1998 Lexus ES300 power steering 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
188
DO±IT±YOURSELF SERVICEPRECAUTIONS
If you perform maintenance yourself, be sure to follow the correct
procedure given in this Section.
You should be aware that improper or incomplete servicing may result in
operating problems.
Performing do±it±yourself maintenance during the warranty period may
affect your warranty coverage. Read the separate Lexus Warranty statement
for details and suggestions.
This Section gives instructions only for those items that are relatively eas\
y for
an owner to perform. As explained in Section 5, there are still a number \
of
items that must be performed by a qualified technician with special tools.
For information on tools and parts for do±it±yourself maintenance, se\
e ºParts
and toolsº.
Utmost care should be taken when working on your vehicle to prevent
accidental injury. Here are a few precautions that you should be especially
careful to observe:
CAUTION

When the engine is running, keep hands, clothing, and tools
away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.
(Removing rings, watches, and ties is advisable.)

Right after driving, the engine compartment ± the engine,
radiator, exhaust manifold and power steering fluid
reservoir, etc. ± will be hot. So be car eful not to touch them.
Oil and other fluids may also be hot.

Do not smoke, cause sparks or allow open flames near fuel
or the battery. Their fumes are flammable.

Be extremely cautious when working on the battery. It
contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid.

Do not get under your vehicle with just the body jack
supporting it. Always use automotive jack stands or other
solid supports.

Use eye protection whenever you work on or under your
vehicle where you may be exposed to flying or falling
material, fluid spray, etc.

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
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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.)

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.