Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2002 Lexus ES 300FACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Problem Symptoms Table
NOTE:
Use the table below to help you find the cause of the problem. The numbers indicate the priority of the likely cause of the problem. Check each part in the order shown. If necessary, repair or replace these parts.
Problem Symptoms
| Symptom/Suspect Area | Refer To | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hard Steering | ||||||
| Tires (Improperly Inflated) | (1) | |||||
| Power Steering Fluid Level (Low) | Step 3 under ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION | |||||
| Drive Belt | (1) | |||||
| Front Wheel Alignment (Incorrect) | ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES | |||||
| Steering System Joints (Worn) | (2) | |||||
| Suspension Arm Ball Joints (Worn) | LOWER BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY | |||||
| Steering Column (Binding) | (2) | |||||
| Power Steering Gear | OVERHAUL under RACK & PINION POWER STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY | |||||
| Power Steering Pump | POWER STEERING SYSTEM | |||||
| Poor Return | ||||||
| Tires (Improperly Inflated) | (1) | |||||
| Front Wheel Alignment (Incorrect) | ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES | |||||
| Steering Column (Binding) | (2) | |||||
| Power Steering Gear | OVERHAUL under RACK & PINION POWER STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY | |||||
| Excessive Play | ||||||
| Steering System Joints (Worn) | (2) | |||||
| Suspension Arm Ball Joints (Worn) | LOWER BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY | |||||
| Intermediate Shaft, Universal Joint, Sliding Yoke (Worn) | (2) | |||||
| Front Wheel Bearing (Worn) | BEARING BACKLASH & AXLE HUB DEVIATION | |||||
| Power Steering Gear | OVERHAUL under RACK & PINION POWER STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY | |||||
| Power Steering Pump | VANE PUMP ASSEMBLY | |||||
| Abnormal Noise | ||||||
| Power Steering Fluid Level (Low) | Step 3 under ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION | |||||
| Steering Systems Joints (Worn) | (2) | |||||
| Power Steering Gear | OVERHAUL under RACK & PINION POWER STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY | |||||
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Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.