unique wheel weights. They are designed to fit the
contour of the wheel (Fig. 1).
²Inspect tires and wheels for damage, mud pack-
ing and unusual wear; correct as necessary.
²Check and adjust tire air pressure to the pres-
sure listed on the label attached to the rear face of
the driver's door.
ROAD TEST
Road test vehicle on a smooth road for a least five
miles to warm tires (remove any flat spots). Lightly
place hands on steering wheel at the 10:00 and 2:00
positions while slowly sweeping up and down from 90
to 110 km/h (55 to 70 mph) where legal speed limits
allow.
Observe the steering wheel for:
²Visual Nibble (oscillation: clockwise/counter-
clockwise, usually due to tire imbalance)
²Visual Buzziness (high frequency, rapid vibra-
tion up and down)
To rule out vibrations due to brakes or powertrain:
²Lightly apply brakes at speed; if vibration occurs
or is enhanced, vibration is likely due to causes other
than tire and wheel assemblies.
²Shift transmission into neutral while vibration
is occurring; if vibration is eliminated, vibration is
likely due to causes other than tire and wheel assem-
blies.
For brake vibrations, (Refer to 5 - BRAKES -
BASE/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/ROTORS -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
For powertrain vibrations, (Refer to 3 - DIFFER-
ENTIAL & DRIVELINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TEST-
ING).
For tire and wheel assembly vibrations, continue
with this diagnosis and testing procedure.
TIRE AND WHEEL BALANCE
(1) Balance the tire and wheel assemblies as nec-
essary following the wheel balancer manufacturer's
instructions and using the information listed in Stan-
dard Procedure - Tire And Wheel Balance. (Refer to
22 - TIRES/WHEELS - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(2) Road test the vehicle for at least 5 miles, fol-
lowing the format described in Road Test.
(3) If the vibration persists, continue with this
diagnosis and testing procedure.
TIRE AND WHEEL RUNOUT/MATCH MOUNTING
(1)System Radial Runout.This on-the-vehicle
system check will measure the radial runout includ-
ing the hub, wheel and tire.
(a) Raise vehicle so tires clear floor. (Refer to
LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/HOISTING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(b) Apply masking tape around the circumfer-
ence of the tire in the locations to be measured
(Fig. 2). Do not overlap the tape.
(c) Check system runout using Dial Indicator
Set, Special Tool C-3339A with 25-W wheel, or
equivalent. Place the end of the indicator against
each taped area (one at a time) (Fig. 2) and rotate
the tire and wheel. System radial runout should
not exceed 0.76 mm (0.030 inch) with no tread
ªdipsº or ªsteps.º Tread ªdipsº and ªstepsº can be
identified by spikes of the dial indicator gauge.
²Tread9dips9; Rapid decrease then increase in
dial indicator reading over 101.6 mm (4.0 inch) of
tread circumference.
²Tread9steps9; Rapid decrease or increase in dial
indicator reading over 101.6 mm (4.0 inch) of tread
circumference.
(d) If system runout is excessive, re-index the
tire and wheel assembly on the hub. Remove
assembly from vehicle and install it back on the
hub two studs over from original mounting posi-
tion. If re-indexing the tire and wheel assembly
corrects or reduces system runout, check hub
runout and repair as necessary (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES - BASE/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/
ROTORS - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
(e) If system runout is still excessive, continue
with this diagnosis and testing procedure.
(2)Tire and Wheel Assembly Radial Runout.
This radial runout check is performed with the tire
and wheel assembly off the vehicle.
(a) Remove tire and wheel assembly from vehicle
and install it on a suitable wheel balancer.
Fig. 1 Aluminum Wheel Weight
1 - TIRE
2 - WHEEL
3 - WHEEL WEIGHT
22 - 2 TIRES/WHEELSRS
TIRES/WHEELS (Continued)
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.
(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
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
22 - 8 TIRES/WHEELSRS
TIRES/WHEELS (Continued)
(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.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
DESCRIPTION
Some versions of this vehicle are equipped with
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM). TPM monitors air
pressure in the four road tires. The system alerts the
driver when tire pressure in any of the four road
wheels falls below a predetermined threshold (pres-
sure too low).
Depending on optional equipment, a vehicle may
have four or five sensors (fifth sensor located in spare
wheel). Although a pressure sensor may be present in
the spare tire wheel of the five sensor system, pres-
sure in the spare tire is not monitored.
