2004 DODGE TOWN AND COUNTRY flat tire

pressures may increase from 2 to 6 pounds per
square inch (psi) (14 to 41 kPa) during operation. Do
not reduce this normal pressure buildup.
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. 25).
Over inflation causes rapid center wear and loss of
the tire's ability to cushion shocks (Fig. 26).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. 27). 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.).
CLEANING - TIRES
Before delivery of a vehicle, remove the protective
coating on the tires with white sidewalls or raised
Fig. 25 Under Inflation Wear
1 - THIN TIRE TREAD AREAS
Fig. 26 Over Inflation Wear
1 - THIN TIRE TREAD AREA
Fig. 27 Tire Repair Area
1 - REPAIRABLE AREA
RSTIRES/WHEELS22-17
TIRES (Continued)

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. 28). 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. 29).
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 must 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.
CLEANING - ALUMINUM WHEEL CARE
Chrome plated and painted aluminum wheels
should be cleaned regularly using mild soap and
water to maintain their luster and to prevent corro-
sion.
Fig. 28 Safety Rim
1 - TIRE
2 - WELL
3 - SAFETY HUMPS
4 - FLANGE
Fig. 29 Styled Aluminum Wheel Weight
1 - TIRE
2 - WHEEL
3 - STYLED WHEEL WEIGHT
22 - 18 TIRES/WHEELSRS
TIRES (Continued)

Remover, Special Tool C-4150A on hub and bearing
assembly flange and wheel stud (Fig. 35).
(7) Tighten down on special tool, pushing wheel
stud out of the hub flange. When shoulder of wheel
stud is past flange, remove special tool from hub and
bearing. Remove nut from stud and remove stud
from hub flange.
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. 36).
(2) Tighten the nut, pulling the wheel stud into
the flange of the hub and bearing. When the head of
the 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. 34).
(4) Install brake caliper and adapter back over
brake rotor aligning adapter with mounting holes on
steering knuckle (Fig. 34).
(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.
(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. 37)
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. 37).
(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.
Fig. 35 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. 36 Installing Wheel Stud (Typical)
1 - WASHERS
2 - HUB AND BEARING ASSEMBLY
3 - WHEEL MOUNTING (LUG) NUT
4 - STEERING KNUCKLE
RSTIRES/WHEELS22-21
WHEEL MOUNTING STUDS - FRONT (Continued)

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. 38).
(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. 37 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. 38 Wheel Stud Installation
1 - WHEEL MOUNTING (LUG) NUT
2 - HUB AND BEARING ASSEMBLY
3 - WASHERS
4 - WHEEL STUD
22 - 22 TIRES/WHEELSRS
WHEEL MOUNTING STUDS - REAR (Continued)

CAUTION: Do not try to install a tire pressure sen-
sor in a steel wheel or aftermarket wheel. Use only
in original style factory wheels.
OPERATION
The tire pressure sensors are battery operated.
Each sensor transmits tire pressure data approxi-
mately once every minute at speeds above 13 mph
(20 km/h). Each sensor's (transmitter) broadcast is
uniquely coded so that the SKREEM can monitor the
states of each individual sensor on the vehicle.
Unlike prior model year TPM systems, a magnet is
not required to retrain the system. The SKREEM
automatically learns while driving after a sensor has
been replaced. (Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/TIRE
PRESSURE MONITORING/SENSOR - STANDARD
PROCEDURE) For additional information, refer to Appropriate
Diagnostic Information.
CAUTION
CAUTION: The use of tire sealants is strictly prohib-
ited for vehicles equipped with the Tire Pressure
Monitoring system. Tire sealants can clog tire pres-
sure sensors.
CAUTION: Tire pressure sensor valve stem caps
and cores are specially designed for the sensors.
Due to risk of corrosion, do not use a standard
valve stem cap or core in a tire pressure sensor in
place of the original equipment style sensor cap
and core.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to install a tire pressure
sensor in a steel wheel or aftermarket wheel. Use
tire pressure sensors in original style factory
wheels only.
NOTE: TPM thresholds have been established for
the original tire size equipped on the vehicle. Use
original size tires only to maintain system accuracy.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TIRE PRESSURE
SENSOR
NOTE: Tire pressure may increase from 2 to 6 psi
(14 to 41 kPa) during normal driving conditions. Do
NOT reduce this normal pressure build up.
If a fault in the system is detected, always check
air pressure in the tires first with a known accurate
air gauge and correct the inflation pressure. If any
tire is low, inspect allthe tires. If the gauge-read pressure in the tires does not
indicate a tire pressure issue, refer to the appropri-
ate diagnostic information.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TIRE PRESSURE
SENSOR RETRAIN
CAUTION: If a sensor is replaced, the vehicle must
be parked for a minimum of 15 minutes for the sys-
tem to be ready to learn the new sensor ID code.
(1) Park the car for a minimum of 15 minutes.
(2) Drive the vehicle for a minimum of five min-
utes while maintaining a continuous speed above 13
mph (20 km/h). During this time the system will
learn the new sensor ID code and will clear any
DTC's automatically.
NOTE: If a sensor cannot be trained, refer to appro-
priate diagnostic information.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove tire and wheel assembly from vehicle.
(Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS - REMOVAL)
CAUTION: The cap used on this valve stem con-
tains an O-ring seal to prevent contamination and
moisture from entering the valve stem. Retain this
valve stem cap for reuse. Do not substitute a regu-
lar valve stem cap in its place.
CAUTION: The valve stem used on this vehicle is
made of aluminum and the core is nickel plated
brass. The original valve stem core must be rein-
stalled and not substituted with a valve stem core
made of a different material. This is required to pre-
vent corrosion in the valve stem caused by the dif-
ferent metals.
(2) Dismount tire from wheel following tire
changer manufacturers instructions while paying
special attention to the following to avoid damaging
the pressure sensor: (a) When breaking the tire bead loose from the
wheel rim, avoid using the Bead Breaker in the
area of the sensor. That includes both front and
rear beads of the tire. (b) When preparing to dismount the tire from
the wheel, carefully insert the mounting/dimount-
ing tool at the valve stem   10É (Fig. 1), then pro-
ceed to dismount the tire from the wheel. Use this
process on both the upper and lower tire beads.
(3) Using a thin wall socket, remove special nut
retaining sensor to wheel (Fig. 2). (4) Remove sensor from wheel (Fig. 2).
22s - 2 TIRE PRESSURE MONITORINGRS
SENSOR - TPM (Continued)

