wheel Lexus IS300 2003 Basic Functions / LEXUS 2003 IS300 (OM53439U) Repair Manual

CHASSIS
339
Tire chain selection
63L009a

1Side chain 2Cross chain
Use the tire chains of correct size.
For 225/45ZR17 tires, use the following type chains.mm (in.)
A: Diameter of side chain 3.0 (0.12)
B: Diameter of cross chain 4.0 (0.16)
For P205/55R16 or 215/45ZR17 tires, use SAE Class ºSº type
radial tire chains, with the exception of radial cable chains or
V±bar type chains.
Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary
according to location or type of road. Always check the
local regulations before installing chains.
NOTICE
If the wrong combination of tire and chain is used, the chains could damage the vehicle body.
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.
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.
 When driving with chains installed, be sure to drive
carefully. Slow down before entering the curves to
avoid losing control of the vehicle, it may cause an
accident.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

CHASSIS
340
NOTICE
Do not attempt to use a tire chain on the compact sparetire, as it may result in damage to the vehicle as well asthe tire.
REPLACING WHEELS
When to replace your wheels
If you have wheel damage such as bends, cracks or heavy
corrosion, the wheel should be replaced.
If you fail to replace damaged wheels, the tire may slip off the
wheel or 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.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

CHASSIS
341
CAUTION
Observe the following instructions. Otherwise, an
accident may occur resulting in death or serious
injuries.
Do not use wheels other than the manufacturer's
recommended size, as this may cause dangerous
handling characteristics resulting in loss of control.
ALUMINUM WHEEL PRECAUTIONS
When installing aluminum wheels, check that the wheel
nuts are tight after driving your vehicle the first 1600 km
(1000 miles).
 If you have rotated, repaired, or changed your tires, check
that the wheel 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.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

BODY
362
SPECIFICATIONS (Sedan)
± DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTOverall length
4485 mm (176.6 in.)
Overall width1725 mm (67.9 in.)
Overall height1410 mm (55.5 in.)*
Wheelbase2670 mm (105.1 in.)
Tread ± Front ± Rear1495 mm (58.9 in.)
1485 mm (58.5 in.)
Vehicle capacity weight (occupants + luggage)390 kg (860 lb.)
*Unladen vehicle
± FUEL TANK
Capacity
66 L (17.5 gal., 14.5 lmp.gal.)
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

BODY
363
SPECIFICATIONS (SportCross)
± DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTOverall length
4495 mm (177.0 in.)
Overall width1725 mm (68.0 in.)
Overall height1430 mm (56.3 in.)*
Wheelbase2670 mm (105.1 in.)
Tread ± Front ± Rear1495 mm (58.9 in.)
1475 mm (58.1 in.) (with the 225/45ZR17 tires)
1485 mm (58.5 in.) (except the 225/45ZR17 tires)
Vehicle capacity weight (occupants + luggage)375 kg (827 lb.)
*Unladen vehicle
± FUEL TANK
Capacity
66 L (17.5 gal., 14.5 lmp.gal.)
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

BODY
364
PROTECTING YOUR VEHICLEFROM CORROSION
Proper care of your Lexus can help ensure long±term
corrosion prevention.
The most common causes of corrosion to your vehicle
are:

The accumulation of road salt, dirt and moisture in
hard±to±reach areas under the vehicle.

Chipping of paint or undercoating caused by minor
accidents or by stones and gravel.
The following conditions will cause or accelerate
corrosion of your vehicle, so it is important to keep your
vehicle, particularly the underside, as clean as possible
and to repair any damage to paint or protective coatings
as soon as possible.

The presence of road salt or dust control chemicals, salt in
the air near the sea coast, industrial air pollution.

High humidity, especially at temperatures just above
freezing point.

Certain parts of your vehicle are wet or damp for an
extended period of time, even though other parts of the
vehicle are dry.

Components of the vehicle which are prevented from
quick±drying due to lack of proper ventilation are exposed
to high ambient temperature. To help prevent corrosion on your Lexus, follow these
guidelines:
Keep your vehicle clean by regular washing.
In addition,
observe the following points.

