be caused by
faulty alignment ....... A ............. Require alignment.
Part has been changed,
affecting alignment .... A ....... Require alignment check.
Pull, shown to be caused
by faulty alignment .... A ............. Require alignment.
Steering wheel
off-center ............. 2 ............. Suggest alignment.
Tire wear, shown
to be caused by
faulty alignment ....... A ............. Require alignment.
Wander, shown
to be caused by
faulty alignment ....... A ............. Require alignment.
\
\
\
\
\
\
\
WHEELS AND TIRES
TIRES
These guidelines do not apply to split rims. Some vehicle
manufacturers restrict replacement of tires to specific brands, types,
or sizes.
WARNING: High pressure temporary compact spare tires should not be
used with any other rims or wheels, nor should standard
tires, snow tires, wheel covers, or trim rings be used
with high pressure compact spare rims or wheels.
Attempting to mount a tire of one diameter on a wheel of
a different diameter or flange type may result in serious
injury or death.
WARNING: Only specially trained persons should dismount or mount
tires. Explosions of tire and wheel assembly can result
from improper mounting, possibly causing serious injury
or death.
WARNING: Consult the vehicle owner's manual or vehicle placard for
correct size, speed rating, designation, and cold
inflation pressure of the original tires. DO NOT exceed
the maximum load or inflation capacity of the tire
specified by the Tire and Rim Association
WARNING: When replacing tires, it is suggested that the
replacement tires match or exceed the OEM speed rating
designation. If tires of different speed rating
designations are mixed on the same vehicle, the tires may
vary in handling characteristics. DO NOT mix different
speed rating designations on the same axle.
WARNING: DO NOT mix radials with non-radial tires on the same
axle, as this may affect vehicle handling and stability.
If radial tires and bias or bias-belted ply tires are
mixed on the same vehicle, the radials must be on the
rear. High-pressure temporary compact spare tires are
exempt from this rule.
WARNING: DO NOT mix size or type (all season, performance, mud and
snow) of tires on the same axle.
TIRE INSPECTION
\
\
\
\
\
\
\
(chunking),
exposing cord .......... A ............ Require replacement.
Tread missing pieces
(chunking), not
exposing cord .......... 1 ............ Suggest replacement.
Tread separations A ............ Require replacement.
Tube in tubeless tire 3 .... (4) Suggest removal of tube.
Weather-checking ........ .. ......... No service required or
suggested.
Worn to tread wear
indicators ............. B ............ Require replacement.
( 1) - Determine and correct cause of irregular tire wear.
( 2) - If radials and bias or bias-belted ply tires are on the
same vehicle, the radials must be on the rear axle,
except for high-pressure temporary spares.
( 3) - Excessive is defined as enough to contribute to
performance problems. Match mounting may correct
run-out. If not, require replacement of appropriate
part. Refer to manufacturer's specifications.
( 4) - Most manufacturers do not recommend tubes in tubeless
tires. Inspect tire and wheel assembly to determine
the reason for a tube in tubeless tire. Recommendation
for repair or replacement should be based upon condition
of tires and/or wheel listed in these guidelines.
\
\
\
\
\
\
\
VALVE STEMS
VALVE STEM INSPECTION \
\
\
\
\
\
\
Condition Code Procedure
Bent .................... 1 ........... Suggest replacement.
Broken .................. A ........... Require replacement.
Cut, but not leaking .... 1 ........... Suggest replacement.
Deteriorated
(cracking, dry rot) .... 1 ........... Suggest replacement.
Leaking ................. A . Require repair or replacement.
Missing ................. C ........... Require replacement.
Threads damaged ......... A . Require repair or replacement.
Threads stripped ........ A ........... Require replacement.
Valve cap missing ....... C .... Require replacement of cap.
Weather-checking ........ 1 ........... Suggest replacement.
Won't take air .......... A . Require repair or replacement.
\
\
\
\
\
\
\
WHEEL ATTACHMENT HARDWARE
For conditions noted below, also check conditions of wheel
stud holes.
CAUTION: Proper lug nut torque is essential. Follow recommended
torque specifications and tightening sequence. DO NOT
lubricate threads unless specified by the vehicle
manufacturer.
WHEEL ATTACHMENT HARDWARE INSPECTION
\
\
\
\
\
\
\
Condition Code Procedure
Bent .................... A ............ Require replacement.
Broken .................. A ........ ( 1) Require replacement.
Loose ................... B ... Require repair or replacement
of affected component.
Lug nut installed
backward ............... B .. Require repair or replacement.
Lug nut mating type
incorrect .............. B ..... Require replacement of nut.
Lug nut mating surface
dished ................. A ..... Require replacement of nut.
