Ford F150 Pickup. Instruction - part 1801

Fig. 5: Wheel & Tire Symptom Chart 
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO. 

Component Tests 

Tire & Wheel Runout 

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

2003 SUSPENSION Wheels And Tires - F150 Pickup

  

Excessive radial and lateral runout of a wheel and tire assembly can cause roughness, vibration, wheel tramp, 
tire wear, and steering wheel tremor. 

Before checking runout, and to avoid false readings caused by temporary flat spots in the tires, check runout 
only after the vehicle has been driven far enough to warm the tires. 

The extent of the runout is measured with the radial runout gauge. All measurements are made on the vehicle 
with the tires inflated to recommended inflation pressures and with the front wheel bearings adjusted to 
specifications. 

Tire Runout 

Measure radial and lateral tire runout at the positions shown in the illustration. Runout should not exceed 
specifications. 

Fig. 6: Measuring Tire Runout (Radial & Lateral) 
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO. 

Wheel Runout 

Measure radial and lateral wheel runout at the positions shown in the illustration. Runout should not exceed 
specifications. 

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

2003 SUSPENSION Wheels And Tires - F150 Pickup

  

Fig. 7: Measuring Wheel Runout (Radial & Lateral) 
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO. 

GENERAL PROCEDURES 

WHEEL LEAKS 

1. Pinhole leaks in cast aluminum wheels compromise wheel integrity. Install a new wheel.  

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION 

WHEEL & TIRE 

Removal 

1. Loosen the wheel nuts. 

CAUTION: Do not use heat to loosen a seized wheel nut (1012). Heat can 

damage the wheel and wheel bearings.

NOTE:

To avoid damage or scratching to the center cap, place facing up when 
removed.

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

2003 SUSPENSION Wheels And Tires - F150 Pickup

  

1. Remove the center cap.  

2. With the weight of the vehicle on the wheels, loosen the wheel nuts. 

Fig. 8: Loosening Wheel Nuts 
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO. 

2. Raise and support the vehicle. .  

3. Remove the wheel and tire assembly. 

1. Remove the wheel nuts.  

2. Remove the wheel and tire assembly, using a side-to-side rocking motion. 

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

2003 SUSPENSION Wheels And Tires - F150 Pickup