1998 Lexus ES300 Brake fluid

MAINTENANCE
184
Power steering fluid level
Check the level through the reservoir. The level should be in the ºHOTº or
ºCOLDº range depending on the fluid temperature. See page 206 for
additional information.
Exhaust system
Look for cracks, holes and loose supports. If you notice any change in the
sound of the exhaust or smell exhaust fumes, have the cause located and
corrected immediately. (See engine exhaust cautions in Section 3±1.)
DOES YOUR VEHICLE NEED
REPAIRING?
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds, and visual tip±o\
ffs that
indicate service is needed. Some important clues are:

Engine missing, stumbling, or pinging

Appreciable loss of power

Strange engine noises

A fluid leak under the vehicle (However, water dripping from the air
conditioning after use is normal.)

Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a dangerous carbon monoxide
leak. Drive with the windows open and have the exhaust system checked
immediately.)

Flat±looking tires, excessive tire squeal when cornering, uneven tire wear

Vehicle pulls to one side when driving straight on a level road

Strange noises related to suspension movement

Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake pedal, pedal almost
touches floors, vehicle pulls to one side when braking

Engine coolant temperature continually higher than normal
If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to your Lexus dealer a\
s soon
as possible. It probably needs adjustment or repair.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving with the vehicle unchecked. It could
result in serious vehicle damage and possibly personal injury.

61E004±6
INTRODUCTION187
ENGINE COMPARTMENT OVERVIEW
1 Engine oil filler cap
2 Brake fluid reservoir
3 Fuse box (U.S.A. and Canada)
4 Battery
5 Fuse box (Canada and California only)
6 Engine oil level dipstick
7 Fuse box (U.S.A. and Canada)
8 Washer fluid tank
9 Engine coolant reservoir
10 Power steering fluid reservoir

INTRODUCTION
190
Checking brake fluid
Parts (if level is low):

FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
Tools:

Funnel (only for adding fluid)
Checking power steering fluid
Parts (if level is low):

Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON
II or III
Tools:

Rag or paper towel

Funnel (only for adding fluid)
Checking battery condition
Non±maintenance batteries
Tools:

Warm water

Baking soda

Grease

Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)
Maintenance type batteries
Parts (if level is low):

Distilled water
Tools:

Warm water

Baking soda

Grease

Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)

Coin (for vent plugs)

Funnel (only for adding distilled water)

SECTION 6 ± 3
202
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND SPECIFICATIONS
Chassis
Specifications203
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking brake fluid 205
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking power steering fluid 206
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. . . . . . . . . .
Checking tire pressure 207
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rotating tires 208
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing tires 208
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing snow tires and chains 210
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . .
Replacing wheels 212
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Aluminum wheel precautions 212
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. . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension and chassis 212
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CHASSIS203
SPECIFICATIONS
± AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLEFluid capacity TransmissionDrain and refill
Differential
Fluid type
3.5 L (3.7 qt., 3.1 lmp. qt.)
0.85 L (0.9 qt., 0.7 lmp.qt.)
Automatic transmission fluid D±II or DEXRON
III (DEXRONII)
± BRAKES
Pedal clearance
Pedal freeplay
Brake pad wear limit
Parking brake lining wear limit
Parking brake adjustment
Fluid type
70 mm (2.8 in.) Min. *1
1 ± 6 mm (0.04 ± 0.24 in.)
1.0 mm (0.04 in.)
1.0 mm (0.04 in.)
3 ± 6 clicks *
2
SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3
*1: Minimum pedal clearance when depressed with the pressure of 490 N (50 k\
gf, 110 lbf.) with the engine running
*
2: Parking brake adjustment when depressed with the pressure of 294 N (30 \
kgf, 66 lbf.)

CHASSIS205
CHECKING BRAKE FLUID
63E001
To check the fluid level, simply look at the see±through reservoir. The
level should be between the ºMAXº and ºMINº lines on the tank.
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pa\
ds wear.
So be sure to keep the reservoir filled.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious mec\
hanical
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
ºMAXº 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
If you spill some of the fluid, be sure to wash it off with water to prevent
it from damaging the parts or paintwork.