Lug nut rounded ......... A . (2) Require replacement of nut.
Lug nut seized .......... A . ( 2) Require replacement of nut.
Stud incorrect .......... B .... Require replacement of stud.
Threads damaged ......... A ... Require repair or replacement
of component with damaged
threads.
Threads stripped ........ A .......... Require replacement of
component with stripped
threads.
( 1) - Some manufacturers require replacement of all studs on
that wheel if two or more studs or nuts on the same
wheel are broken or missing.
( 2) - Only required if removing wheel.
\
\
\
\
\
\
\
WHEELS (RIMS)
WARNING: Mounting a regular tire on a high-pressure compact spare
wheel is not permitted. Attempting to mount a tire of one
diameter on a wheel of a different diameter or flange
type may result in serious injury or death. If the wheel
identification stamp is not legible, or cannot be found,
do not use the wheel until the size and type have been
properly identified. Wheels of different diameter,
offset, or width cannot be mixed on the same axle. Bead
seat tapers cannot be interchanged.
WHEEL (RIM) INSPECTION
\
\
\
\
\
\
\
Condition Code Procedure
Bead leaking, caused
by wheel ............... A ........... ( 1) Require repair or
replacement.
Bent hub mounting
surface ................ A ............ Require replacement.
Bent rim, causing
vibration .............. 2 ........ ( 1) Suggest replacement.
Broken .................. A ............ Require replacement.
Cast wheel porous,
causing a leak ......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Clip-on balance weight is
incorrect type
for rim flange ......... 2 ............ Suggest replacement.
Corrosion, affecting
structural integrity ... A ............ Require replacement.
Corrosion build-up on
wheel mounting
surface ................ A ................. Require repair.
Cracked ................. A ............ Require replacement.
Directional/asymmetrical
wheels mounted
incorrectly ............ B ....... Require remounting and/or
repositioning.
be caused by
faulty alignment ....... A ............. Require alignment.
Part has been changed,
affecting alignment .... A ....... Require alignment check.
Pull, shown to be caused
by faulty alignment .... A ............. Require alignment.
Steering wheel
off-center ............. 2 ............. Suggest alignment.
Tire wear, shown
to be caused by
faulty alignment ....... A ............. Require alignment.
Wander, shown
to be caused by
faulty alignment ....... A ............. Require alignment.
\
\
\
\
\
\
\
WHEELS AND TIRES
TIRES
These guidelines do not apply to split rims. Some vehicle
manufacturers restrict replacement of tires to specific brands, types,
or sizes.
WARNING: High pressure temporary compact spare tires should not be
used with any other rims or wheels, nor should standard
tires, snow tires, wheel covers, or trim rings be used
with high pressure compact spare rims or wheels.
Attempting to mount a tire of one diameter on a wheel of
a different diameter or flange type may result in serious
injury or death.
WARNING: Only specially trained persons should dismount or mount
tires. Explosions of tire and wheel assembly can result
from improper mounting, possibly causing serious injury
or death.
WARNING: Consult the vehicle owner's manual or vehicle placard for
correct size, speed rating, designation, and cold
inflation pressure of the original tires. DO NOT exceed
the maximum load or inflation capacity of the tire
specified by the Tire and Rim Association
WARNING: When replacing tires, it is suggested that the
replacement tires match or exceed the OEM speed rating
designation. If tires of different speed rating
designations are mixed on the same vehicle, the tires may
vary in handling characteristics. DO NOT mix different
speed rating designations on the same axle.
WARNING: DO NOT mix radials with non-radial tires on the same
axle, as this may affect vehicle handling and stability.
If radial tires and bias or bias-belted ply tires are
mixed on the same vehicle, the radials must be on the
rear. High-pressure temporary compact spare tires are
exempt from this rule.
WARNING: DO NOT mix size or type (all season, performance, mud and
snow) of tires on the same axle.
TIRE INSPECTION
\
\
\
\
\
\
\
(chunking),
exposing cord .......... A ............ Require replacement.
Tread missing pieces
(chunking), not
exposing cord .......... 1 ............ Suggest replacement.
Tread separations A ............ Require replacement.
Tube in tubeless tire 3 .... (4) Suggest removal of tube.
Weather-checking ........ .. ......... No service required or
suggested.
Worn to tread wear
indicators ............. B ............ Require replacement.
( 1) - Determine and correct cause of irregular tire wear.
( 2) - If radials and bias or bias-belted ply tires are on the
same vehicle, the radials must be on the rear axle,
except for high-pressure temporary spares.
( 3) - Excessive is defined as enough to contribute to
performance problems. Match mounting may correct
run-out. If not, require replacement of appropriate
part. Refer to manufacturer's specifications.