There are two systems available, Base and Pre-
mium. The Base system offers an indicator lamp,
warning the driver of a pressure issue. An audible
chime also sounds once when a pressure issue occurs.
In addition to these features, the Premium system
offers an Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) display of information.
For further information, refer to the Owners Man-
ual or the appropriate diagnostic information.
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
RSTIRES/WHEELS22-9
TIRES/WHEELS (Continued)
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:
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, 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 eitherM+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
PTIRE TYPE (Not
present on all tires)P - Passenger
T - Temporary
C - Commercial
LT - Light Truck
225SECTIONAL WIDTHSHOWN IN
MILLIMETERS
60ASPECT RATIOSECTIONAL HEIGHT
÷ SECTIONAL WIDTH
(Refer to Aspect Ratio
Figure 21 )
RCONSTRUCTION
TYPER - RADIAL
B - BIAS BELTED
D - DIAGONAL (BIAS)
16WHEEL DIAMETER SHOWN IN INCHES
97LOAD INDEX *
TSPEED RATING *
* NOTE: Consult the tire manufacturer regarding
any questions on tire specifications or capabilities.
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.
Fig. 21 Tire Aspect Ratio
1 - SECTIONAL WIDTH
2 - SECTIONAL HEIGHT
RSTIRES/WHEELS22-13
(2) Grasp the wheel cover at the edges in line with
the remaining installed wheel nuts and pull straight
outward from the wheel. This will pop the wheel
cover retaining tabs over the two remaining wheel
nuts, removing the wheel cover from the wheel.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Wheel mounting nuts must be installed on
the studs as shown to allow installation of the
wheel cover (Fig. 30).
(1) 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. 31).
(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. 31).
This will hold the wheel cover in place.
(2) Install andlightly tightenthe three remain-
ing wheel mounting nuts, securing the wheel cover in
place (Fig. 29).
(3) Tighten all five wheel mounting nuts in the
proper sequence (Fig. 32). Tighten wheel nuts to a
torque of 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
Fig. 29 Nuts Securing Wheel Cover
1 - VALVE STEM
2 - BOLT-ON WHEEL COVER
3 - NUTS SECURING WHEEL COVER
Fig. 30 Two Wheel Mounting Nuts Installed
1 - WHEEL
2 - VALVE STEM
3 - HUB PILOT
4 - NUTS
Fig. 31 Wheel Cover Installation Over Two Nuts
1 - RETAINING TABS
2 - VALVE STEM
3 - BOLT-ON WHEEL COVER
Fig. 32 Nut Tightening Sequence
22 - 20 TIRES/WHEELSRS
WHEEL COVER (Continued)
the vehicle should not enter the passenger or luggage
compartment. Moving sealing surfaces will not
always seal water tight under all conditions. At
times, side glass or door seals will allow water to
enter the passenger compartment during high pres-
sure washing or hard driving rain (severe) condi-
tions. Overcompensating on door or glass
adjustments to stop a water leak that occurs under
severe conditions can cause premature seal wear and
excessive closing or latching effort. After completing
a repair, water test vehicle to verify leak has stopped
before returning vehicle to use.
VISUAL INSPECTION BEFORE WATER LEAK TESTS
Verify that floor and body plugs are in place, body
drains are clear, and body components are properly
aligned and sealed. If component alignment or seal-
ing is necessary, refer to the appropriate section of
this group for proper procedures.
WATER LEAK TESTS
WARNING: DO NOT USE ELECTRIC SHOP LIGHTS
OR TOOLS IN WATER TEST AREA. PERSONAL
INJURY CAN RESULT.
When the conditions causing a water leak have
been determined, simulate the conditions as closely
as possible.
²If a leak occurs with the vehicle parked in a
steady light rain, flood the leak area with an open-
ended garden hose.
²If a leak occurs while driving at highway speeds
in a steady rain, test the leak area with a reasonable
velocity stream or fan spray of water. Direct the
spray in a direction comparable to actual conditions.
