1995 Lexus GS300 Chassis

SECTION 6 – 3
185
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Chassis
Specifications186 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking brake fluid188 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking power steering fluid189 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking tire pressure190 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rotating tires191 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing tires191 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing snow tires and chains193 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing wheels194 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum wheel precautions195 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CHASSIS
186
SPECIFICATIONS
− AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Fluid capacity
Drain and refill
Fluid type
1.9 L (2.0 qt., 1.7 Imp.qt.)
Automatic transmission fluid Type T − II or equivalent
− DIFFERENTIAL
Oil capacity
Oil type
Oil viscosity
1.35 L (1.42 qt., 1.19 Imp.qt.)
Hypoid gear oil API GL−5
Above −18
C (0
F): SAE 90
Below −18
C (0
F): SAE 80 W or SAE 80 W−90
− BRAKES
Pedal clearance
Pedal freeplay
Brake pad wear limit
Parking brake lining wear limit
Parking brake adjustment
Fluid type
75 mm (3.0 in.) Min.
1 − 6 mm (0.04 − 0.24 in.)
1.0 mm (0.04 in.)
1.0 mm (0.04 in.)
5 − 7 clicks
SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3

CHASSIS
187 − STEERING
Freeplay
Power steering fluid
Less than 30 mm (1.2 in.)
Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON®−II
− TIRES AND WHEELS
Tire size
Tire inflation pressure
Recommended cold tire inflation pressure
Wheel size
Wheel nut torque
P215 / 60R16 94V
Front 210 kPa (2.1 kg / cm
2 or bar, 30 psi)
Rear 210 kPa (2.1 kg / cm2 or bar, 30 psi)
For sustained high speeds above 160 kg / h (100 mph), in
countries where such speeds are permitted by law, add 90
kPa (1.0 kg / cm
2, 0.9 bar, 13 psi) to the front tires and rear
tires, but never exceed the maximum cold tire pressure
molded on the tire sidewall.
16 x 7 1 / 2 JJ
103 N
.m (10.5 kgf.m, 76 ft.lb.)

CHASSIS
188
CHECKING BRAKE FLUID
Brake fluid reservoir
with traction control system
Brake fluid reservoir
Maximum
level line
Brake fluid reservoir
Maximum level line
Brake fluid reservoir
without traction control system
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 “MAX” line.
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:
Take care when filling the reservoir because brake fluid
can harm your eyes and damage painted surfaces. If fluid
gets in your eyes, flush your eyes with clean water.
NOTICE (For vehicles with traction control system only):
Idle the engine while pouring brake fluid into the
reservoir.

CHASSIS
189
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.
CAUTION:
The reservoir may be hot so be careful not to burn
yourself.
NOTICE:
Avoid overfilling, or the power steering could be
damaged.

CHASSIS
190
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 210 kPa (2.1 kg / cm
2 or bar, 30 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 needs frequent 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 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
191
ROTATING TIRES
To equalize tire wear and help extend tire life, Lexus
recommends that you rotate your tires approximately
every 12000 km (7500 miles). However, the most
appropriate timing for tire rotation may vary according to
your driving habits and road surface conditions.
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 using them again. Tires should be stored in a cool dry
place.
CHECKING AND REPLACING TIRES
When to replace your tires
New treadTread wear indicatorWorn tread
Replace the tires when the tread wear indicators show.
The location of the tread wear indicators is shown by the
“TWI” or “
” marks molded on the sidewall of each tire.
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.

CHASSIS
192If 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.