2000 Lexus ES300 Wheel nut

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
160In a severe frontal impact, the driver and front passenger
airbag sensor detects deceleration and the system
triggers the front airbag inflators. In a severe side
impact, the side airbag sensor triggers the side airbag
inflator.
Then a chemical reaction in the inflators quickly
fills the airbags with non±toxic gas to help restrain the
forward or lateral motion of the occupants.
When the SRS operates, it produces a fairly loud noise
and release some smoke and residue along with
non±toxic gas. This does not indicate a fire. This gas is
normally harmless; however, for those who have
delicate skin, it may cause a minor skin irritation. Be
sure to wash off any residue as soon as possible to
prevent any potential skin irritation.
Deployment of the airbags happens in a fraction of a
second, so the airbags must inflate with considerable
force. While the system is designed to reduce serious
injuries, it may also cause minor burns or abrasions and
swelling.
Parts of the airbag module (steering wheel hub,
dashboard, front seats) may be hot for several minutes,
but the airbags themselves will not be hot. The airbags
are designed to inflate only once.
A crash severe enough to inflate the driver and front
passenger airbags may break the windshield as the
vehicle buckles. In vehicles with a front passenger
airbag, the windshield may also be damaged by
absorbing some of the force of the inflating airbag.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
349
40E004±1
To remove the spare tire:
1Loosen the nut and remove it.
2Remove the spare tire cover.
3Loosen the bolt and remove it.
When storing the spare tire, place it with the outer side
of the wheel facing up. Then bolt the tire in place and
install the spare tire cover to prevent the tire from flying
forward during a collision or sudden braking.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
351
40E006
4. Loosen all the wheel nuts.
Always loosen the wheel nuts before raising the vehicle.
Turn the wheel nuts counterclockwise to loosen them.
To get maximum leverage, fit the wrench to the nut so
that the handle is on the right side, as shown above.
Grab the wrench near the end of the handle and pull up
on the handle. Be careful that the wrench does not slip
off the nut.
Do not remove the nuts yet ± just unscrew them about
one±half turn.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
354
CAUTION
Never get under the vehicle when the vehicle is
supported by the jack alone.
40E009±1
7. Remove the wheel nuts and remove the flat tire.
Lift the flat tire straight off and put it aside.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
355
40E010
Before putting on the wheel, remove any corrosion on
the mounting surfaces with a wire brush or such.
Installation of wheels without good metal±to±metal
contact at the mounting surface can cause wheel nuts
to loosen and eventually cause a wheel to come off while
driving.
40E011

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
3568. Reinstall all the wheel nuts finger tight.
Align the holes in the wheel with the bolts. Then lift up
the wheel and get at least the top bolt started through its
hole. Wiggle the tire and press it back over the other
bolts.
Reinstall the wheel nuts and tighten them as much as
you can by hand. Press the tire back and see if you can
tighten them more.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
357
40E012
9. Lower the vehicle completely and tighten the
wheel nuts.
Turn the jack handle counterclockwise to lower the
vehicle.
Use only the wheel nut wrench to tighten the nuts. Do
not use other tools or any additional leverage other than
your hands, such as a hammer, pipe or your foot. Make
sure the wrench is securely engaged over the nut.
Tighten each nut a little at a time in the order shown.
Repeat the process until all the nuts are tight.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
358
CAUTION
When lowering the vehicle, make sure all portions of
your body and all other persons around will not be
injured as the vehicle is lowered to the ground.
 As soon as possible after changing wheels, have the
wheel nuts tightened by torque wrench at 103 N´m
(10.5 kgf´m, 76 ft´lbf.).