( 4) - Most manufacturers do not recommend tubes in tubeless
tires. Inspect tire and wheel assembly to determine
the reason for a tube in tubeless tire. Recommendation
for repair or replacement should be based upon condition
of tires and/or wheel listed in these guidelines.
\
\
\
\
\
\
\
VALVE STEMS
VALVE STEM INSPECTION \
\
\
\
\
\
\
Condition Code Procedure
Bent .................... 1 ........... Suggest replacement.
Broken .................. A ........... Require replacement.
Cut, but not leaking .... 1 ........... Suggest replacement.
Deteriorated
(cracking, dry rot) .... 1 ........... Suggest replacement.
Leaking ................. A . Require repair or replacement.
Missing ................. C ........... Require replacement.
Threads damaged ......... A . Require repair or replacement.
Threads stripped ........ A ........... Require replacement.
Valve cap missing ....... C .... Require replacement of cap.
Weather-checking ........ 1 ........... Suggest replacement.
Won't take air .......... A . Require repair or replacement.
\
\
\
\
\
\
\
WHEEL ATTACHMENT HARDWARE
For conditions noted below, also check conditions of wheel
stud holes.
CAUTION: Proper lug nut torque is essential. Follow recommended
torque specifications and tightening sequence. DO NOT
lubricate threads unless specified by the vehicle
manufacturer.
WHEEL ATTACHMENT HARDWARE INSPECTION
\
\
\
\
\
\
\
Condition Code Procedure
Bent .................... A ............ Require replacement.
Broken .................. A ........ ( 1) Require replacement.
Loose ................... B ... Require repair or replacement
of affected component.
Lug nut installed
backward ............... B .. Require repair or replacement.
Lug nut mating type
incorrect .............. B ..... Require replacement of nut.
Lug nut mating surface
dished ................. A ..... Require replacement of nut.
Lug nut rounded ......... A . (2) Require replacement of nut.
Lug nut seized .......... A . ( 2) Require replacement of nut.
Stud incorrect .......... B .... Require replacement of stud.
Threads damaged ......... A ... Require repair or replacement
of component with damaged
threads.
Threads stripped ........ A .......... Require replacement of
component with stripped
threads.
( 1) - Some manufacturers require replacement of all studs on
that wheel if two or more studs or nuts on the same
wheel are broken or missing.
( 2) - Only required if removing wheel.
\
\
\
\
\
\
\
WHEELS (RIMS)
WARNING: Mounting a regular tire on a high-pressure compact spare
wheel is not permitted. Attempting to mount a tire of one
diameter on a wheel of a different diameter or flange
type may result in serious injury or death. If the wheel
identification stamp is not legible, or cannot be found,
do not use the wheel until the size and type have been
properly identified. Wheels of different diameter,
offset, or width cannot be mixed on the same axle. Bead
seat tapers cannot be interchanged.
WHEEL (RIM) INSPECTION
\
\
\
\
\
\
\
Condition Code Procedure
Bead leaking, caused
by wheel ............... A ........... ( 1) Require repair or
replacement.
Bent hub mounting
surface ................ A ............ Require replacement.
Bent rim, causing
vibration .............. 2 ........ ( 1) Suggest replacement.
Broken .................. A ............ Require replacement.
Cast wheel porous,
causing a leak ......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Clip-on balance weight is
incorrect type
for rim flange ......... 2 ............ Suggest replacement.
Corrosion, affecting
structural integrity ... A ............ Require replacement.
Corrosion build-up on
wheel mounting
surface ................ A ................. Require repair.
Cracked ................. A ............ Require replacement.
Directional/asymmetrical
wheels mounted
incorrectly ............ B ....... Require remounting and/or
repositioning.
WHEEL ALIGNMENT THEORY/OPERATION
1998 Mitsubishi Montero
GENERAL INFORMATION
Wheel Alignment Theory & Operation
ALL MODELS
* PLEASE READ THIS FIRST *
NOTE: This article is intended for general information purposes
only. This information may not apply to all makes and models.
PRE-ALIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
GENERAL ALIGNMENT CHECKS
Before adjusting wheel alignment, check the following:
* Each axle uses tires of same construction and tread style,
equal in tread wear and overall diameter. Verify that radial
and axial runout is not excessive. Inflation should be at
manufacturer's specifications.
* Steering linkage and suspension must not have excessive play.
Check for wear in tie rod ends and ball joints. Springs must
not be sagging. Control arm and strut rod bushings must not
have excessive play. See Fig. 1.
Fig. 1: Checking Steering Linkage
* Vehicle must be on level floor with full fuel tank, no
passenger load, spare tire in place and no load in trunk.
Bounce front and rear end of vehicle several times. Confirm