
Performance tires will have a speed rating letter
after the aspect ratio number. For example, the letter
ªSº indicates that the tire is speed rated up to 112
mph (180 km/h). The speed rating is not always
printed on the tire sidewall.
²Q -up to 100 mph (160 km/h)
²S -up to 112 mph (180 km/h)
²T -up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
²U -up to 124 mph (200 km/h)
²H -up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
²V -up to 149 mph (240 km/h)
²Z -more than 149 mph (240 km/h) (consult the
tire manufacturer for the specific speed rating)
An All Season type tire will have eitherM+S,M
& S or M-S (indicating mud and snow traction)
imprinted on the side wall.
TIRE CHAINS
Refer to the owners manual supplied with the vehi-
cle to determine whether the use of tire chains is per-
mitted on this vehicle.
DESCRIPTION - 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. It is recommended that tires from dif-
ferent manufacturers NOT be mixed. They may bemixed with a temporary spare tire when necessary. A
maximum speed of 80 km/h (50 mph) is recom-
mended 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.
DESCRIPTION - REPLACEMENT TIRES
WARNING: FAILURE TO EQUIP THE VEHICLE WITH
TIRES HAVING ADEQUATE SPEED CAPABILITY
CAN RESULT IN SUDDEN TIRE FAILURE.
It is recommended that tires equivalent to the orig-
inal 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 original equipment tires provide a proper com-
bination of many characteristics such as:
²Ride
²Noise
²Handling
²Durability
²Tread life
²Traction
²Rolling resistance
²Speed capability
The use of oversize tires may cause interference
with vehicle components. Under extremes of suspen-
sion and steering travel, interference with vehicle
components may cause tire damage.
DESCRIPTION - SPARE TIRE (TEMPORARY)
The temporary (convenience) spare tire is designed
for emergency use only. The original tire should be
repaired and reinstalled, or replaced with a new, at
the first opportunity.
The temporary (convenience) spare tire should be
inflated to the pressure listed on its sidewall. Do not
exceed speeds of 80 km/h (50 mph) when the tempo-
rary spare tire is in use on the vehicle. Refer to the
Owner's Manual for more details.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TIRE NOISE
Unusual tire noise can be associated with tire and
wheel vibration or irregular tire wear. For vibration,
(Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING). For irregular tire wear, (Refer to 22 - TIRES/
WHEELS/TIRES - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TIRE/VEHICLE
LEAD
Use the following Vehicle Lead Diagnosis And Cor-
rection Chart to diagnose and correct a vehicle lead
or drift problem.
Fig. 17 Tire Identification
RSTIRES/WHEELS22-9
TIRES (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - 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. 18).
Excessive toe-in or toe-out causes wear on the
tread edges and a feathered effect across the tread
(Fig. 18).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - 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. 19).
Tire replacement is necessary when indicators
appear in two or more grooves or if localized balding
occurs.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TIRE INFLATION
PRESSURES
The specified tire pressures have been chosen to
provide safe operation, vehicle stability, and a smooth
ride. The proper tire pressure specification can be
found on the Tire Inflation Pressure Label provided
with the vehicle (usually on the rear face inside the
glove box).
A quality air pressure gauge is recommended to
check tire air pressure. Tire pressure should be
checked cold once per month. Check tire pressure
more frequently when the weather temperature var-
ies widely. Tire pressure will decrease when the out-door temperature drops. After checking the air
pressure, replace valve cap finger tight.
Inflation pressures specified on the Tire Inflation
Pressure Label are always the cold inflation pressure
of the tire. 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 buildup.
Fig. 18 Tire Wear Patterns
Fig. 19 Tread Wear Indicators
1 - TREAD ACCEPTABLE
2 - TREAD UNACCEPTABLE
3 - WEAR INDICATOR
RSTIRES/WHEELS22-11
TIRES (Continued)

Improper inflation can cause:
²Uneven wear patterns
²Reduced tread life
²Reduced fuel economy
²Unsatisfactory ride
²The vehicle to drift.
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, tire
flexing, and can result in tire failure (Fig. 20).
Over inflation causes rapid center wear and loss of
the tire's ability to cushion shocks (Fig. 21).STANDARD PROCEDURE - TIRE PRESSURE
FOR HIGH SPEED OPERATION
DaimlerChrysler Corporation advocates driving at
safe speeds within posted speed limits. Where speed
limits allow the vehicle to be driven at high speeds,
correct tire inflation pressure is very important.
