2006 LEXUS RX330 steering

INTRODUCTION
540
Removing the engine compartment cover
Before jump starting or checking the power steering fluid,
etc. in the engine compartment, remove the engine
compartment cover as follows:
1. Push the core of the clips and remove the clips.
2. Remove the cover.
Be careful not to lose the removed plastic clips.
After checking the items, install the engine compartment
covers and insert the plastic clips in their original
positions.
When inserting the clips, do as shown above.
NOTICE
After installing the engine compartment cover, make
sure the cover is securely in its original position.

INTRODUCTION
541
DOITYOURSELF 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 easy 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, see “Parts and tools” on page 543.
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
careful not to touch them. Oil and other fluids may
also be hot.
 If the engine is hot, do not remove the radiator cap or
loosen the drain plugs to prevent burning yourself.
 Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as
paper or rags, in the engine compartment.
 Do not smoke, cause sparks or allow open flames
around fuel or the battery. Their fumes are
flammable.
 Do not get under your vehicle with just the body jack
supporting it. Always use automotive jack stands or
other solid supports.
 Be sure that the ignition is off if you work near the
electric cooling fans or radiator grille. With the
ignition on, the electric cooling fans will
automatically start to run if the engine coolant
temperature is high and/or the air conditioning is on.

INTRODUCTION
542
Use eye protection whenever you work on or under
your vehicle where you may be exposed to flying or
falling material, fluid spray, etc.
 Take care when filling the brake fluid reservoir
because brake fluid can harm your eyes and damage
painted surfaces. If fluid gets in your eyes, flush your
eyes with clean water immediately. If you still feel
uncomfortable with your eyes, go to the doctor.
 Be extremely cautious when working on the battery.
It contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid.NOTICE
Remember that battery and ignition cables carry high
currents or voltages. Be careful of accidentally
causing a short circuit.
 Before closing the engine hood, check to see that you
have not forgotten any tools, rags, etc.
 Do not drive with the air cleaner removed, or
excessive engine wear could result. Also backfiring
could cause a fire in the engine compartment.
 If you spill the fluid, be sure to wash it off with water
to prevent it from damaging the parts or paint.
 Do not overfill automatic transmission fluid and
power steering fluid, or the transmission and power
steering could be damaged.
 Be careful not to scratch the glass surface with the
wiper frame.

INTRODUCTION
543
PARTS AND TOOLS
Here is a list of parts and tools you will need to perform
do−it−yourself maintenance. Remember all Lexus parts are
designed in metric sizes, so your tools must be metric.
Checking the engine oil level
Parts (if level is low):
“Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
See page 558 for details about engine oil selection.
Tools:
 Rag or paper towel
 Funnel (only for adding oil)
Checking the engine coolant level
Parts (if level is low):
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or similar high quality
ethylene glycol based non −silicate, non− amine, non−nitrite,
and non −borate coolant with long −life hybrid organic acid
technology.
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50%
coolant and 50% deionized water (for the U.S.A.) or 55%
coolant and 45% deionized water (for Canada). Tools:

Funnel (only for adding coolant)
Checking brake fluid
Parts (if level is low):
FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
Tools:
 Rag or paper towel
 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)

SECTION 6 – 3
563
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Chassis
Specifications564
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
Checking brake fluid 568
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
.
Checking power steering fluid 569
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking tire inflation pressure 570
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire Information 573
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . .
Types of tires 583
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . .
Rotating tires 584
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . .
Checking and replacing tires 585
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing snow tires and chains 587
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing wheels 590
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . .
Aluminum wheel precautions 591
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension and chassis 591
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CHASSIS
565
— TRANSFER
Oil capacity
0.9 L (1.0 qt., 0.8 Imp. qt.)
Oil typeHypoid gear oil API GL −5
Recommended oil viscosityAbove − 18C (0F) SAE 90
Below − 18C (0F) SAE 80W or 80W −90
— BRAKES
Pedal clearance
80 mm (3.1 in.) Min. *1
Pedal free play2 — 3 mm (0.079 — 0.118 in.)
Brake pad wear limit1.0 mm (0.04 in.)
Parking brake lining wear limit1.0 mm (0.04 in.)
Parking brake adjustment5 — 7 clicks *2
Fluid typeSAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 3
*1: Minimum pedal clearance when depressed with the pressure of 490 N (50\
kgf, 110 lbf) with the engine running
*2: Parking brake adjustment when depressed with the pressure of 300 N (3\
1 kgf, 67 lbf)
— STEERING
Wheel free play
Less than 30 mm (1.2 in.)
Power steering fluid typeAutomatic transmission fluid DEXRONII or III

CHASSIS
569
CHECKING POWER STEERINGFLUID
The power steering fluid reservoir is located under the
engine compartment cover. Before checking the power
steering fluid, remove the cover. (For details, see
“Removing the e ngine compartment cover” on page 540.)
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 temperature, 10 C —
30 C or 50F — 85F) if the engine has not been run for about
five hours.
1If cold O.K.2If cold add3If hot O.K.
4If hot add
Clean all dirt off the reservoir and look at the fluid level. If the
fluid is cold, the level should be in the “COLD” range. Similarly,
if it is hot, the fluid level should be in the “HOT” range. If th\
e
level is at the low side of the appropriate range, add automatic
transmission fluid DEXRON
II or III to bring the level within
the range.
To remove the reservoir cap, turn it counterclockwise and lift
up. To reinstall it, turn it clockwise. After replacing the reservoir
cap, visually check the steering box case, vane pump and hose
connections for leaks or damage.

CHASSIS
570
CAUTION
The reservoir may be hot so be careful not to burn
yourself.
NOTICE
Avoid overfilling, or the power steering could be
damaged.
CHECKING TIRE INFLATIONPRESSURE