1999 LEXUS SC300 tires

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
2969. After
changing the wheel, check the air pr essure of the
replaced tire. Stow all the tools, jack and flat tire securely.
If the pressure of the replaced tire is low, drive slowly to the
nearest service station and fill to the correct pressure.
Do not forget to reinstall the tire valve cap as dirt and moisture
could get into the valve core and possible cause air leakage.
If the cap is missing, put a new one on as soon as possible.
This is the same procedure for changing or rotating your tires.
CAUTION
Before driving, make sure all the tools, jack and flat tire are
securely in place in their storage location to reduce the
possibility of personal injury during a collision or sudden
braking.

MAINTENANCE
312
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be
performed at the intervals specified. It is recommended that
any problem you notice be brought to the attention of your
Lexus dealer or qualified service shop for their advice.
CAUTION
Make these checks only where adequate ventilation can be
obtained if you run the engine.
Vehicle exterior
Items listed below should be performed from time to time,
unless otherwise specified.
Tire pressure
Check the pressure with a gauge every two weeks, or at least
once a month and adjust as shown on the tire pressure label.
See page 363 for additional information.
Tire surface
Check the tires carefully for cuts, damage or excessive wear.
See page 365 for additional information.
Wheel nuts
When checking the tires, make sure to check the nuts for
looseness. Tighten them if necessary. Tire rotation
Rotate the tires every 12000 km (7500 miles). See page 365
for additional information.
Fluid leaks
Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, water or other fluid
after
the vehicle has been parked for a while. If you smell fuel
fumes or notice any leak, have the cause found and corrected
immediately.
Doors and engine hood
Check that all doors, including trunk lid, operate smoothly
and all latches lock securely. Make sure the engine hood
secondary latch secures the hood when the primary latch is
released.

MAINTENANCE
315
DOES YOUR VEHICLE NEEDREPAIRING?
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds, and
visual tip±offs 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 as soon as possible. It probably needs
adjustment or repair.

SECTION 6 ± 3
353
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Chassis
Specifications (SC400) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
355
Specifications (SC300) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
357
Checking brake fluid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
359
Checking power steering fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
361
Checking tire pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
363
Rotating tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. .
365
Checking and replacing tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
365
Installing snow tires and chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
369
Replacing wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
372
Aluminum wheel precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
372
Suspension and chassis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CHASSIS
356± STEERING
Freeplay
Power steering fluid
Less than 30 mm (1.2 in.)Automatic transmission fluid DEXRONII or III
± TIRES AND WHEELS
Tire size
Tire inflation pressure Recommended cold tire inflation pressure
Wheel size
Wheel nut torque
225/55R16 94V
Front 220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 32 psi)
Rear 220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 32 psi)
16 x 7 JJ or 16 x 6 1/2 JJ
103 N´m (10.5 kgf´m, 76 ft´lbf.)

CHASSIS
358± STEERING
Freeplay
Power steering fluid
Less than 30 mm (1.2 in.)Automatic transmission fluid DEXRONII or III
± TIRES AND WHEELS
Tire size
Tire inflation pressure Recommended cold tire inflation pressure
Wheel size
Wheel nut torque
225/55 R16 94V
Front 220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 32 psi)
Rear 220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 32 psi)
16 x 6
1/2 JJ
103 N´m (10.5 kgf´m, 76 ft´lbf.)

CHASSIS
364The 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 month. And don't forget the spare! The pressure
for the spare tire should be same with that for the standard tire.
(See page 356 or 358.) 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 pr essure 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
365
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 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 REPLACINGTIRES
When to replace your tires