Vehicles loaded to maximum capacity should not be
driven at continuous speeds over 120 km/h (75 mph).
Never exceed the maximum speed capacity of the
tire. For information on tire identification and speed
ratings, (Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/TIRES -
DESCRIPTION).
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TIRE LEAK
REPAIRING
For proper repairing, a radial tire must be removed
from the wheel. Repairs should only be made if the
defect, or puncture, is in the tread area (Fig. 22). The
tire should be replaced if the puncture is located in
the sidewall.
Deflate tire completely before attempting to dis-
mount the tire from the wheel.Use a lubricant
such as a mild soap solution when dismounting
or mounting tire.Use tools free of burrs or sharp
edges which could damage 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
the 5 wheel nuts to a torque of 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
Fig. 20 Under Inflation Wear
1 - THIN TIRE TREAD AREAS
Fig. 21 Over Inflation Wear
1 - THIN TIRE TREAD AREA
Fig. 22 Tire Repair Area
1 - REPAIRABLE AREA
22 - 12 TIRES/WHEELSRS
TIRES (Continued)

CLEANING - TIRES
Before delivery of a vehicle, remove the protective
coating on the tires with white sidewalls or raised
white letters. To remove the protective coating, apply
warm water and let it soak for a few minutes. After-
wards, scrub the coating away with a soft bristle
brush. Steam cleaning may also be used to remove
the coating.
CAUTION: DO NOT use gasoline, mineral oil, oil-
based solvent or a wire brush for cleaning.
WHEELS
DESCRIPTION - WHEEL
Original equipment wheels are designed for proper
operation at all loads up to the specified maximum
vehicle capacity.
All models use either steel or aluminum drop-cen-
ter wheels. Every wheel has raised sections between
the rim flanges and rim drop well called safety
humps (Fig. 23). Initial inflation of the tires forces
the bead over these raised sections. In case of air
loss, the safety humps 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 flange of the rim (Fig. 24).
When wheel alignment is necessary on a vehicle
with cast aluminum wheels, special wheel clamps are
required to avoid damage to the wheel's finish.The wheel studs and nuts are designed for specific
wheel applications and must be replaced with equiv-
alent parts.
All aluminum wheels have wheel mounting (lug)
nuts with an enlarged nose. This enlarged nose is
necessary to ensure proper retention of the wheels.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WHEEL
INSPECTION
Inspect wheels for:
²Excessive runout
²Dents, cracks or irregular bends
²Damaged wheel stud (lug) holes
²Air Leaks
NOTE: Do not attempt to repair a wheel by hammer-
ing, heating or welding.
If a wheel is damaged, an original equipment
replacement wheel should be used. When obtaining
replacement wheels, they should be equivalent in
load carrying capacity. The diameter, width, offset,
pilot hole and bolt circle of the wheel should be the
same as the original wheel.
WARNING: FAILURE TO USE EQUIVALENT
REPLACEMENT WHEELS MAY ADVERSELY
AFFECT THE SAFETY AND HANDLING OF THE
VEHICLE.
WARNING: REPLACEMENT WITH USED WHEELS IS
NOT RECOMMENDED. THE SERVICE HISTORY OF
THE WHEEL MAY HAVE INCLUDED SEVERE TREAT-
MENT OR VERY HIGH MILEAGE. THE RIM COULD
FAIL WITHOUT WARNING.
Fig. 23 Safety Rim
1 - TIRE
2 - WELL
3 - SAFETY HUMPS
4 - FLANGE
Fig. 24 Styled Aluminum Wheel Weight
1 - TIRE
2 - WHEEL
3 - STYLED WHEEL WEIGHT
RSTIRES/WHEELS22-13
TIRES (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Install replacement wheel stud into flange of
hub and bearing assembly. Install washers on wheel
stud, then install a wheel mounting (lug) nut on stud
with flat side of lug nut against washers as shown
(Fig. 31).
(2) Tighten the nut, pulling the wheel stud into
the flange of the hub and bearing. When the head ofthe stud is fully seated against the rear of the hub
flange, remove nut and washers from stud.
(3) Install the brake rotor back on the hub and
bearing (Fig. 29).
(4) Install brake caliper and adapter back over
brake rotor aligning adapter with mounting holes on
steering knuckle (Fig. 29).
