CHASSIS
203
CHECKING POWER STEERING
FLUID
Check the fluid level on the dipstick. If necessary, add
automatic transmission fluid DEXRON II or III.
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 (60C±80C or 140F±175F). You may also check the
level when the fluid is cold (about room temperature,
10C±30C or 50F±85F) if engine has not been run for
about five hours.
If cold O.K.If hot O.K.Add fluid
1. Clean all dirt off the reservoir.
2. Remove the filler cap by turning it counterclockwise and
wipe the dipstick clean.
3. Reinstall the filler cap.
4. Remove the filler cap again and look at the fluid level. If
the fluid is cold, the level should be in the ªCOLDº range on
the dipstick. Similarly, if it is hot, the fluid level should be in
the ªHOTº range. If the level is at the low side of either range,
add automatic transmission fluid DEXRON
II or III to bring
the level within the range.
5. After replacing the filler cap, visually check the steering
box case, vane pump and hose connections for leaks or
damage.
CHASSIS
209
Tire chain selection
Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary
according to location or type of road. Always check the
local regulations before installing chains.
Use SAE Class ªSº type radial tire chains, with the exception
of radial cable chains or V±bar type chains.
Chain installation
Install the chains on the rear tires as tightly as possible.
Do not use tire chains on the front tires. Retighten
chains after driving 0.5 ± 1.0 km (1/4 ± 1/2 mile).
When installing chains on your tires, carefully follow the
instructions of the chain manufacturer.
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.
REPLACING WHEELS
When to replace your wheels
If you have wheel damage such as bending, cracks or
heavy corrosion, the wheel should be replaced.
If you fail to replace damaged wheels, a tire may slip off a
wheel or they may cause loss of handling control.
Replacement with used wheels is not recommended as they
may have been subjected to rough treatment or high mileage
and could fail without warning. Also, bent wheels which have
been straightened may have hidden structural damage and
therefore should not be used. Never use an inner tube in a
leaking wheel which is designed for a tubeless tire.
Wheel selection
When replacing wheels, care should be taken to ensure
that they are equivalent to those removed in load
capacity, diameter, rim width, and offset.
Correct 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.
