RX - 2nd Gen (2004-2009) Discussion topics related to the 2004 -2009 RX330, RX350 and RX400H models

recommended tire pressure

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 08-06-05, 05:55 AM
  #1  
GMoney
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
 
GMoney's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: USA
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default recommended tire pressure

I brought my 330 to the dealer for an oil change and trans. software update. Supposedly they rotated the tire, etc... I went to check the tire pressure and noticed all 4 tires were at 40 psi? Is that too high? This is my first SUV, I know that for cars you would usually pump the tires to 32 psi and be good to go. Is the 32 psi not the norm for SUV/light trucks?
Old 08-06-05, 06:07 AM
  #2  
rxdriver
Lead Lap
 
rxdriver's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Illinois
Posts: 776
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

There was a discussion about this recently:...
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=158416
Old 08-06-05, 06:27 AM
  #3  
Tammy
Lexus Champion
 
Tammy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Arizona
Posts: 1,973
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes on 8 Posts
Default

The White Sticker inside the drivers door has the specs. Always check in the morning with the tires cold. Additionally, I've found up to four psi difference between stick type tire guages. Sears sells a good "Accutire" digital guage that reads in one half psi increments. They warranty the unit in auto or craftsman tool section. Mine cost $16.99 Retail.
Old 08-06-05, 07:29 AM
  #4  
flipside909
Lexus Connoisseur
 
flipside909's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: USA
Posts: 19,801
Received 531 Likes on 280 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Tammy
The White Sticker inside the drivers door has the specs.
It's a black label for 2004 and newer Lexus and Toyota models.
Old 08-06-05, 05:00 PM
  #5  
Husker4the
Lead Lap
 
Husker4the's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Nebraska
Posts: 411
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I think recommended is 30 psi and some people have been running them at 35 psi.
Old 08-06-05, 10:37 PM
  #6  
koolaidman
Lexus Test Driver
 
koolaidman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: il
Posts: 1,015
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by GMoney
I brought my 330 to the dealer for an oil change and trans. software update. Supposedly they rotated the tire, etc... I went to check the tire pressure and noticed all 4 tires were at 40 psi? Is that too high? This is my first SUV, I know that for cars you would usually pump the tires to 32 psi and be good to go. Is the 32 psi not the norm for SUV/light trucks?
cuz customers dont monitor their tire pressure. if left at 32 psi when the cust does come back. its going to be less than 30 witch will cause abnormal tire wear
as for leaving it at 40. i havent seen any t abnormal tire wear yet.
and u get slightly better gas milage when u have higher tire pressures
Old 08-11-05, 11:29 AM
  #7  
Rockville
Lexus Test Driver
 
Rockville's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: MD
Posts: 1,218
Received 10 Likes on 8 Posts
Default Manufacturers vs. Technicians.......

The back page of your owner's manual will say 30 lbs. all the way around. Since there is usually some loss of pressure over time especially during cold spells then 32 lbs. would be fine. There is quite a difference in ride quality at 40 lbs. even though fuel efficiency will probably improve. My techs like to leave at least 35 and I usually see about 38 after the PDI (Pre Delivery Inspection). The cars are shipped with over 50 lbs to keep the tires round and free from flat spots so the techs bleed them during the PDI. What ever pressure you decide is best for you is a personal preference. Just keep them all the same so the tires are all acting in unison. Rotation every 5,000 miles is recommended and we like to rebalance each rim/tire again before repositioning. Another thread was jettisoning the spare and tools for weight savings. I have changed a flat to the spare twice on my wife's RX300. It was not that easy. I have a extra metal tube or pipe that I have to slide over the standard lug wrench to gain enough leverage to overcome the tightness left from the impact gun that the techs use to zip the lugs on with. Since you have an alloy wheel pressed against the steel hub it will sometimes fuse together and require quite a robust kick or rubber sledge to dislodge. The rest is easy after that. Whew!
Old 08-11-05, 11:33 AM
  #8  
Lexmex
Super Moderator
 
Lexmex's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Miami, Florida
Posts: 17,240
Received 160 Likes on 137 Posts
Default

On my RX300, I have 235-70-16 with max pressure of 44. I use nitrogen in my tires.

