2001 Lexus ES300 brakes

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
373
If towing is necessary, we recommend you to have
it done by your Lexus dealer or a commercial tow
truck service.
If towing service is not available in an emergency,
your
vehicle may be temporarily towed by a cable or
chain secured to the emergency towing eyelet. Use
extreme caution when towing the vehicle.
NOTICE
Only use specified towing eyelet; otherwise your
vehicle may be damaged.
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer it and operate the
brakes. Towing in this manner may be done only on
hard±surfaced roads for a short distance and at low
speeds. Also, the wheels, axles, drive train, steering
and brakes must all be in good condition.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
374
CAUTION
Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle. Avoid
sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers which would
place excessive stress on the emergency towing eyelet
and towing cable or chain. The eyelet and towing cable
or chain may break and cause serious injury or damage.
NOTICE
Use only a cable or chain specifically intended for use in towing vehicles. Securely fasten the cableor chain to the towing eyelet provided.
Before towing, release the parking brake and put the
transmission in ªNº. The ignition key must be in ªACCº
(engine off) or ªONº (engine running).
CAUTION
If the engine is not running, the power assist for the
brakes and steering will not work so steering and
braking will be much harder than usual.

MAINTENANCE
383
Vehicle interior
Items listed below should be checked regularly, e.g.
while performing periodic services, cleaning the
vehicle, etc.
Lights
Make sure the headlight, stop lights, tail lights, turn
signal lights, and other lights are working. Check
headlight aim.
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers
Check that all service reminder indicators and warning
buzzers function properly.
Steering wheel
Check that it has the specified freeplay. Be alert for
changes in steering condition, such as hard steering,
excessive freeplay or strange noise.
Seats
Check that all front seat controls such as seat adjusters,
seatback recliner, etc. operate smoothly. Check that the
head restraints move up and down smoothly and that the
locks hold securely in any latched position.
Seat belts
Check that the seat belt system such as buckles,
retractors and anchors operate properly and smoothly.
Make sure the belt webbing is not cut, frayed, worn or
damaged. Accelerator pedal
Check
the pedal for smooth operation and uneven pedal
effort or catching.
Brake pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and the proper
clearance and freeplay. Check the brake booster
function.
Brakes
At a safe place, check that the brakes do not pull to one
side when applied.
Parking brake
Check that the pedal has the proper travel and that, on
a safe incline, your vehicle is held securely with only the
parking brake applied.
Automatic transmission ªParkº mechanism
Check the lock release button of the selector lever for
proper and smooth operation. On a safe incline, check
that your vehicle is held securely with the selector lever
in ªPº position and all brakes released.

CHASSIS
422± BRAKES
Pedal clearance
Pedal free play
Brake pad wear limit
Parking brake lining wear limit
Parking brake adjustment
Fluid type
55 mm (2.2 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 force of 490 N (50 kgf,\
110 lbf.) with the engine running
*
2: Parking brake adjustment when depressed with the force of 294 N (30 kgf\
, 66 lbf.)
± STEERING
Wheel free play
Power steering fluid type
Less than 30 mm (1.2 in.)
Automatic transmission fluid DEXRONII or III