(5) Install the two adapter mounting bolts securing
the adapter to the steering knuckle. Tighten the
mounting bolts to 169 N´m (125 ft. lbs.) torque.
(6) Install wheel and tire assembly on vehicle.
Tighten the wheel mounting lug nuts in proper
sequence until all nuts are torqued to half specifica-
tion, then repeat the tightening sequence to the full
specified torque of 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
(7) Lower vehicle to the ground.
WHEEL MOUNTING STUDS -
REAR
REMOVAL
CAUTION: If a wheel attaching stud needs to be
replaced in the hub and bearing assembly the studs
MUST NOT be hammered out of the hub flange. If a
stud is removed by hammering it out of the bearing
flange, damage to the hub and bearing assembly
will occur leading to premature hub and bearing
failure.
(1) Raise vehicle on jackstands or centered on a
frame contact type hoist. See Hoisting in Lubrication
and Maintenance.
Fig. 29 Front Brake Mounting
1 - BRAKE ROTOR
2 - HUB AND BEARING
3 - STEERING KNUCKLE
4 - ADAPTER MOUNTING BOLTS
5 - BRAKE CALIPER
6 - ADAPTER
7 - CLIP
Fig. 30 Wheel Stud Removal (Typical)
1 - WHEEL MOUNTING (LUG) NUT
2 - HUB AND BEARING ASSEMBLY
3 - SPECIAL TOOL C-4150A
4 - STEERING KNUCKLE
5 - WHEEL STUD
Fig. 31 Installing Wheel Stud (Typical)
1 - WASHERS
2 - HUB AND BEARING ASSEMBLY
3 - WHEEL MOUNTING (LUG) NUT
4 - STEERING KNUCKLE
22 - 16 TIRES/WHEELSRS
WHEEL MOUNTING STUDS - FRONT (Continued)

(2) Remove the rear wheel and tire assembly.
(3) Remove the brake drum or disc brake caliper
and rotor. Refer to Brakes.
(4) Install a lug nut on the wheel stud to be
removed from the hub and bearing assembly (Fig. 32)
so the threads on stud are even with end of lug nut.
Install Remover, Special Tool C-4150A on hub and
bearing assembly flange and wheel stud (Fig. 32).
(5) Tightening down on special tool will push
wheel stud out of the hub and bearing assembly
flange.
(6) Remove lug nut from stud and remove wheel
stud from flange.INSTALLATION
(1) Install replacement wheel stud into flange of
hub and bearing assembly. Install washers on wheel
stud, then install a wheel lug nut on stud with flat
side of lug nut against washers (Fig. 33).
(2) Tighten the wheel lug nut, pulling the wheel
stud into the flange of the hub and bearing assembly.
When the head of the stud is fully seated against the
bearing flange, remove lug nut and washers from
wheel stud.
(3) Install the brake drum or disc brake rotor and
caliper on the hub and bearing assembly.
(4) Install wheel and tire assembly on vehicle.
Tighten the wheel mounting stud nuts in proper
sequence until all nuts are torqued to half specifica-
tion. Then repeat the tightening sequence to the full
specified torque of 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
(5) Lower vehicle to the ground.
Fig. 32 Wheel Stud Removal From Hub And Bearing
1 - HUB AND BEARING ASSEMBLY
2 - WHEEL MOUNTING (LUG) NUT
3 - WHEEL STUD
4 - SPECIAL TOOL C-4150A
Fig. 33 Wheel Stud Installation
1 - WHEEL MOUNTING (LUG) NUT
2 - HUB AND BEARING ASSEMBLY
3 - WASHERS
4 - WHEEL STUD
RSTIRES/WHEELS22-17
WHEEL MOUNTING STUDS - REAR (Continued)

(13) Apply a coat of epoxy to the exposed ends of
the support squares (Fig. 12).
(14) Install screws to hold the patch to support
squares (Fig. 13). Tighten screws until patch surface
is flush with panel surface.
(15) Allow epoxy to cure, and remove all screws.
(16) Using a 125 mm (5 in.) 24 grit disc grinder,
grind a 50 mm (2 in.) to 75 mm (3 in.) wide and 2
mm (0.080 in.) deep path across the gaps around the
patch (Fig. 14). With compressed air, blow dust from
around patch.
(17) Apply adhesive backed nylon mesh (dry wall
tape) over gaps around patch (Fig. 15).
(18) Mix enough epoxy to cover the entire patch
area.
