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SECTION 6 – 3
173
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Chassis
Specifications174 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking clutch pedal freeplay176 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking brake and clutch fluids176 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking brake pedal freeplay177 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking brake pedal clearance178 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking parking brake adjustment178 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the brake booster179 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking power steering fluid179 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking steering wheel freeplay180 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking automatic transmission fluid181 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking lire pressure182 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rotating tires183 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing tires184 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing snow tires and chains186 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing wheels187 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum wheel precautions187 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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CHASSIS
175 − STEERING
Wheel freeplay
Power steering fluid type
Less than 30 mm (1.2 in.)
Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON®-II
− TIRES AND WHEELS
Tire size
Recommended cold tire inflation pressure:
Vehicle load up to 4 occupants
Vehicle load up to vehicle capacity weight
Spare tire
Trailer towing (conventional and snow tires)
Wheel size
Standard tire
Spare tire
Wheel nut torque
P205/65 R15 92V or P205/65 R15 AS 92V
180 kPa (1.8 kg/cm
2, 26 psi) (Both front and rear)
220 kPa (2.2 kg/cm2, 32 psi) (Both front and rear)
220 kPa (2.2 kg/cm2, 32 psi)
220 kPa (2.2 kg/cm2, 32 psi) (Both front and rear)
15 x 6 JJ (aluminum wheels)
15 x 6 JJ (steel wheel)
103 N.m (10.5 kgf-m, 76 ft-Ib)
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CHASSIS
182
If cold
addIf cold
O.K.
If hot
addIf hot
O.K.
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 hot, the fluid level should be in
the “HOT” range. If the level is at the low side of the appropriate
range, add DEXRON
®-Il automatic transmission fluid to bring
the level within the range. (Fluid is added through the dipstick
tube, using a funnel.)
d. While checking the fluid level, also check the condition. If
the fluid is black or if it smells burnt, have it changed.
CAUTION:
When the engine is running, keep hands and clothing
away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.
Be careful not to touch the hot exhaust manifold.
NOTICE:
Avoid overfilling, or the transmission could be
damaged.
CHECKING TIRE PRESSURE
Label
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 air
pressure for the spare tire should be 40 kPa (0.4 kg/cm
2, 6 psi)
above the recommended cold tire pressure. 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.
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CHASSIS
183 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
passenger 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.
ROTATING TIRES
To equalize the wear of your tires, rotate the tires every
12000 km (7500 miles).
The wheel assemblies must be rotated only between the front
and rear 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 replacing. Tires should be stored in a cool dry place.
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CHASSIS
186It 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 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 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 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.CAUTION:
Snow tires should be inflated to 40 kPa (0.4 kg/cm
2, 6
psi) above the normal cold tire recommendations, but
never above the maximum cold tire pressure shown on
the tire sidewall.
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 region and type of road. Always check the
local regulations before installing chains.
Use SAE Class “S” type radial tire chains, with the exception
of radial cable chains or V-bar type chains.
Chain installation
When installing chains on your tires, carefully follow the
instructions of the chain manufacturer.
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).
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.