Wheels and Tires: Testing and Inspection

WHEEL


Inspection


ALUMINUM WHEEL





1. Check tires for wear and improper inflation.
2. Check wheels for deformation, cracks and other damage. If deformed, remove wheel and check wheel runout.

CAUTION:
DO NOT use center hole cone-type clamping machines to hold the wheel assembly during tire removal/installation or balancing or damage to the wheel paint, cladding or chrome may result. Use only rim-type or universal lug-type clamping machines to hold the wheel assembly during servicing.
a. Remove tire from wheel and mount wheel on a tire balance machine.
b. Set dial indicator as shown. Specifications.
3. Check front wheel bearings for looseness.
4. Check front suspension for looseness.

STEEL WHEEL
1. Check tires for wear and improper inflation.
2. Check wheels for deformation, cracks, and other damage. If deformed, remove wheel and check wheel runout.
a. Remove tire from steel wheel and mount on a tire balance machine.





b. Set two dial indicators as shown.
c. Set each dial indicator to 0.
d. Rotate wheel and check dial indicators at several points around the circumference of the wheel.
e. Calculate runout at each point as shown.





f. Select maximum positive runout value and the maximum negative value.
Add the two values to determine total runout. In case a positive or negative value is not available, use the maximum value (negative or positive) for total runout. If the total runout value exceeds the limit, replace the steel wheel.