2001 DODGE TOWN AND COUNTRY tires

For dynamic balancing, the balance equipment is
designed to indicate the location and amount of
weight to be applied to both the inner and outer rim
flanges (Fig. 9).The aluminum wheels on this vehicle use a unique
wheel weight (Fig. 10). This wheel weight is designed
to fit the contoured surface of the wheel (Fig. 10).
When balancing an aluminum wheel, this wheel
weight must be used. Do not use any other type of
Fig. 9 Dynamic Unbalance & Balance
1 - CENTER LINE OF SPINDLE 3 - CORRECTIVE WEIGHT LOCATION
2 - ADD BALANCE WEIGHTS HERE 4 - HEAVY SPOT WHEEL SHIMMY AND VIBRATION
Fig. 8 Static Unbalance & Balance
1 - HEAVY SPOT 4 - CORRECTIVE WEIGHT LOCATION
2 - CENTER LINE OF SPINDLE 5 - TIRE OR WHEEL TRAMP, OR WHEEL HOP
3 - ADD BALANCE WEIGHTS HERE
RSTIRES/WHEELS22-5
TIRES/WHEELS (Continued)
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wheel weight. It will not properly fit the contour of
the wheel.
Always verify the Balance. When using off-vehicle
equipment, rotate assembly 180 degrees on balance
equipment to verify balance. Variation should not be
more than 0.125 (
1¤8) ounce. If variation is more than
0.125 ounce, balancing equipment could be malfunc-
tioning.
If difficult to balance, break down the wheel and
tire assembly and check for loose debris inside tire.
Prior to disassembly, mark (index) the tire at the
valve stem. Use this mark in order to remount the
tire in its original orientation with respect to the
wheel.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - 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 runout in the wheel and tire assem-
bly. 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 wheel is identi-
fied with a label on the outside of the rim and a dot
or line in the drop well area of the rim (inside where
the tire mounts). 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. The tire can
then be match mounted to the tire.
Information on match mounting the tire to the
wheel can be found in Tire and Wheel Runout/Match
Mounting, items (2) through (5), within Diagnosis
And Testing - Tire And Wheel Vibration. (Refer to 22
- TIRES/WHEELS - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING)
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TIRE AND WHEEL
ROTATION
NON-DIRECTIONAL TREAD PATTERN TIRES
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. 11). 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.
DIRECTIONAL TREAD PATTERN TIRES
Some vehicles are fitted with special high-perfor-
mance tires having a directional tread pattern. These
tires are designed to improve traction on wet pave-
ment. To obtain the full benefits of this design, the
tires must be installed so that they rotate in the cor-
rect direction. This is indicated by arrows on the tire
sidewalls.
Fig. 10 Aluminum Wheel Weight
1 - TIRE
2 - WHEEL
3 - WHEEL WEIGHT
Fig. 11 Forward-Cross Tire Rotation Method
22 - 6 TIRES/WHEELSRS
TIRES/WHEELS (Continued)
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When wheels and tires are being installed, extra
care is needed to ensure that this direction of rota-
tion is maintained.
Refer to Owner's Manual for rotation schedule.
REMOVAL - TIRE AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY
(ALUMINUM WHEEL)
(1) Raise the vehicle so the tire and wheel assem-
bly clears ground level.
(2) Remove the 5 wheel mounting nuts from the
studs.
(3) Remove the tire and wheel from the hub.
REMOVAL - TIRE AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY
(STEEL WHEEL)
(1) Raise the vehicle so the tire and wheel assem-
bly clears ground level.
(2) Noting the location of the valve stem in rela-
tionship to the wheel mounting nuts, remove the
three wheel mounting nuts securing the wheel cover
to the wheel and hub (Fig. 12).
CAUTION: When removing the wheel cover, do not
pry the wheel cover from the wheel. This can result
in damage to the wheel cover. The wheel cover is
removed by pulling it off the wheel by hand.
(3) Grasp the wheel cover at the edges in line with
the remaining installed wheel mounting nuts and
pull straight outward from the wheel. This will pop
the wheel cover retaining tabs over the two remain-
ing wheel nuts, removing the wheel cover from the
vehicle.
(4) Remove the two remaining wheel mounting
nuts from the hub's studs.(5) Remove the wheel and tire from the hub.
INSTALLATION - TIRE AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY
(ALUMINUM WHEEL)
NOTE: Never use oil or grease on studs or wheel
mounting nuts.
(1) Position the tire and wheel assembly on the
wheel mounting studs using the hub pilot as a guide.
Place and hold the wheel flush up against the mount-
ing surface.
(2) Loosely install all 5 wheel mounting nuts.
Lightly snug the wheel nuts, then progressively
tighten them in the proper sequence (Fig. 13).
Tighten wheel mounting nuts to 135 N´m (100 ft.
lbs.).
(3) Lower the vehicle.
INSTALLATION - TIRE AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY
(STEEL WHEEL)
NOTE: Never use oil or grease on studs or wheel
mounting nuts.
(1) Position the tire and wheel assembly on the
wheel mounting studs using the hub pilot as a guide.
Place and hold the wheel flush up against the mount-
ing surface.
NOTE: Wheel mounting nuts must be installed on
the studs as shown (Fig. 14) to allow proper instal-
lation of the wheel cover.
(2) Using the valve stem as an index placed at the
12 O'clock position, install andlightly tightentwo
wheel mounting nuts on the studs located at the 4
O'clock and 8 O'clock positions as shown (Fig. 14).
Fig. 12 NUTS SECURING WHEEL COVER
1 - VALVE STEM
2 - BOLT-ON WHEEL COVER
3 - NUTS SECURING WHEEL COVER
Fig. 13 Tightening Sequence
RSTIRES/WHEELS22-7
TIRES/WHEELS (Continued)
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(3) Place the wheel cover on the wheel in the fol-
lowing fashion:
(a) Align the valve notch in the wheel cover with
the valve stem on the wheel.
(b) At the same time, align the two holes in the
wheel cover having the retaining tabs with the two
installed wheel nuts (Fig. 15).
(c) Press in on center of wheel cover until wheel
cover retaining tabs push past and engage rear of
previously installed wheel mounting nuts (Fig. 15).
This will hold the wheel cover in place.(4) Install andlightly tightenthe three remain-
ing wheel mounting nuts, securing the wheel cover in
place (Fig. 12).
(5) Progressively tighten all five wheel mounting
nuts in the proper sequence (Fig. 16). Tighten wheel
nuts to a torque of 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
(6) Lower the vehicle.
TIRES
DESCRIPTION - TIRE
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
²Operating vehicle with over or under inflated
tire pressures
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. 17).
Fig. 14 TWO WHEEL MOUNTING NUTS INSTALLED
1 - WHEEL
2 - VALVE STEM
3 - HUB PILOT
4 - NUTS
Fig. 15 WHEEL COVER INSTALLATION OVER TWO
NUTS
1 - RETAINING TABS
2 - VALVE STEM
3 - BOLT-ON WHEEL COVER
Fig. 16 NUT TIGHTENING SEQUENCE
22 - 8 TIRES/WHEELSRS
TIRES/WHEELS (Continued)
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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)
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VEHICLE LEAD DIAGNOSIS AND CORRECTION CHART
22 - 10 TIRES/WHEELSRS
TIRES (Continued)
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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)
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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)
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