TIRES/WHEELS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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TIRES/WHEELS
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TIRE AND
WHEEL VIBRATION.....................1
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TIRE AND
WHEEL BALANCE......................5
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TIRE AND
WHEEL MATCH MOUNTING..............5
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TIRE AND
WHEEL ROTATION.....................7
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - TIRE AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY
(ALUMINUM WHEEL)....................7
REMOVAL - TIRE AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY
(STEEL WHEEL).......................7
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - TIRE AND WHEEL
ASSEMBLY (ALUMINUM WHEEL)..........8
INSTALLATION - TIRE AND WHEEL
ASSEMBLY (STEEL WHEEL)..............8
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING (TPM)
DESCRIPTION..........................9
OPERATION............................9
SENSOR - TPM
DESCRIPTION.........................10
OPERATION...........................10
CAUTION.............................10
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TIRE PRESSURE
SENSOR............................10
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TIRE PRESSURE
SENSOR RETRAIN....................10
REMOVAL.............................11
INSTALLATION.........................11
TIRES
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - TIRE..................13
DESCRIPTION - RADIAL-PLY TIRES.......13DESCRIPTION - REPLACEMENT TIRES....14
DESCRIPTION - SPARE TIRE
(TEMPORARY).......................14
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TIRE NOISE . . . 14
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TIRE/VEHICLE
LEAD...............................14
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TIRE WEAR
PATTERNS..........................14
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TREAD WEAR
INDICATORS.........................14
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TIRE INFLATION
PRESSURES.........................14
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TIRE
PRESSURE FOR HIGH SPEED
OPERATION.........................17
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TIRE LEAK
REPAIRING..........................17
CLEANING - TIRES.....................17
WHEELS
DESCRIPTION - WHEEL..................17
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WHEEL
INSPECTION.........................18
CLEANING - ALUMINUM WHEEL CARE......18
SPECIFICATIONS
WHEEL.............................19
WHEEL COVER
DESCRIPTION.........................19
REMOVAL.............................19
INSTALLATION.........................19
WHEEL MOUNTING STUDS - FRONT
REMOVAL.............................20
INSTALLATION.........................21
WHEEL MOUNTING STUDS - REAR
REMOVAL.............................21
INSTALLATION.........................22
TIRES/WHEELS
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TIRE AND WHEEL
VIBRATION
Tire and wheel imbalance, runout and force varia-
tion can cause vehicles to exhibit steering wheel
vibration.
VISUAL INSPECTION
Visual inspection of the vehicle is recommended
prior to road testing or performing any other proce-
dure. Raise vehicle on a suitable hoist. (Refer to
LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/HOISTING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
RSTIRES/WHEELS22-1
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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.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
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.
Fig. 10 Aluminum Wheel Weight
1 - TIRE
2 - WHEEL
3 - WHEEL WEIGHT
Fig. 11 Forward-Cross Tire Rotation Method
RSTIRES/WHEELS22-7
TIRES/WHEELS (Continued)
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(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.TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
(TPM)
DESCRIPTION
Some versions of this vehicle are equipped with a
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) system. It monitors
air pressure in the four road tires (excludes spare).
Pressure in the spare tire is not monitored.
There is a sensor (transmitter) in each of the vehi-
cle's four road wheels. The system alerts the driver
when tire pressure falls outside predetermined
thresholds (pressure too low or too high). A message
is then displayed on the Electronic Vehicle Informa-
tion Center (EVIC) located in the overhead console.
For further information, refer to the Owners Man-
ual or the appropriate diagnostic information.
OPERATION
The Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) system uses
radio and sensor technology to monitor tire air pres-
sure levels. Sensors, mounted to each road wheel as
part of the valve stem, transmit tire pressure read-
ings to a receiver located in the overhead console.
These transmissions occur once every minute at
speeds over 20 mph (32 km/h). The Tire Pressure
Monitoring system remains active even if no tire
pressure related message is displayed in the EVIC.
If any road tire pressure has exceeded the low or
high pressure threshold (refer to chart below), the
TPM system will display a message in the EVIC and
sound a chime. This message will be displayed for
the rest of the ignition cycle, or until either the Low/
High Tire pressure condition has been corrected. If
the C/T, MENU, STEP or RESET button is pressed,
the message is replaced by the new message
requested; however, if the Low/High Tire condition
has not been corrected, the Low/High Tire pressure
message will again be displayed.
If a road tire is replaced by the spare, the TPM
system will detect the swap and the message9SPARE
TIRE IN USE? Y/N9(along with a chime) will be dis-
played.
For further information, refer to the Owners Man-
ual or the Appropriate Diagnostic Information.
TPM THRESHOLD PRESSURES
High Pressure ON Threshold 48 PSI (331 kPa)
High Pressure OFF Threshold 43 PSI (296 kPa)
Placard Pressure (Cold) 36 PSI (248 kPa)
Low Pressure OFF Threshold 33 PSI (228 kPa)
Low Pressure ON Threshold 28 PSI (193 kPa)
Fig. 15 WHEEL COVER INSTALLATION OVER TWO
NUTS
1 - RETAINING TABS
2 - VALVE STEM
3 - BOLT-ON WHEEL COVER
Fig. 16 NUT TIGHTENING SEQUENCE
RSTIRES/WHEELS22-9
TIRES/WHEELS (Continued)
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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 be
mixed 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 vehi-
cle.
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 tires smaller than the minimum tire
size approved for the vehicle can result in tire over-
loading and failure.
Use tires that have the approved load rating for
the vehicle and never overload them. Failure to equip
the vehicle with tires having adequate speed capabil-
ity can result in sudden tire failure and loss of vehi-
cle control.
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
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 TEST-
ING).
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.
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. 23).
Excessive toe-in or toe-out causes wear on the
tread edges and a feathered effect across the tread
(Fig. 23).
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. 24).
Tire replacement is necessary when indicators
appear in two or more grooves or if localized balding
occurs.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
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 of the driv-
er's door).
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-
22 - 14 TIRES/WHEELSRS
TIRES (Continued)
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