Tires and Wheels Cadillac XLR I

Fastener Tightening Specifications

Fastener Tightening Specifications

Begin the tire and wheel system diagnosis with Diagnostic Starting Point - Vibration Diagnosis and Correction . The use of the Diagnostic Starting Point will determine if the concern is related to the tire and wheel system, and where the appropriate repair procedure is located.

Scheme 1

Inspection Procedure

1. Inspect the front tire wear.
2. Inspect the rear tire wear.
3. Rotate the tires if any of the following conditions exist: The amount of time or mileage since the last tire rotation matches the maintenance schedule. The outer tread blocks are worn more than the middle tread blocks (1). The outer tread blocks are worn more than the inner tread blocks (2). The middle tread blocks are worn more than the outer tread blocks (4).
4. Measure the wheel alignment if any of the following conditions exist: The tread blocks have feathered edges (3). The outer tread blocks are worn more than the inner tread blocks (2). The inner tread blocks are worn more than the outer tread blocks (2).
5. Inspect the struts or the shock absorbers if the tire tread exhibits a cupped appearance (3).

Scheme 2

Tire waddle is a side to side movement at the front of the vehicle and/or the rear of the vehicle. Tire waddle can be caused by the following conditions

1. A steel belt not being straight within the tire
2. Excessive lateral runout of the tire
3. Excessive lateral runout of the wheel

The tire waddle is most noticeable at a low speed of about 8-48 km/h (5-30 mph). Tire waddle may appear as ride roughness at 80-113 km/h (50-70 mph). Tire waddle may appear as a vibration at 80-113 km/h (50-70 mph).

1. Raise and support the vehicle with safety stands. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
2. Perform the following preliminary inspection: Mark the tire with a crayon in order to note the start and the stop position. Rotate each tire and wheel by hand. Inspect the tire for bulges or bent wheels. Replace as necessary.
3. Use tire substitution in order to identify the faulty tire. Perform the following steps for a tire substitution check: Use a comparable tire in order to replace each tire, one at a time. Test drive the vehicle. If the problem is tire or wheel related, you will eliminate the problem when you remove the faulty tire from the vehicle.

Wheel Mounting Surface Check

Replace any wheels that are bent or dented, or have excessive lateral or radial runout. Wheels with runout greater than specified may cause objectionable vibrations.

1. Use a straight edge 203-229 mm (8-9 in) long. Place the straight edge on the wheel inboard mounting surface. Try to rock the straightedge up and down within the mounting surface.
2. Repeat this procedure on at least 3-4 different positions on the inboard mounting surface. If you can rock the straight edge, the mounting surface is bent and you must replace the wheel. Inspect the mounting wheel/nut holes for damage caused from over-torquing the wheel/nuts. Inspect for collapsed wheel/nut bosses. Inspect for cracked wheel bosses.
3. Replace the wheel if the wheel is bent.
4. Replace the wheel if the wheel/nut boss area is cracked.

To identify aluminum wheels the code, the part number, and the manufacturer identification cast into the back side of the wheel.

Radial Tire Lead/Pull Correction

Radial Tire Lead/Pull Correction

Aluminum Wheel Porosity Repair

1. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
2. Inflate the tire to the manufactures specified pressure as stated on the tire.
3. Submerge the tire/wheel into a water bath in order to locate the leak.
4. Inscribe a mark on the wheel in order to indicate the leak areas.
5. Inscribe a mark on the tire at the valve stem in order to indicate the orientation of the tire to the wheel.
6. Remove the tire from the wheel. Refer to «Tire Mounting and Dismounting»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-mounting-and-dismounting) .
7. Use number 80 grit sandpaper to scuff the inside of the rim surface at the leak area.
8. Use general purpose cleaner such as 3M®, P/N 08984 or equivalent, to clean the leak area.
9. Apply 3 mm (0.12 in) thick layer of adhesive/sealant, GM P/N 12378478 (Canadian P/N 88900041) or equivalent, to the leak area.
10. Allow for the adhesive/sealant to dry.
11. Align the inscribed mark on the tire with the valve stem on the wheel.
12. Install the tire to the wheel. Refer to «Tire Mounting and Dismounting»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-mounting-and-dismounting) .
13. Pressurize the tire to 276 kPa (40 psi).
14. Submerge the tire/wheel into a water bath in order ensure the leak is sealed.
15. Inflate the tire to the specified pressure as stated on the tire placard.
16. Balance the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Assembly Balancing - Off Vehicle»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/oem-general-information/#vibration-symptoms-diagnosis-and-correction__tire-and-wheel-assembly-balancing) .
17. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .

Aluminum Wheel Refinishing Guidelines

Evaluating Damage

Aluminum Wheel Refinishing General Recommendations/Options

1. Painted aluminum wheels use a primer, color coat, and clearcoat procedure. If the paint is damaged, refinishing is possible. As with polished wheels, all original coatings must be removed first. Media blasting is recommended. (See option number 1).
2. If the clearcoat is damaged, it is possible to refinish with clearcoat only, however, the required refinishing process cannot be performed in the dealer environment. Refer to Refinishers Responsibility (Repair option number 2).
3. Re-plating of chrome-plated aluminum wheels is not recommended.

