air lexus LS400 1994 Keys and Doors / 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
211
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 pressure
for the spare tire should be 220 kPa (2.2 kg / 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 frequently needs 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 inflation 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
213 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.
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.
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
216Correct 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 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.