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CHASSIS
185
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.
CHECKING BRAKE PEDAL
CLEARANCE
70 mm (2.8 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.
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![Lexus ES300 1994 Chassis CHASSIS
186
CHECKING PARKING BRAKE
ADJUSTMENT
5 − 8 clicks
Count the number of clicks as you slowly pull up the
parking brake as far as it will go (approximately 196 N [20
kgf, 44 lb.]). The adjustm Lexus ES300 1994 Chassis CHASSIS
186
CHECKING PARKING BRAKE
ADJUSTMENT
5 − 8 clicks
Count the number of clicks as you slowly pull up the
parking brake as far as it will go (approximately 196 N [20
kgf, 44 lb.]). The adjustm](/manual-img/36/12826/w960_12826-5.png)
CHASSIS
186
CHECKING PARKING BRAKE
ADJUSTMENT
5 − 8 clicks
Count the number of clicks as you slowly pull up the
parking brake as far as it will go (approximately 196 N [20
kgf, 44 lb.]). The adjustment is correct if you hear 5 to 8
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.
2. 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 sink slightly when the
engine stops. Afterward, 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.
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CHASSIS
188
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 lever 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
70C − 80C (160F − 175F), 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 20C − 30C (70F − 85F), 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.)