Service Procedure
A. Inspect Wheel Build CodesNOTE:
Only wheels that were cast in Mold # 1 from March 17, 2003 through April 4, 2003, as determined by the inspection in Section A, require replacement. Very few vehicles are expected to require wheel replacement.
1. Raise the vehicle on an appropriate hoist.
2. Rotate the left front wheel until the valve stem is in the 12 o'clock position.
3. Looking at the back side of the wheel, locate the mold cavity identification code on the inside of the lower front wheel spoke (Figure 1).
> If the mold cavity code is a number "1", continue with Step 4.
> If the mold cavity code is any number other than a "1", the wheel does NOT require replacement. Continue with Step 6.
4. Remove the wheel and tire assembly from the vehicle.
5. Locate the date codes on the inside of the wheel spokes (Figure 1). With the valve stem at the 12 o'clock position, the MONTH and YEAR are located on the lower right spoke near the mold cavity identification mark. The DAY is located on the lower left spoke near the Pentastar.
> If the combined casting date is "3/17/03" through "4/4/03", the wheel MUST BE REPLACED. Note the wheel location (i.e. "Left Front") on the repair order and then continue with Step 6.
> If the combined casting date is BEFORE "3/17/03" or AFTER "4/4/03", the wheel does NOT require replacement. Install the wheel and tire assembly on the vehicle. Tighten the lug nuts to 135 ft-lbs (183 N.m) and then continue with Step 6.
IMPORTANT:
If the "DAY" code can not be read and the MONTH/YEAR code is 3/03 or 4/03, the affected wheel MUST be replaced OR if the MONTH/YEAR code can not be read and the wheel is from MOLD # 1, the affected wheel MUST be replaced.
6. Repeat Steps 2 through 5 until all four wheels have been inspected.
7. > If ANY wheel requires replacement, continue with Section B. - Replace Wheel Assembly(s).
NOTE:
If the replacement wheel assembly is not currently available, temporarily install a spare tire on the vehicle.
> If NO wheels require replacement, no further action is necessary. Lower the vehicle and return it to the customer.
B. Replace Wheel Assembly(s)
NOTE:
Only wheels that were cast in Mold #1 from March 17, 2003 through April 4, 2003, as determined by the inspection in Section A, require replacement. Very few vehicles are expected to require wheel replacement.
1. Raise the vehicle to working level on an appropriate hoist (if necessary).
2. Remove the wheel and tire assemblies that require wheel replacement (if necessary).
3. Using an appropriate tire machine, remove the tire from all affected wheels.
NOTE:
Be sure to follow the tire machine manufacturer's instructions.
4. Damage the wheel or using a 1/4" drill bit, drill a hole in the air section of the affected wheel(s) to insure that a new tire can not be mounted on the wheel(s). Discard the old wheel(s).
5. Install a new valve stem (P/N 52057949AB) into the new wheel(s).
6. Using an appropriate tire and balancing machine, mount and balance the original tire(s) on the new wheel(s) and then inflate the tire to the recommended tire inflation pressure specified in the table (Figure 2)
NOTE:
Be sure to follow the tire machine and tire balancer manufacturer's instructions.
7. Install the wheel and tire assembly(s) on the vehicle. Tighten the lug nuts to 135 ft-lbs (183 Nm).
8. Lower the vehicle and return it to the customer.