BINDING STICKING SEIZED
SHAKE SHUDDER VIBRATION
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
CATCHES, STICKS IN CERTAIN
POSITIONS OR IS DIFFICULT TO
TURN.1. Low power steering fluid level. 1. Fill power steering fluid reservoir
to specified level and perform
leakage diagnosis.
2. Tires not inflated to specified
pressure.2. Inflate tires to the specified
pressure.
3. Lack of lubrication in front
suspension lower control arm ball
joints.3. Replace lower ball joint.
4. Worn lower ball joint. 4. Replace the lower ball joint.
5. Lack of lubrication in steering
gear outer tie rod ends.5. Replace tie rod end.
6. Loose power steering pump drive
belt.6. Tighten the power steering pump
drive belt to the specified tension.
See accessory drive in service
manual.
7. Faulty power steering pump flow
control. (Verify cause using Power
Steering Pump Test Procedure.)7. Replace power steering pump.
8. Excessive friction in steering
column or intermediate shaft.8. Correct condition. (See Steering
Column Service Procedure)
9. Steering column coupler binding. 9. Realign the steering column to
eliminate the binding condition.
10. Binding lower ball joint. 10. Replace the lower ball joint.
11. Excessive friction in steering
gear.11. Replace steering gear assembly.
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
VIBRATION OF THE STEERING
WHEEL AND/OR DASH DURING
DRY PARK OR LOW SPEED
STEERING MANEUVERS.1. Air in the fluid of the power
steering system.1. Steering shudder can be expected
in new vehicles and vehicles with
recent steering system repairs.
Shudder should improve after the
vehicle has been driven several
weeks.
2. Tires not properly inflated. 2. Inflate tires to the specified
pressure.
3. Excessive engine vibration. 3. Ensure that the engine is running
properly.
4. Loose tie rod end. 4. Check the inner to outer tie rod
jam nut for looseness. If loose
tighten to the specified torque.
Inspect inner tie rod for looseness at
steering gear. Inspect outer tie rod
ball for excessive wear/looseness. If
inner tie rod is loose replace steering
gear, if outer tie has excessive wear
replace tie rod end.
5.Overcharged air conditioning
system.5.Check air conditioning pump head
pressure. (See Air Conditioning
Refrigerant System Diagnosis)
19 - 4 STEERINGNS
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
LOW ASSIST, NO ASSIST, HARD STEERING
POOR RETURN TO CENTER
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
STIFF, HARD TO TURN, SURGES,
MOMENTARY INCREASE IN
EFFORT WHEN TURNING.1. Tires not properly inflated. 1. Inflate tires to specified pressure.
2. Low power steering fluid level. 2. Add power steering fluid as
required to power steering fluid
reservoir to obtain proper level.
Perform leakage diagnosis on power
steering system.
3. Loose power steering pump drive
belt.3. Tighten the power steering pump
drive belt to the specified tension. If
drive belt is defective, replace and
correctly tension.
4. Lack of lubrication in lower control
arm ball joint.4. Replace lower ball joint.
5. Worn lower ball joint. 5. Replace lower ball joint.
6. Low power steering pump
pressure. (Verify using Power
Steering System Test Procedure)6. Verify cause using the Power
Steering System Test Procedure.
Replace the power steering pump if
necessary.
7. High internal leak in steering gear
assembly.7. Check steering system using the
Power Steering System Test
Procedure. If steering gear is
defective replace steering gear.
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT
RETURN TO CENTER POSITION.1. Tires not
inflated to specified pressure.1. Inflate tires to specified pressure.
2. Improper front wheel alignment. 2. Check and adjust as necessary.
3. Steering column U-joints
misaligned.3. Realign steering column U-joints.
4. Mispositioned dash cover. 4. Reposition dash cover.
To evaluate items 6 and 7, disconnect
the intermediate shaft. Turn the
steering wheel and feel or listen for
internal rubbing in steering column.
5. Steering wheel rubbing. 5. Adjust steering column shrouds to
eliminate rubbing condition.
6. Damaged, mis-positioned or
un-lubricated steering column coupler
to dash seal.6. Determine condition which exists
and correct.
7. Binding shaft bearing
in steering column assembly.7. Replace the steering column.Note:
Before replacing steering column,
disconnect intermediate steering
coupler from steering column shaft
and remove steering wheel,
clockspring and shrouds from
steering column. This must be done
to verify a binding shaft bearing in
the steering column before
replacing the steering column.
8. Excessive friction in steering
column coupler.8. Replace steering column coupler.
9. Excessive friction in steering gear. 9. Replace steering gear.
10. Excessive friction in front strut
mount bearing10. Replace the strut mount or strut
mount pivot bearing.
