Lexus SC300 / Lexus SC400. Manual - part 541

14.  INSPECT BRAKE PADS AND DISCS FOR FRONT AND

REAR

(a)  Check the thickness of the disc brake pads and check for

irregular wear.

Minimum pad thickness:

1.0 mm (0.039 in.)

HINT: If a squealing or scraping noise comes from the brake
during driving, check the pad wear indicator to see if it is con-
tacting the disc rotor. If so, the disc pad should be replaced.

(b)  Check the disc for wear or runout.

Minimum disc thickness:

Front

30.0 mm (1.181 in.)

Rear

15.0 mm (0.591 in.)

(c)  Check the disc for runout.

Maximum disc runout:

0.05 mm (0.0020 in.)

15.  INSPECT BRAKE LININGS AND DRUMS FOR PARKING

BRAKE

(a)  Check the lining–to–drum contact condition and lining wear.

Minimum lining thickness:

1.0 mm (0.039 in.)

MA–12

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MAINTENANCE

(1UZ – FE)

(b)  Check the brake drums for scoring or wear.

Maximum drum inside diameter:

191 mm (7.520 in.)

(c)  Clean the brake parts with a damp cloth.

NOTICE: Do not use compressed air to clean the brake
parts.

(d)  Seat the parking brake shoes during the road test (item 25)

in do the following:

•

Drive the vehicle at approx. 50 km/h (30 mph) on a safe,
level and dry road.

•

With the parking brake release buttom pushed in, pull on
the lever with 88 N (9 kgf, 20 lbf) of force.

•

Drive the vehicle for approx. 400 meters (1/4 mile) in this
condition.

•

Repeat this procedure 2 or 3 times.

•

Check parking pedal travel.

If necessary, adjust the parking brake.

16.  INSPECT AND CHANGE BRAKE FLUID
(a)  Visually inspect the master cylinder for leaks.
(b)  Change brake fluid (See BR section)

Fluid:

SAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT3

MA04F–01

CHASSIS

17.  INSPECT STEERING LINKAGE
(a)  Check the steering wheel freeplay.

Maximum freeplay:

30 mm (1.18 in.)

With the vehicle stopped and pointed straight ahead, rock the
steering wheel gently back and forth with light finger pres-
sure.

(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.

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MAINTENANCE

(1UZ – FE)

MA–13

18.  INSPECT SRS AIRBAG

Driver Airbag:
Visually inspect the steering wheel pad (airbag and inflater).

•

Use the diagnosis check to check if there are
abnormalities.

•

Check that there are no cuts, cracks or noticeable color
changes on the surface of the steering wheel pad or in
the center groove of the pad.

•

Remove the steering wheel pad from the vehicle and
check the wiring and steering wheel for damage and
corrosion due to rusting, etc.

If necessary, replace the steering wheel pad.

Front Passenger Airbag:
Visually inspect the front passenger airbag assembly (airbag
and inflater).

•

Use the diagnosis check to check if there are
abnormalities.

•

Check that there are no cuts, cracks or noticeable color
changes in the front passenger airbag door.

•

Remove the front passenger airbag assembly from the
vehicle and check the wiring and front passenger airbag
door for damage and corrosion due to rusting, etc.

If necessary, replace the front passenger airbag assembly.
CAUTION:

•

For removal and replacement of the steering wheel pad

or front passenger airbag assembly, see page 

RS–28

 and

be sure to perform the operation in the correct order.

•

Before disposing of the steering wheel pad or front

passenger airbag assembly must first be deployed by

using SST and wiring harness connector (See page

RS–28

).

19.  INSPECT STEERING GEAR HOUSING OIL

Check the steering gear housing for oil leakage.

MA–14

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MAINTENANCE

(1UZ – FE)

20.  INSPECT BALL JOINTS AND DUST COVERS
(a)  Inspect the ball joints for excessive looseness.

•

Jack up the front of the vehicle and support it with
stands.

•

Make sure the front wheels are in a straight–ahead
position, and depress the brake pedal.

•

Jack up the lower suspension arm until there is about
half a load on the front coil spring.

•

Move the front wheel up and down and check that the
ball joint has no excessive play.

Maximum lower ball joint vertical play.

0.3 mm (0.012 in.)

If the play is greater than maximum, replace the ball joint.

(b)  Visually check the dust covers for damage

21. CHECK 

AUTOMATIC 

TRANSMISSION AND

DIFFERENTIAL OIL (FLUID)

A.  Inspect automatic transmission fluid
(a)  Visually check the differential for fluid and leakage.

If leakage is found, check for the cause and repair.

(b)  Check the fluid level with the engine idling and shift lever at

“P”.
If the level is low, add fluid.

Transmission fluid:

See item 22 (A)

B.  Inspect differential oil
(a)  Visually check the transmission for oil and leakage.

If leakage is found, check for the cause and repair.

(b)  Remove the filler plug, and feel inside the hole with your

finger. Check that the oil comes to within 5 mm (0.20 in) of the
bottom edge of the filler hole.
If the level is low, add oil until it begins to run out of the filler
hole.

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MAINTENANCE

(1UZ – FE)

MA–15