(19) Apply epoxy over the mesh around patch, and
smooth epoxy with a wide spreader to reduce finish
grinding. Use two to three layers of mesh and epoxy
to create a stronger repair (Fig. 16).
PATCHED PANEL SURFACING
After patch panel is installed, the patch area can
be finished using the same methods as finishing
other types of body panels. If mesh material is
exposed in the patched area, grind surface down, and
apply a coat of high quality rigid plastic body filler.
Prime, block sand, and paint as required.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HEAT STAKING
(1) Remove trim panel.
(2) Bend or move the trim panel components at
the heat staked joints. Observe the heat staked loca-
tions and/or component seams for looseness.
(3) Heat stake the components.
(a) If the heat staked or component seam loca-
tion is loose, hold the two components tightlytogether and using a soldering gun with a flat tip,
melt the material securing the components
together. Do not over heat the affected area, dam-
age to the exterior of the trim panel may occur.
(b) If the heat staked material is broken or miss-
ing, use a hot glue gun to apply new material to
the area to be repaired. The panels that are being
heat staked must be held together while the apply-
ing the glue. Once the new material is in place, it
may be necessary to use a soldering gun to melt
the newly applied material. Do not over heat the
affected area, damage to the exterior of the trim
panel may occur.
Fig. 13 INSTALL SCREWS
1 - PATCH
2 - GAP
Fig. 14 Grind Surface
1 - PATCH
2 - GAP
3 - DISC GRINDER
Fig. 15 COVER GAPS WITH MESH
1 - GROUND DOWN AREA
2 - PATCH
3 - MESH
23 - 8 BODYRS
BODY (Continued)

(5) Install fuel filler housing to outer quarter
panel.
(6) Verify that all clips on fuel filler housing are
fully engaged to outer quarter panel.
(7) Engage fuel filler lockout link into clip on fuel
fill blocker latch arm.
(8) Install water shield patch covering access hole
in C-pillar.
(9) Install left quarter trim panel.
GRILLE OPENING
REINFORCEMENT
REMOVAL
(1) Release hood latch and open hood.
(2) Remove bolts attaching hood latch to cross-
member and position latch out of the way.
(3) Remove radiator sight shield.
(4) Remove engine air inlet resonator.
(5) Remove hood cable.
(6) Remove hood prop rod.
(7) Remove screw attaching coolant recovery bottle
to crossmember.
(8) Remove bolts attaching radiator isolators to
crossmember.
(9) Remove bolts attaching ends of crossmember to
radiator closure panel (Fig. 14) .
(10) Lift crossmember upward and away from
radiator closure panel.
(11) Remove crossmember from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Place radiator closure panel crossmember in
position on vehicle.
(2) Insert ends of crossmember between layered
metal sections of radiator closure panel at each side
of radiator.
(3) Align with paint breaks around bolt heads.
(4) Install bolts attaching ends of crossmember to
radiator closure panel (Fig. 14) . Tighten bolts to 19
N´m (14 ft. lbs.) torque.
(5) Install bolts attaching radiator isolators to
crossmember.
(6) Install screw attaching coolant recovery bottle
to crossmember.
(7) Install bolt attaching air cleaner housing to
crossmember.
(8) Install engine air inlet resonator.
(9) Install radiator sight shield.
(10) Install hood prop rod.
(11) Align hood latch by placing latch over net
pierce tabs. If alignment is required, flatten tabs.
(12) Install bolts attaching hood latch to cross-
member. Tighten bolts to 13.5 N´m (10 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(13) Verify hood latch operation and hood align-
ment.
FRONT WHEELHOUSE
SPLASH SHIELD
REMOVAL
(1) Hoist and support vehicle on safety stands.
(Refer to LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/HOIST-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(2) Remove front wheel. Refer to section 22, Tires/
Wheels, for recommended procedures.
(3) Remove push-in fasteners holding splash shield
to frame rail forward of suspension.
(4) Remove push-in fasteners holding splash shield
to frame rail rearward of suspension.
(5) Remove screws holding wheelhouse splash
shield to front fender.
(6) Remove splash shield from vehicle (Fig. 15).
Fig. 14 Radiator Closure Panel Crossmember
1 - RADIATOR CLOSURE PANEL CROSSMEMBER
2 - FRONT FASCIA
23 - 194 EXTERIORRS
FUEL FILL DOOR BLOCKER LOCKOUT LINK (Continued)