NSSTEERING 19 - 5
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
TIRES AND WHEELS
CONTENTS
page page
TIRES.................................. 1WHEELS................................ 9
TIRES
INDEX
page page
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
RADIAL-PLY TIRES....................... 2
REPLACEMENT TIRES.................... 3
SPARE TIRE (TEMPORARY)................ 2
TIRE INFLATION PRESSURES.............. 2
TIRE INFORMATION...................... 1
TIRE PRESSURE FOR HIGH-SPEED DRIVING . . 3
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
LEAD CORRECTION CHART................ 4
PRESSURE GAUGES..................... 3
TIRE NOISE OR VIBRATION................ 4TIRE WEAR PATTERNS.................... 4
TREAD WEAR INDICATORS................ 3
SERVICE PROCEDURES
REPAIRING TIRE LEAKS................... 6
TIRE AND WHEEL MATCH MOUNTING........ 6
TIRE AND WHEEL ROTATION (NON-
DIRECTIONAL THREAD PATTERN).......... 6
CLEANING AND INSPECTION
CLEANING TIRES........................ 7
SPECIFICATIONS
TIRE SPECIFICATIONS.................... 8
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
TIRE INFORMATION
Tires are designed and engineered for each specific
vehicle. They provide the best overall performance
for normal operation. The ride and handling charac-
teristics match the vehicle's requirements. With
proper care they will give excellent reliability, trac-
tion, skid resistance, and tread life.
Driving habits have more effect on tire life than
any other factor. Careful drivers will obtain, in most
cases, much greater mileage than severe use or care-
less drivers. A few of the driving habits which will
shorten the life of any tire are:
²Rapid acceleration
²Severe application of brakes
²High-speed driving
²Taking turns at excessive speeds
²Striking curbs and other obstacles
Radial ply tires are more prone to irregular tread
wear. It is important to follow the tire rotation inter-
val shown in the section on Tire Rotation. This will
help to achieve a greater tread-life potential.
TIRE IDENTIFICATION
Tire type, size, aspect ratio and speed rating are
encoded in the letters and numbers imprinted on the
side wall of the tire. Refer to the chart to decipher
the tire identification code (Fig. 1).
Performance tires will have a speed rating letter
after the aspect ratio number. The speed rating is not
always printed on the tire sidewall. The letterSindi-
cates that the tire is speed rated up to 112 mph.
²Qup to 100 mph
²Tup to 118 mph
²Uup to 124 mph
²Hup to 130 mph
²Vup to 149 mph
²Zmore than 149 mph (consult the tire manu-
facturer for the specific speed rating)
An All Season type tire will have eitherM+S,M
&SorM±S(indicating mud and snow traction)
imprinted on the side wall.
TIRE CHAINS
This vehicle was designed to allow the use of a
specified type of snow chain on the tires. Only com-
pact snow chains or other traction aidsmeeting SAE
type ªClass Sº specifications may be used.Any style
NSTIRES AND WHEELS 22 - 1
snow chain or other type of traction aid is not
to be used on the compact spare tire.
RADIAL-PLY TIRES
Radial-ply tires improve handling, tread life, ride
quality and decrease rolling resistance.
Radial-ply tires must always be used in sets of four
and under no circumstances should they be used on
the front only. They may be mixed with a temporary
spare tire when necessary. A maximum speed of 50
MPH is recommended while a temporary spare is in
use.
Radial-ply tires have the same load-carrying capac-
ity as other types of tires of the same size. They also
use the same recommended inflation pressures.
The use of oversized tires, either in the front or
rear of the vehicle, can cause vehicle drive train fail-
ure. This could also cause inaccurate wheel speed
signals when the vehicle is equipped with Anti-Lock
Brakes.
It is recommended that tires from different manu-
factures NOT be mixed. The proper tire pressure
should be maintained on all four tires. For proper
tire pressure refer to the Tire Inflation Pressure
Placard located in the glove box.
SPARE TIRE (TEMPORARY)
The temporary spare tire is designed for emer-
gency use only. The original tire should be repaired
and reinstalled at the first opportunity, or replaced
with a new. Do not exceed speeds of 50 MPH when
the temporary spare tire is in use on the vehicle.
Refer to the Owner's Manual for complete details.
TIRE INFLATION PRESSURES
WARNING: OVER OR UNDER INFLATED TIRES
CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING. THE TIRE CAN
FAIL SUDDENLY, RESULTING IN LOSS OF VEHICLE
CONTROL.
Under inflation causes rapid shoulder wear of the
tire tread and tire flexing. This can result in failure
of the tire. (Fig. 2).
Over inflation causes rapid center wear and loss of
the tire's ability tocushion shocks (Fig. 3).
Fig. 1 Tire Size Identification
Fig. 2 Under Inflation Wear
Fig. 3 Over Inflation Wear
22 - 2 TIRES AND WHEELSNS
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
Improper inflation can cause:
²Uneven wear patterns
²Reduced tread life
²Reduced fuel economy
²Unsatisfactory ride
²The vehicle to drift.
