Tire and Wheel Runout

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TIRE AND WHEEL RUNOUT

NOTE: Runout should always be measured off the vehicle and on a suitable balance machine.

Radial runout is the difference between the high and low points on the outer edge of the tire or wheel.

Lateral runout is the total side-to-side wobble of the tire or wheel.

Radial runout of more than 1.5 mm (0.060 inch) measured at the center line of the tread may cause the vehicle to shake.

Lateral runout of more than 2.0 mm (0.080 inch) measured at the side of the tire as close to the tread as possible may cause the vehicle to shake.

Sometimes radial runout can be reduced by relocating the wheel and tire on the wheel studs (See Method 1). If this does not reduce runout to an acceptable level, the tire can be rotated on the wheel. (See Method 2).

METHOD 1 (RELOCATE WHEEL ON HUB)
Check accuracy of the wheel mounting surface; adjust wheel bearings (if applicable).

Drive vehicle a short distance to eliminate tire flat spotting from a parked position.





Verify all wheel nuts are tightened and torqued in the correct sequence.

Fig. 3:

Use runout gauge D-128-TR to determine runout.

Relocate the wheel on the mounting studs, two studs over from the original position.

Retighten wheel nuts until all are properly torqued. This will prevent brake distortion.





Check radial runout. If still excessive, mark tire side wall, wheel, and stud at point of maximum runout and proceed to Method 2.

METHOD 2 (RELOCATE TIRE ON WHEEL)
Rotating tire on wheel is particularly effective when there is runout in both tire and wheel.

Remove tire from wheel and remount wheel on hub in former position.

Fig. 5:

Check the radial runout of the wheel. The radial runout should be no more than 0.762 mm (0.030 inch).

Fig. 6:

Check the lateral runout of the wheel. The lateral runout should be no more than 0.762 mm (0.030 inch).

If the point of greatest wheel radial runout is near the original chalk mark, remount the tire on the rim 180 degrees from its original position. Recheck the runout. If this does not reduce the runout to an acceptable level, replace the wheel or the tire.