TIRES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
TIRES DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION - TIRE ...................5
DESCRIPTION - RADIAL-PLY TIRES ........6
DESCRIPTION - REPLACEMENT TIRES .....6
DESCRIPTION - SPARE TIRE (TEMPORARY) ........................6
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TIRE NOISE ....6
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TIRE/VEHICLE LEAD ................................6
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TIRE WEAR PATTERNS ...........................8 DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TREAD WEAR
INDICATORS ..........................8
STANDARD PROCEDURE STANDARD PROCEDURE - TIRE INFLATIONPRESSURES ..........................8
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TIRE PRESSURE FOR HIGH SPEED
OPERATION ..........................9
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TIRE LEAK REPAIRING ...........................9
CLEANING - TIRES .....................10
TIRES
DESCRIPTION
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: ² Rapid acceleration
² Severe application of brakes
² High-speed driving
² Taking turns at excessive speeds
² Striking curbs and other obstacles
² Operating 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, load index and speed rating are
encoded in the letters and numbers imprinted on the
side wall of the tire. Refer to the Tire Identification
chart to decipher the code. For example purposes, the tire size P225/60 R 16 97 T is used in the chart. An
All Season type tire will also have eithe
rM+S,M&
SorM-S (indicating mud and snow traction)
imprinted on the side wall. An Extra or Light Load
marking ªXLº or ªLLº may also be listed on the side-
wall. The absence of an ªXLº or ªLLº marking infers
a standard load tire.
TIRE IDENTIFICATION
P TIRE TYPE (Not
present on all tires) P - Passenger
T - Temporary
C - Commercial
LT - Light Truck
225 SECTIONAL WIDTH SHOWN IN
MILLIMETERS
60 ASPECT RATIO SECTIONAL HEIGHT
÷ SECTIONAL WIDTH
(Refer to Aspect Ratio
Figure 1 )
R CONSTRUCTION
TYPE R - RADIAL
B - BIAS BELTED
D - DIAGONAL (BIAS)
16 WHEEL DIAMETER SHOWN IN INCHES
97 LOAD INDEX *
T SPEED RATING *
* NOTE: Consult the tire manufacturer regarding
any questions on tire specifications or capabilities.
RS TIRES22s-5

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 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.
WARNING: IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THE SPEED
CAPABILITY OF THE VEHICLE, REPLACEMENT
TIRES MUST HAVE SPEED RATINGS EQUAL TO OR
HIGHER THAN THOSE FITTED TO THE VEHICLE AS
ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. IF TIRES WITH LOWER
SPEED RATINGS ARE FITTED, THE VEHICLE'S
HANDLING MAY BE AFFECTED AND THE SPEED
CAPABILITY OF THE VEHICLE MAY BE LOWERED
TO THE MAXIMUM SPEED CAPABILITY OF THE
REPLACEMENT TIRES. TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT
RESULTING IN SEVERE OR FATAL INJURY, CON-
SULT THE TIRE MANUFACTURER IN REGARDS TO
MAXIMUM SPEED RATINGS. 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: ² Ride
² Noise
² Handling
² Durability
² Tread life
² Traction
² Rolling resistance
² Speed 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.
Fig. 1 Tire Aspect Ratio
1 - SECTIONAL WIDTH
2 - SECTIONAL HEIGHT
22s - 6 TIRESRS
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. 2). Excessive toe-in or toe-out causes wear on the
tread edges and a feathered effect across the tread
(Fig. 2).
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. 3). 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 driver's side B-pil-
lar). 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
Fig. 2 Tire Wear Patterns
Fig. 3 Tread Wear Indicators
1 - TREAD ACCEPTABLE
2 - TREAD UNACCEPTABLE
3 - WEAR INDICATOR
22s - 8 TIRESRS
TIRES (Continued)