Proper tire air inflation pressure specifications can
be found on the Vehicle Tire Placard provided with
the vehicle. See owner's manual.
Tire pressures have been chosen to provide safe
operation, vehicle stability, and a smooth ride. Tire
pressure should be checked cold once per month.
Check tire pressure more frequently when the
weather temperature varies widely. Tire pressure will
decrease when the outdoor temperature drops.
Tire inflation pressures specified on the placard
are always cold inflation pressure. Cold inflation
pressure is obtained after the vehicle has not been
operated for at least 3 hours, or the vehicle is driven
less than one mile after being inoperative for 3
hours. Tire inflation pressures may increase from 2
to 6 pounds per square inch (psi) during operation.
Do not reduce this normal pressure build-up.
TIRE PRESSURE FOR HIGH-SPEED DRIVING
Chrysler Corporation advocates driving at safe
speeds within posted speed limits. Where speed lim-
its allow the vehicle to be driven at high speeds, cor-
rect tire inflation pressure is very important. For
speeds up to and including 75 mph (120 km/h), tires
must be inflated to the pressures shown on the tire
placard.
Vehicles loaded to the maximum capacity should
not be driven at speeds above 75 mph (120 km/h).
For emergency vehicles that are driven at speeds
over 90 mph (144 km/h), special high-speed tires
must be used. Consult tire manufacturer for correct
inflation pressure recommendations.
REPLACEMENT TIRES
The original equipment tires provide a proper bal-
ance of many characteristics such as:
²Ride
²Noise
²Handling
²Durability
²Tread life
²Traction
²Rolling resistance
²Speed capability
It is recommend that tires equivalent to the origi-
nal equipment tires be used when replacement is
needed.
Failure to use equivalent replacement tires may
adversely affect the safety and handling of the vehicle.
The use of oversize tires not listed in the specifica-
tion charts may cause interference with vehicle com-
ponents. Under extremes of suspension and steering
travel, interference with vehicle components may
cause tire damage.
WARNING: FAILURE TO EQUIP THE VEHICLE WITH
TIRES HAVING ADEQUATE SPEED CAPABILITY
CAN RESULT IN SUDDEN TIRE FAILURE.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
PRESSURE GAUGES
A quality air pressure gauge is recommended to
check tire pressure. After checking the air pressure,
replace valve cap finger tight.
TREAD WEAR INDICATORS
Tread wear indicators are molded into the bottom
of the tread grooves. When tread depth is 1.6 mm
(1/16 in.), the tread wear indicators will appear as a
13 mm (1/2 in.) band (Fig. 4).
Tire replacement is necessary when indicators
appear in two or more grooves or if localized balding
occurs.
Fig. 4 Tread Wear Indicators
NSTIRES AND WHEELS 22 - 3
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
TIRE WEAR PATTERNS
Under inflation will cause wear on the shoulders of
tire. Over inflation will cause wear at the center of
tire.
Excessive camber causes the tire to run at an
angle to the road. One side of tread is then worn
more than the other (Fig. 5).
Excessive toe-in or toe-out causes wear on the
tread edges and a feathered effect across the tread
(Fig. 5).
TIRE NOISE OR VIBRATION
Radial-ply tires are sensitive to force impulses
caused by improper mounting, vibration, wheel
defects, or possibly tire imbalance.To find out if tires are causing the noise or vibra-
tion, drive the vehicle over a smooth road at varying
speeds. Note the noise level during acceleration and
deceleration. The engine, differential and exhaust
noises will change as speed varies, while the tire
noise will usually remain constant.
LEAD CORRECTION CHART
Use the following chart to correct a vehicle leading
or drifting problem.
Fig. 5 Tire Wear Patterns
22 - 4 TIRES AND WHEELSNS
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
SERVICE PROCEDURES
TIRE AND WHEEL ROTATION (NON-DIRECTIONAL
THREAD PATTERN)
Tires on the front and rear axles operate at differ-
ent loads and perform different functions. For these
reasons, they wear at unequal rates, and tend to
develop irregular wear patterns. These effects can be
reduced by timely rotation of tires. The benefits of
rotation are especially worthwhile. Rotation will
increase tread life, help to maintain mud, snow, and
wet traction levels, and contribute to a smooth, quiet
ride.
The suggested rotation method is the forward-cross
tire rotation method (Fig. 6). This method takes
advantage of current tire industry practice which
allows rotation of radial-ply tires. Other rotation
methods may be used, but may not have all the ben-
efits of the recommended method.
NOTE: Only the 4 tire rotation method may be used
if the vehicle is equipped with a low mileage or tem-
porary spare tire.