After much experimentation, I settled on 38 psi.
Old 08-11-05, 11:41 AM
  #9  
Rockville
Lexus Test Driver
 
Rockville's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: MD
Posts: 1,218
Received 10 Likes on 8 Posts
Default Nitrogen much better than Hydrogen....

Since good old air is 80% Nitrogen anyway then I'm curious as to your perceived benefit? Nitrous oxide would be useful if you had to change a tire....When they built the Montreal Metro system they used tires on the trains because they were quiet. For some reason they used Hydrogen for inflation. This caused a severe fire and the tunnel had to be filled up with water to put it out. They switched to Helium after that with no problems. Get lighter unsprung weight with Helium, yeah that's the ticket....
Old 08-11-05, 04:46 PM
  #10  
CK6Speed
Super Moderator
iTrader: (1)
 
CK6Speed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: HI
Posts: 7,719
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 1 Post
Default

Interestingly enough, checking my 2004, the recomended tire pressure is listed on the black VIN plate as well as a white infomation secondary sticker in the door jam. Both call for 30 PSI cold. I just thought it was funny since Tammy and flipside were both technically right
Old 08-11-05, 09:56 PM
  #11  
koolaidman
Lexus Test Driver
 
koolaidman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: il
Posts: 1,015
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Rockville
The back page of your owner's manual will say 30 lbs. all the way around. Since there is usually some loss of pressure over time especially during cold spells then 32 lbs. would be fine. There is quite a difference in ride quality at 40 lbs. even though fuel efficiency will probably improve. My techs like to leave at least 35 and I usually see about 38 after the PDI (Pre Delivery Inspection). The cars are shipped with over 50 lbs to keep the tires round and free from flat spots so the techs bleed them during the PDI. What ever pressure you decide is best for you is a personal preference. Just keep them all the same so the tires are all acting in unison. Rotation every 5,000 miles is recommended and we like to rebalance each rim/tire again before repositioning. Another thread was jettisoning the spare and tools for weight savings. I have changed a flat to the spare twice on my wife's RX300. It was not that easy. I have a extra metal tube or pipe that I have to slide over the standard lug wrench to gain enough leverage to overcome the tightness left from the impact gun that the techs use to zip the lugs on with. Since you have an alloy wheel pressed against the steel hub it will sometimes fuse together and require quite a robust kick or rubber sledge to dislodge. The rest is easy after that. Whew!
i agree. like what he said. and i might add. how many as lexus owners do check the tire pressure often. i know i dont.
Old 08-12-05, 09:49 AM
  #12  
ultra63
Pit Crew
 
ultra63's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Fl
Posts: 213
Received 5 Likes on 2 Posts
Default rx400h tire pressure

Interstingly the rx400h needs 32 for front tires and 30 for the rear tires.
Old 08-12-05, 09:48 PM
  #13  
HarrierAWD
Lexus Champion
 
HarrierAWD's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Colorado
Posts: 2,754
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
Default

I do 33 front and 30 rear. Gives the tires a "balanced" look (the front tires no longer look flat compared to the rear ones.) Also seems to handle and ride better.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
lexman52
LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006)
15
11-29-15 02:04 PM
Rustito
SC430 - 2nd Gen (2001-2010)
4
11-01-14 08:53 AM
gijoe
LX - 3rd Gen (2008-2021)
2
11-30-09 10:48 PM
Norboo
LX - 1st and 2nd Gen (1996-2007)
6
01-02-08 06:27 PM
electro992
ES - 1st to 4th Gen (1990-2006)
13
05-20-04 10:41 AM



Quick Reply: recommended tire pressure



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 11:56 AM.