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
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-
Fig. 10 Aluminum Wheel Weight
1 - TIRE
2 - WHEEL
3 - WHEEL WEIGHT
Fig. 11 Forward-Cross Tire Rotation Method
RS
TIRES/WHEELS
22 - 7
TIRES/WHEELS (Continued)