1998 Lexus ES300 Owner's Manuals (in English)

ENGINE201
CHECKING THE ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL
62E004±3

1Reservoir cap 2Upper line 3Lower line
Park the vehicle at a level spot and look at the see±through coolant
reservoir when the engine is cool. The coolant level is satisfactory if it is
between the upper and lower lines on the tank. If the level is low, add
ethylene±glycol type coolant.
The coolant level in the reservoir will vary with engine coolant temperatur\
e.
However, if the level is on or below the lower line, add coolant to bring the
level up to the upper line.
Use only ethylene±glycol type coolant. For information on ethylene±g\
lycol
coolant, see also ºEngine coolant selectionº described below.
If the coolant level drops within a short time after replenishing, there\
may be
a leak in the system. Visually check the radiator, hoses, radiator cap, drain
cock and water pump. If you can find no leak, have your Lexus dealer test the cap pressure and \
check
for leaks in the cooling system.
CAUTION
To prevent burning yourself, do not remove the radiator cap
when the engine is hot.
Engine coolant selection
Your coolant must contain ethylene±glycol antifreeze. In addition to
preventing freezing and subsequent damage to the engine, this will also
prevent corrosion. Further supplemental inhibitors or additives are neither
needed nor recommended.
Read
the antifreeze container for information on freeze protection. Follow t\
he
manufacturer 's directions for how much to mix with water. The total capacity
of the cooling system is given on page 193. We recommend 50% solution be
used for your Lexus, or a sufficient quantity to provide protection to about
±35 C (±31F).
NOTICE
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or plain water alone.

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

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.)

CHASSIS
204
± STEERING
Wheel freeplay
Power steering fluid type
Less than 30 mm (1.2 in.)
Automatic transmission fluid DEXRONII or III
± TIRES AND WHEELSTire size
Recommended cold tire inflation pressure Vehicle load up to 4 occupants
Vehicle loaded up to vehicle capacity weight
Spare tire
Trailer towing (conventional and snow tires)
Wheel size
Wheel nut torque
P205/65 R15 92V
180 kPa (1.8 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 26 psi) (Both front and rear)
220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 32 psi) (Both front and rear)
220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 32 psi)
220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 32 psi) (Both front and rear)
15 x 6 JJ
103 N´m (10.5 kgf´m, 76 ft´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.

CHASSIS
206
CHECKING POWER STEERING FLUID
63E002±1
Check the fluid level through the reservoir. If necessary, add automatic
transmission fluid DEXRONII 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 (60 C ± 80C or 140F ± 175F).
You may also check the level when the fluid is cold (about room temperatur\
e,
10 C ± 30C or 50F ± 85F) if the engine has not been run for about five
hours.
63E003±1

1 If hot O.K. 2If hot add 3If cold O.K.
4If cold add
Clean all dirt off the reservoir and look at the fluid level. If the fluid is cold,
the level should be in the ºCOLDº range. Similarly, if it is hot, the fluid level
should be in the ºHOTº range. If the level is at the low side of the appropria\
te
range, add automatic transmission fluid DEXRON
II or III to bring the level
within the range.
To remove the filler cap, turn it counterclockwise and lift up. To reinstall it,
turn it clockwise. 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.

CHASSIS207
NOTICE
Avoid overfilling, or the power steering could be damaged.
CHECKING TIRE PRESSURE
63E004±1
The recommended cold tire pressures, tire size and the vehicle capacity
weight are given on the label.
You should check the tire pressures every two weeks, or at least once a mon\
th.
And don't forget the spare! The air pressure for the spare tire should be 220
kPa (2.2 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 32 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 ca\
ps
have been lost, have new ones put on as soon as possible.

CHASSIS
208
ROTATING TIRES
63E005±1
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 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 an\
d
be sure to install them in the same direction when using them again. Tire\
s
should be stored in a cool dry place.
CHECKING AND REPLACING TIRES
When to replace your tires
63E006

1 New tread 2Tread wear indicator 3Worn tread
Replace the tires when the tread wear indicators show. The location of
the tread wear indicators is shown by the marks such as ºTWIº or º
Dº
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.).