If you drive on salted roads in the winter or if you live near
the ocean, you should hose off the undercarriage at least
once a month to minimize corrosion.

High pressure water or steam is effective for cleaning the
vehicle's underside and wheel housings. Pay particular
attention to these areas as it is difficult to see all the mud and
dirt. It will do more harm than good to simply wet the mud
and debris without removing them. The lower edge of
doors, rocker panels and frame members have drain holes
which should not be allowed to clog with dirt as trapped
water in these areas can cause corrosion.

Wash the underside of the vehicle thoroughly when winter
is over.
See ºWashing and waxingº on page 365 for more tips.
Check the c ondition of your vehicle's paint and trim. If you
find any chips or scratches in the paint, touch them up
immediately to prevent corrosion from starting. If the chips or
scratches have gone through the bare metal, have a qualified
body shop make the repair.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

BODY
365
Check the interior of your vehicle. Water and dirt can
accumulate under the floor mats and could cause corrosion.
Occasionally check under the mats to make sure the area is
dry. Be particularly careful when transporting chemicals,
cleansers,
fertilizers, salt, etc. These should be transported in
proper containers. If a spill or leak should occur, immediately
clean and dry the area.
Keep your vehicle in a well ventilated garage or a roofed
place. Do not park your vehicle in a damp, poorly
ventilated garage. If you wash your vehicle in the garage, or
if you drive it in covered with water or snow, your garage may
be so damp it will cause corrosion. Even if your garage is
heated, a wet vehicle can corrode if the ventilation is poor.
WASHING AND WAXING
Washing your Lexus
Keep your vehicle clean by regular washing.
The following cases may cause weakness to the paint or
corrosion to the body and parts. Wash your vehicle as soon
as possible.

When driving in a coastal area

When driving on a road sprinkled with antifreeze

When having coal tar, tree sap, bird droppings and carcass
of an insect

When driving in the areas where there is a lot of smoke,
soot, dust, iron dust and chemical substance

When the vehicle becomes remarkably dirty with dust and
mud
Hand±washing your Lexus
Work in the shade and wait until the vehicle body is not hot
to the touch.
1. Rinse off loose dirt with a hose. Remove any mud or road
salt from the underside of the vehicle or in the wheel wells.
2. Wash with a mild car±wash soap, mixed according to the
manufacturer's instructions. Use a soft cotton mitt and keep
it wet by dipping it frequently into the wash water. Do not rub
hard ± let the soap and water remove the dirt.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

BODY
366Plastic wheel ornaments:
The plastic wheel ornaments are
damaged easily by organic substances. If any organic
substance splashes an ornament, be sure to wash it off with
water and check if the ornament is damaged.
CAUTION
Do not attach the heavily damaged plastic wheel
ornament. It may fly off the wheel and cause accidents
while the vehicle is moving.
Aluminum wheels: Use only a mild soap or neutral detergent.
Urethane bumpers and side moldings: Wash carefully. Do
not scrub with abrasive cleaners. The bumper and side
molding faces are soft.
Road tar: Remove with turpentine or cleaners that are marked
safe for painted surfaces.
NOTICE
Do not use organic substances (gasoline, kerosene,
benzine or strong solvents), which may be toxic orcause damage.
3. Rinse thoroughly ± dried soap can cause streaking. In hot
weather you may need to rinse each section right after you
wash it.
4. To prevent water spots, dry the vehicle using a clean soft
cotton t owel. Do not rub or press hard ± you might scratch the
paint.
Automatic car wash
NOTICE
To prevent damage to the antenna, make sure it is removed before driving your vehicle through anautomatic car wash.
Your vehicle may be washed in an automatic car wash, but
remember that the paint can be scratched by some type of
brushes, unfiltered washing water, or the washing process
itself. Scratching reduces paint durability and gloss, especially
on darker colors. The manager of the car wash should be able
to advise you whether the process is safe for the paint on your
vehicle.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)