Lexus ES300 (1997 year). Manual - part 499

B00632

MA00G–01

MA–6

–

MAINTENANCE

BRAKE

42

1997 LEXUS ES300   (RM511U)

BRAKE

INSPECTION

1.

INSPECT BRAKE LINE PIPES AND HOSES

HINT:
Check in a well lighted area. Check the entire circumference
and length of the brake hoses using a mirror as required. Turn
the front wheels fully right or left before checking the front brake.
(a)

Check the all brake lines and hoses for the Damage.

(b)

Check the all brake lines and hoses for the Wear.

(c)

Check the all brake lines and hoses for the Deformation.

(d)

Check the all brake lines and hoses for the Cracks.

(e)

Check the all brake lines and hoses for the Corrosion.

(f)

Check the all brake lines and hoses for the Leaks.

(g)

Check the all brake lines and hoses for the Bends.

(h)

Check the all brake lines and hoses for the Twists.

(i)

Check all clamps for tightness and connections for leak-
age.

(j)

Check that the hoses and lines are clear of sharp edges,
moving parts and the exhaust system.

(k)

Check that the lines installed in grommets pass through
the center of the grommets.

2.

INSPECT FRONT BRAKE PADS AND DISCS
(See page 

BR–24

)

3.

INSPECT REAR BRAKE PADS AND DISCS
(See page 

BR–33

)

4.

INSPECT PARKING BRAKE LININGS AND DRUMS
(See page 

BR–43

)

MA00H–01

A01676

–

MAINTENANCE

CHASSIS

MA–7

43

1997 LEXUS ES300   (RM511U)

CHASSIS

INSPECTION

1.

INSPECT STEERING LINKAGE

(a)

Check the steering wheel freeplay. (See page 

SR–8

)

(b)

Check the steering linkage for looseness or damage.

Check that:

Tie rod ends do not have excessive play.

Dust seals and boots are not damaged.

Boot clamps are not loose.

2.

INSPECT SRS AIRBAG (See pages 

RS–9

, 

RS–23

)

3.

INSPECT STEERING GEAR HOUSING OIL

Check the steering gear housing for oil leakage.
4.

INSPECT DRIVE SHAFT BOOTS

Check the drive shaft boots for clamp looseness, leakage or
damage.

5.

INSPECT BALL JOINTS AND DUST COVERS

(a)

Inspect the ball joints for excessive looseness.

Jack up the front of the vehicle and place wooden
blocks with a height of 180–200 mm (7.09–7.87 in.)
under the front tires.

Lower the jack until there is about half a load on the
front coil spring. Place stands under the vehicle for
safety.

Check that the front wheels are pointing straight
ahead, and block them with chocks.

Using a lever, pry up the end of the lower arm, and
check the amount of play.

Maximum ball joint vertical play: 0 mm (0 in.)

If there is play, replace the ball joint.
(b)

Check the dust cover for damage.

6.

CHECK TRANSAXLE OIL (FLUID)

Visually check the transaxle for oil (fluid) leakage.
If leakage is found, check for the cause and repair.
7.

REPLACE TRANSAXLE FLUID
(See page 

DI–150

)

A01678

MA00I–01

B08916

B09028

MA–8

–

MAINTENANCE

BODY

44

1997 LEXUS ES300   (RM511U)

BODY

INSPECTION

1.

TIGHTEN BOLTS AND NUTS ON CHASSIS AND
BODY

Tighten these parts:

Front seat mount bolts

Torque: 37 N·m (375 kgf·cm, 27 ft·lbf)

Front suspension member–to–body mounting bolts

Torque: 181 N·m (1,850 kgf·cm, 134 ft·lbf)

Rear suspension member–to–body mounting nuts

Torque: 51 N·m (520 kgf·cm, 38 ft·lbf)

2.

FINAL INSPECTION

(a)

Check the operation of the body parts:

Hood:

Auxiliary catch operates properly

Hood locks securely when closed

Front and rear doors:

Door lock operates properly

Doors close properly

Luggage compartment door and back door:

Door lock operates properly

Seats:

Seat adjusts easily and locks securely in any
position

Front seat back locks securely in any position

–

MAINTENANCE

BODY

MA–9

45

1997 LEXUS ES300   (RM511U)

(b)

Road test:

Check the engine and chassis for abnormal noises.

Check that the vehicle does not wander or pull to
one side.

Check that the brakes work properly and do not
drag.

Do setting of the parking brake shoes and drum.

(c)

Be sure to deliver a clean vehicle and especially check:

Steering wheel

Shift lever knob

All switch knobs

Door handles

Seats