engine lexus LS400 1994 Engine / 1994 LS400: CHASSIS

CHASSIS
206
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 dotted line. This brings the fluid to the correct
level when you put the cover back on.
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:
Use caution in filling the reservoir because brake fluid can
harm your eyes and damage painted surfaces.
NOTICE (For vehicles with traction control system only):
Idle the engine while pouring brake fluid into the
reservoir.
CHECKING BRAKE PEDAL
FREEPLAY
1 − 6 mm
(0.04 − 0.24 in.)
With the engine stopped, first reduce the vacuum in the
booster by depressing the brake pedal several times.
Then lightly and slowly press down on the pedal with your
fingers and measure the distance it moves before slight
resistance is felt.
If the freeplay is more or less than specification, have your
Lexus dealer adjust the brakes.

CHASSIS
207
CHECKING BRAKE PEDAL
CLEARANCE
80 mm (3.1 in.) min.
With the engine running, have someone press the brake
pedal several times and then press hard (approximately
490 N [50 kgf, 110 lb.]) on it. The distance from the asphalt
sheet to the top surface of the pedal should not be less
than specified.
If the clearance is less, your Lexus dealer should adjust the
brakes.
CHECKING PARKING BRAKE
ADJUSTMENT
5 − 7 clicks
Count the number of clicks as you slowly press down on
the parking brake pedal as far as it will go (approximately
294 N [30 kgf, 66.1 lb.]). The adjustment is correct if you
hear 5 to 7 clicks.
If you count more or less clicks, have the parking brake
adjusted by your Lexus dealer.
CHECKING THE BRAKE
BOOSTER
Sit in the driver’s seat and follow the instructions given
below. If your brakes do not operate as described, have
them checked at your Lexus dealer.
1. With the engine stopped, depress the brake pedal several
times: the travel distance should not change.

CHASSIS
2082. With the brake fully depressed, start the engine: the pedal
should move down a little when the engine starts.
3. Depress the brake, stop the engine, and hold the pedal in
for about 30 seconds: the pedal should neither sink nor rise.
4. Restart the engine, run it for about a minute and turn it off.
Then firmly depress the brake several times: the pedal travel
should decrease with each application.
CHECKING POWER STEERING
FLUID
Check the fluid level on the dipstick. 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.
If cold O.K.
If cold add
If hot O.K.
If hot add
a. Clean all dirt off the reservoir.
b. Remove the filler cap by turning it counterclockwise and
wipe the dipstick clean.
c. Reinstall the filler cap.
d. 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 to bring the level
within the range.
e. After replacing the filler cap, visually check the steering box
case, vane pump and hose connections for leaks or damage.

CHASSIS
209 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 STEERING WHEEL
FREEPLAY
30 mm (1.2 in.)
Max.
With the vehicle stopped and the front wheels pointed
straight ahead, rock the steering wheel gently back and
forth. If the freeplay is more than specified, have it
inspected by your Lexus dealer.
Use only a very light finger pressure to rock the wheel slowly.
CHECKING AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION FLUID
1. Check the fluid level only when the transmission is at
normal operating temperature. With the vehicle level, first
set the parking brake and then start the engine. While the
engine is idling, depress the brake pedal and shift the
selector level into each position from “P” to “L” and return
to “P”.
If the vehicle has been driven over 16 km or 10 miles (24 km
or 15 miles in frigid temperatures) and the fluid temperature is
70
C − 80
C (160
F − 175
F), the transmission is at normal
operating temperature.
You may check the level when the transmission is cold. If the
vehicle has not been driven for over five hours and the fluid is
about room temperature 20
C − 30
C (70
F − 85
F), the
transmission is cold.
However, checking a cold transmission is to be used for your
reference only and the transmission must be checked again for
correct level at normal operating temperature.
If the vehicle has just been driven for a long time at high speed,
in city traffic in hot weather, or the vehicle has been pulling a
trailer, an accurate fluid level cannot be obtained. Check the
level after the fluid has cooled down (about 30 minutes).

CHASSIS
210
Lock positionUnlock position
2. With the engine still idling, check the fluid level and
condition on the dipstick. If necessary, add automatic
transmission fluid type T-II or equivalent.
a. Turn the dipstick lever clockwise to unlock position, pull it
out and wipe it clean.
b. Fully reinsert the dipstick.
If hot
O.K.If hot
add
If cold
add
c. Pull the dipstick out and look at the fluid level. If the
transmission is cold, the level should be in the “COOL” range
on the dipstick. Similarly, if it is normal operating temperature,
the fluid level should be in the “HOT” range. If the level is at the
low side of either range, add automatic transmission fluid
type T-II or equivalent to bring the level within the range. (Add
fluid through the dipstick tube, using a funnel.)
d. While checking the fluid level, also check its condition. If
the fluid is black or if it smells burnt, have it changed.
e. After checking, return the dipstick to lock position.
CAUTION:
When the engine is running, keep hands and clothing
away from the moving fan and the engine drive belt.
NOTICE:
Avoid overfilling, or the transmission could be
damaged.