Repair Option Number 1

Material Required/Information Resources

1. The Paint Manufacturer's Color Book
2. Refer to the latest GM Approved Refinish Materials Booklet (GM 4901 MD-2005) for specific products for aluminum refinishing.
3. To access the booklet, go to www.gmgoodwrench.com. Click on GM Collision Parts. Click on GM Technical Repair Information, select Paint Shop.
4. A Color Compatibility chart is also at this site defining what colors are used on what models.
5. Refer to specific Paint Manufacturers for refinish procedures and process pertaining to "Aluminum Refinishing". The procedure requires the wheel surface to be plastic media blasted to remove old paint or clearcoat.

General Color Selection

1. If the wheels being painted were previously clear coated aluminum, and a painted aluminum look is desired, using Corsican Silver WAEQ9283 for a fine "aluminum-like" look, or Sparkle Silver WA9967 for a very bright look. Body color is another option to the customer that may also be used.
2. Some specific colors may be recommended on certain models.
3. If painting wheels that were previously clear coated aluminum, it is recommended that all 4 wheels and their center caps be refinished to maintain color uniformity.

General Refinishing Procedures - Removal

1. Remove the wheels from the vehicle. The tires may remain mounted on the wheels.
2. Remove the balance weights and mark their locations on the tire.
3. Remove excess grease, etc. from the wheels with wax and grease remover.
4. Have the wheels plastic media blasted to remove the clearcoat.
5. Clean and mask and paint the wheels.

General Refinishing Procedures - Installation

1. Unmask the wheels.
2. Clean all wheel mounting surface of any corrosion, overspray, or dirt.
3. Install NEW coated balance weights at marked locations.
4. Install wheels on vehicle.

Repair Option Number 2 - Outside Companies

1. Some outside companies are offering wheel refinishing services. One such company, Transwheel Corporation (800-892-3733), provides this service with GM guidelines. Other companies may also exist.
2. Any process that re-machines or otherwise remanufactures the wheel should not be used.
3. The wheel ID must be recorded and follow the wheel throughout the process to assure that the same wheel is returned. The refinisher must permanently ID stamp the wheel and warrant the painted/clear coated surfaces for a minimum of one year or the remainder of the new vehicle warranty, whichever is longer.
4. Paint and/or clearcoat must not be present on the following surfaces, the nut chamfers, the wheel mounting surfaces and the wheel pilot hole.
5. A refinishers responsibility includes inspecting for cracks using the Zyglo system or the equivalent. Any cracked wheels must not be refinished. No welding, hammering or reforming of any kind is allowed. A plastic media blast may be used for clean up of the wheel. Hand and/or lathe sanding of the machined surface and the wheel window is allowed. Material removal, though, must be kept to a minimum.

Tools Required

J 39544-KIT Complete Torque Socket Set - 10 Pieces

Removal Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
2. Remove the wheel center cap, if equipped.
3. Remove the wheel nut caps, if equipped.
4. Mark the relationship of the wheel to the hub.
5. Remove the wheel nuts.
6. Remove the tire and wheel assembly from the vehicle. If the tire and wheel assembly is difficult to remove, perform the following steps: Install and tighten all wheel nuts on the affected wheel. Loosen each wheel nut two turns. Lower the vehicle. Rock the vehicle from side to side. Repeat this procedure if necessary.
7. If the tire and wheel assembly still does not loosen, perform the following steps: Start the engine. Drive the vehicle forward and rearward slightly while applying quick, hard jabs of the brakes prior to changing direction. Repeat this procedure if necessary.

Installation Procedure

1. Remove any corrosion or foreign material from the wheel and the hub mounting surfaces.
2. Clean the threads on the wheel studs and wheel nuts.
3. Align the reference mark and install the tire and wheel assembly to the hub.
4. Install the wheel nuts.
5. Using the J 39544-KIT , tighten the wheel nuts in the appropriate sequence shown. Tighten: Tighten the nuts in sequence to 140 N.m (100 lb ft).
6. Install the wheel nut caps, if equipped.
7. Install the wheel center cap, if equipped.
8. Lower the vehicle.
9. Perform the tire pressure sensor learn procedure. Refer to «Tire Pressure Monitor Procedure»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/warning-system/#tire-pressure-monitoring-system__tire-pressure-monitor-procedure) .

Extended Mobility Tires Replacement

Standard Extended Mobility Tires (EMT) are capable of operating for limited distances at very low or zero tire inflation. Because of this capability, the Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) system is standard with extended mobility tires. Check the inflation of the tires if the LOW/FLAT TIRE indicator is ON. Inspect the affected tire for possible repair or replacement if any of the following occurs

1. Inspect the affected tire if the LOW/FLAT TIRE indicator reappears.
2. Inspect the affected tire if an EMT has been operated at a pressure significantly below 172 kPa (25 psi).

It is recommended that repair or replacement of extended mobility tires be made only by an authorized tire dealer. Extended mobility tires are designed to be used only with original equipment wheels equipped with the low tire pressure warning system (TPM).

Tire Repair

Scheme 3

Repairable area on a radial tire.

Three basic steps for tire puncture repair

1. Remove the tire from the wheel for inspection and repair.
2. Fill the injury (puncture) to keep moisture out.
3. Seal the inner liner with a repair unit to prevent air loss.

External Inspection

1. