WHEEL DESIGN
The rim size is on the vehicle safety certification label
located on the drivers door shut face. The size of the
rim is determined by the drivetrain package. Original
equipment wheels/rims are designed for operation up
to the specified maximum vehicle capacity.
All models use stamped steel, cast aluminum or
forged aluminum wheels. Every wheel has raised sec-
tions between the rim flanges (1) and rim drop well (3)
called safety humps.
Initial inflation of the tire forces the bead over these
raised sections. In case of rapid loss of air pressure,
the raised sections help hold the tire on the wheel.
The wheel studs and nuts are designed for specific
applications. All aluminum and some steel wheels
have wheel stud nuts with an enlarged nose. This
enlarged nose is necessary to ensure proper retention
of the wheels. Do not use replacement studs or nuts with a different design orlesserquality.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
WHEEL INSPECTION
Inspect wheels for:
Excessive run out
Dents or cracks
Damaged wheel lug nut holes
Air Leaks from any area or surface of the rim
NOTE: Do not attempt to repair a wheel by hammering, 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. Used wheels are not recommended. The service history of the wheel may have included severe
treatment or very high mileage. The rim could fail without warning.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
WHEEL REPLACEMENT
The wheel studs and nuts are designed for specific applications. They mustbe replaced with equivalent parts. Do
not use replacement parts of lesser quality or a substitute design. All aluminum and some steel wheels have wheel
stud nuts which feature an enlarged nose. This enlarged nose is necessary to ensure proper retention of the alu-
minum wheels.
CODE FAMILY NAME COMMON TRADE NAME TYPICAL APPLICATION
MPU FOAM POLYURETHANE MPU SPOILERS
PE POLYETHYLENE ALATHON, DYLAN,
LUPOLEN, MARLEX—
PP POLYPROPYLENE
(BLENDS)NORYL, AZDEL, MARLOX,
DYLON, PRAVEXINNER FENDER, SPOILERS,
KICK PANELS
PP/EPDM PP/EPDM ALLOY PP/EPDM SPOILERS, GRILLES
PUR POLYURETHANE COLONELS, PUR, PU FASCIAS, BUMPERS
PUR/PC PUR/PC ALLOY TEXIN BUMPERS
PVC POLYVINYL CHLORIDE APEX, GEON, VINYLITE BODY MOLDINGS, WIRE
INSULATION, STEERING
WHEELS
RIM REACTION INJECTED
MOLDED POLYURETHANERIM, BAYFLEX FRONT FASCIAS, MODULAR
WINDOWS
RRIM REINFORCED REACTION
INJECTED MOLDEDPUR, RRIM FASCIAS, BODY PANELS,
BODY TRIMS
TPE THERMO POLYETHYLENE TPE, HYTREL, BEXLOY-V FASCIAS, BUMPERS,
CLADDINGS
TPO THERMOPOLYOLEFIN POLYTROPE, RENFLEX,
SANTOPRENE, VISAFLEX,
ETA, APEX, TPO, SHIELDS,
CLADDINGSBUMPERS, END CAPS,
TELCAR, RUBBER, STRIPS,
SIGHT, INTERIOR B POST
TPP THERMO-POLYPROPYLENE TPP BUMPERS
TPU THERMOPOLYURETHANE,
POLYESTERTPU, HYTREL, TEXIN,
ESTANEBUMPERS, BODY SIDE,
MOLDINGS, FENDERS,
FASCIAS
PANEL SECTIONING
If it is required to section a large panel for a plastic
repair, it will be necessary to reinforce the panel. To
bond two plastic panels together, a reinforcement
must overlap both panels. The panels must be “V’d” 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 material
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 necessary
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.