²If a leak occurs when the vehicle is parked on an
incline, hoist the end or side of the vehicle to simu-
late this condition. This method can be used when
the leak occurs when the vehicle accelerates, stops or
turns. If the leak occurs on acceleration, hoist the
front of the vehicle. If the leak occurs when braking,
hoist the back of the vehicle. If the leak occurs on left
turns, hoist the left side of the vehicle. If the leak
occurs on right turns, hoist the right side of the vehi-
cle. For hoisting recommendations (Refer to LUBRI-
CATION & MAINTENANCE/HOISTING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
WATER LEAK DETECTION
To detect a water leak point-of-entry, do a water
test and watch for water tracks or droplets forming
on the inside of the vehicle. If necessary, remove inte-
rior trim covers or panels to gain visual access to the
leak area. If the hose cannot be positioned without
being held, have someone help do the water test.Some water leaks must be tested for a considerable
length of time to become apparent. When a leak
appears, find the highest point of the water track or
drop. The highest point usually will show the point of
entry. After leak point has been found, repair the
leak and water test to verify that the leak has
stopped.
Locating the entry point of water that is leaking
into a cavity between panels can be difficult. The
trapped water may splash or run from the cavity,
often at a distance from the entry point. Most water
leaks of this type become apparent after accelerating,
stopping, turning, or when on an incline.
MIRROR INSPECTION METHOD
When a leak point area is visually obstructed, use
a suitable mirror to gain visual access. A mirror can
also be used to deflect light to a limited-access area
to assist in locating a leak point.
BRIGHT LIGHT LEAK TEST METHOD
Some water leaks in the luggage compartment can
be detected without water testing. Position the vehi-
cle in a brightly lit area. From inside the darkened
luggage compartment inspect around seals and body
seams. If necessary, have a helper direct a drop light
over the suspected leak areas around the luggage
compartment. If light is visible through a normally
sealed location, water could enter through the open-
ing.
PRESSURIZED LEAK TEST METHOD
When a water leak into the passenger compart-
ment cannot be detected by water testing, pressurize
the passenger compartment and soap test exterior of
the vehicle. To pressurize the passenger compart-
ment, close all doors and windows, start engine, and
set heater control to high blower in HEAT position. If
engine can not be started, connect a charger to the
battery to ensure adequate voltage to the blower.
With interior pressurized, apply dish detergent solu-
tion to suspected leak area on the exterior of the
vehicle. Apply detergent solution with spray device or
soft bristle brush. If soap bubbles occur at a body
seam, joint, seal or gasket, the leak entry point could
be at that location.
WIND NOISE
Wind noise is the result of most air leaks. Air leaks
can be caused by poor sealing, improper body compo-
nent alignment, body seam porosity, or missing plugs
in the engine compartment or door hinge pillar areas.
All body sealing points should be airtight in normal
driving conditions. Moving sealing surfaces will not
always seal airtight under all conditions. At times,
side glass or door seals will allow wind noise to be
23 - 2 BODYRS
BODY (Continued)
RIGID, SEMI-RIGID, AND FLEXIBLE PLASTIC PARTS TYPES
CODE FAMILY NAME COMMON TRADE NAME TYPICAL APPLICATION
ASA ACRYLONITRILE STYRENE
ACRYLITELURAN S CONSOLES, GRILLES
ABS ACRYLONITRILE
BUTADIENE STYRENETERLURAN9A9PILLARS, CONSOLES,
GRILLES
ABS/PC ABS/PC ALLOY PULSE, PROLOY, BAYBLEND DOORS, INSTRUMENT
PANELS
ABS/PVC ABS/PV ALLOY PROLOY, PULSE, LUSTRAN,
CYCLOVINDOOR PANELS, GRILLES,
TRIM
BMC BULK MOLDING
COMPOUNDBMC FENDER EXTENSIONS
EMA EHTYLENE METHYL
ACRYLATE/IONOMERSURLYN, EMA, IONOMER BUMPER GUARDS, PADS
METTON METTON METTON GRILLES, KICK PANELS,
RUNNING BOARDS
MPPO MODIFIED
POLYPHENYLENE OXIDEMPPO SPOILER ASSEMBLY