REPAIRING TIRE LEAKS
For proper repairing, a radial tire must be removed
from the wheel. Before dismounting the tire from the
wheel, a reference mark should be placed on the tire
at the valve stem location. This reference mark will
ensure that the tire is remounted back on the wheel
in its original position. Repairs should only be made
if the defect, or puncture, is in the tread area (Fig.
7). The tire should be replaced if the puncture is
located in the sidewall.Deflate tire completely before dismounting tire
from the wheel. Use lubrication such as a mild soap
solution when dismounting or mounting tire. Use
tools free of burrs or sharp edges which could dam-
age the tire or wheel rim.
Before mounting tire on wheel, make sure all rust
is removed from the rim bead and repaint if neces-
sary.
Install wheel on vehicle, and progressively tighten
all 5 wheel nuts to a torque of 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
TIRE AND WHEEL MATCH MOUNTING
Wheels and tires are match mounted at the factory.
This means that the high spot of the tire is matched
to the low spot on the wheel rim. This technique is
used to reduce run-out in the wheel/tire assembly.
The high spot on the tire is marked with a paint
mark or a bright colored adhesive label on the out-
board sidewall. The low spot on the rim is identified
with a label on the outside of the rim and a dot or
line on the inside of the rim. If the outside label has
been removed the tire will have to be removed to
locate the dot or line on the inside of the rim.
Before dismounting a tire from its wheel, a refer-
ence mark should be placed on the tire at the valve
stem location. This reference will ensure that it is
remounted in the original position on the wheel.
(1) Measure the total indicator runout on the cen-
ter of the tire tread rib. Record the indicator reading.
Mark the tire to indicate the high spot. Place a mark
on the tire at the valve stem location (Fig. 8).
(2) Break down the tire and remount it 180
degrees on the rim (Fig. 9).
(3) Measure the total indicator runout again. Mark
the tire to indicate the high spot.
Fig. 6 Forward-Cross Tire Rotation Method
Fig. 7 Tire Repair Area
22 - 6 TIRES AND WHEELSNS
WHEELS
INDEX
page page
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
WHEEL INFORMATION.................... 9
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
TIRE AND WHEEL RUNOUT............... 10
WHEEL INSPECTION...................... 9SERVICE PROCEDURES
TIRE AND WHEEL BALANCE............... 11
WHEEL INSTALLATION................... 11
SPECIFICATIONS
WHEEL SPECIFICATIONS................. 12
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
WHEEL INFORMATION
Original equipment wheels are designed for proper
operation at all loads up to the specified maximum
vehicle capacity.
All models use steel or aluminum drop center
wheels. Every wheel has raised sections between the
rim flanges and rim drop well called safety humps
(Fig. 1).
Initial inflation of the tires forces the bead over
these raised sections. In case of air loss the raised
sections hold the tire in position on the wheel until
the vehicle can be brought to a safe stop.
Cast aluminum wheels require special balance
weights to fit on the thicker flange of the rim and
special wheel clamps for the alignment equipment.
The wheel studs and nuts are designed for the spe-
cific wheel applications used on a vehicle and must
be replaced with equivalent parts.
Do not use replacement parts of lesser quality or of
a substitute design from the original equipment part.All aluminum wheels have wheel stud nuts with
an enlarged nose. This enlarged nose is necessary to
ensure proper retention of the wheels.
Vehicles that are equipped with bolt-on wheel cov-
ers use large nose wheel nuts. The wheel nuts used
on a vehicle equipped with bolt-on wheel covers are
externally threaded so that the wheel covers can be
attached to the wheel nuts.
Before installing a wheel, remove any buildup of
corrosion on the wheel mounting surface.
WARNING: INSTALLING WHEELS WITHOUT GOOD
METAL-TO-METAL CONTACT COULD CAUSE LOOS-
ENING OF WHEEL LUG NUTS. THIS COULD
ADVERSELY AFFECT THE SAFETY AND HANDLING
OF YOUR VEHICLE.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
WHEEL INSPECTION
Wheels must be replaced if they:
²Have excessive run out
²Are bent or dented
²Leak air
²Have damaged wheel lug holes
Wheel repairs employing hammering, heating,
welding or repairing leaks are not allowed.
Original equipment replacement wheels are avail-
able through the dealer. When obtaining replacement
wheels from any other source, they must be equiva-
lent in load carrying capacity. The wheel features
(diameter, width, offset, brake clearance, and mount-
ing configuration) must match the original equip-
ment wheels.
WARNING: FAILURE TO USE ORIGINAL EQUIP-
MENT REPLACEMENT WHEELS MAY ADVERSELY
AFFECT THE SAFETY AND HANDLING OF YOUR
VEHICLE.
Fig. 1 Safety Rim
NSTIRES AND WHEELS 22 - 9