity, diameter, rim width, and
offset.
Correct replacement wheels are available at your Lexus dealer.
A wheel of a different size or type may adversely affect handling, wheel and
bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer/odometer calibration, stopping
ability, headlight aim, bumper height, vehicle ground clearance, and tire or
snow chain clearance to the body and chassis.
ALUMINUM WHEEL PRECAUTIONS
 After driving your vehicle the first 1600 km (1000 miles), check that the
wheel nuts are tight.
 If you have rotated, repaired, or changed your tires, check that the whe\
el
nuts are still tight after driving 1600 km (1000 miles).
 When using tire chains, be careful not to damage the aluminum wheels.
 Use only the Lexus wheel nuts and wrench designed for your aluminum
wheels.
 When balancing your wheels, use only Lexus balance weights or
equivalent and a plastic or rubber hammer.
 As with any wheel, periodically check your aluminum wheels for damage.
If damaged, replace immediately.
SUSPENSION AND CHASSIS
CAUTION
Do not modify the suspension/chassis with lift kits, spacers,
springs, etc. It can cause dangerous handling characteristics,
resulting in loss of control.