PA POLYAMID ZYTEL, VYDYNE, PA,
MINLONFENDERS, QUARTER
PANELS
PET THERMOPLASTIC
POLYESTERRYNITE TRIM
PBT/PPO PBT/PPO ALLOY GERMAX CLADDINGS
PBTP POLYBUTYLENE
THEREPTHALATEPBT, PBTP, POCAN, VALOX WHEEL COVERS, FENDERS,
GRILLES
PBTP/EEBC POLYBUTYLENE
THEREPTHALATE/EEBC
ALLOYBEXLOY,9M9, PBTP/EEBC FASCIAS, ROCKER PANEL,
MOLDINGS
PC POLYCARBONATE LEXAN, MERLON, CALIBRE,
MAKROLON PCTAIL LIGHT LENSES, IP TRIM,
VALANCE PANELS
PC/ABS PC/ABS ALLOY GERMAX, BAY BLENDS,
PULSEDOORS, INSTRUMENT
PANELS
PPO POLYPHENYLENE OXIDE AZDEL, HOSTALEN,
MARLEX, PRFAX, NORYL,
GTX, PPOINTERIOR TRIM, DOOR
PANELS, SPLASH SHIELDS,
STEERING COLUMN
SHROUD
PPO/PA POLYPHENYLENE/
POLYAMIDPPO/PA, GTX 910 FENDERS, QUARTER
PANELS
PR/FV FIBERGLASS REINFORCED
PLASTICFIBERGLASS, FV, PR/FV BODY PANELS
PS POLYSTYRENE LUSTREX, STYRON, PS DOOR PANELS, DASH
PANELS
RTM RESIN TRANSFER
MOLDING COMPOUNDRTM BODY PANELS
SMC SHEET MOLDED
COMPOUNDSMC BODY PANELS
TMC TRANSFER MOLDING
COMPOUNDTMC GRILLES
23 - 4 BODYRS
BODY (Continued)
PANEL SECTIONING
If it is required to section a large panel for a plas-
tic repair, it will be necessary to reinforce the panel
(Fig. 1). To bond two plastic panels together, a rein-
forcement must overlap both panels. The panels
must be ªV'dº at a 20 degree angle. The area to be
reinforced should be washed, then sanded. Be sure to
wipe off any excess soap and water when finished.
Lightly sand or abrade the plastic with an abrasive
pad or sandpaper. Blow off any dust with compressed
air or wipe with a clean dry rag.
When bonding plastic panels, Follow repair mate-
rial manufacturers recommendations. Be sure that
enough adhesive has been applied to allow squeeze
out and to fill the full bond line. Once the pieces
have been brought together, do not move them until
the adhesive is cured. The assembly can be held
together with clamps, rivets, etc. A faster cure can be
obtained by heating with a heat lamp or heat gun.
After the parts have been bonded and have had time
to cure, rough sand the seam and apply the final
adhesive filler to the area being repaired. Smooth the
filler with a spreader, wooden tongue depressor, or
squeegee. For fine texturing, a small amount of
water can be applied to the filler surface while
smoothing. The cured filler can be sanded as neces-
sary and, as a final step, cleanup can be done with
soapy water. Wipe the surface clean with a dry cloth
allowing time for the panel to dry before moving on
with the repair.
PANEL REINFORCEMENT
Structural repair procedures for rigid panels with
large cracks and holes will require a reinforcement
backing. Reinforcements can be made with several
applications of glass cloth saturated with structural
adhesive. Semi-rigid or flexible repair materials
should be used for semi-rigid or flexible backing rein-
forcement (Fig. 2) and (Fig. 3). Open meshed fiber-
glass dry wall tape can be used to form a
reinforcement. The dry wall tape allows the resin to
penetrate through and make a good bond between
the panel and the adhesive. Structurally, the more
dry wall tape used, the stronger the repair.
Another kind of repair that can be done to repair
large cracks and holes is to use a scrap piece of sim-
ilar plastic and bond with structural adhesive. The
reinforcement should cover the entire break and
should have a generous amount of overlap on either
side of the cracked or broken area.
When repairing plastic, the damaged area is first
ªV'dº out, or beveled. Large bonding areas are desir-
able when repairing plastic because small repairs are
less likely to hold permanently. Beveling the area
around a crack at a 20 degree angle will increase the
bonding surface for a repair (Fig. 4). It is recom-
mended that sharp edges be avoided because the
joint may show through after the panel is refinished.
Fig. 1 PANEL SECTIONING
1 - EXISTING PANEL
2 - NEW PANEL
3 - PANEL ADHESIVE
4 - BONDING STRIP
Fig. 2 SOFTENED EDGES
1 - SOFTENED EDGES
2 - PANEL ADHESIVE
3 - BONDING STRIP
Fig. 3 PANEL REINFORCEMENT
1 - PANEL ADHESIVE
2 - REINFORCEMENT
23 - 6 BODYRS
BODY (Continued)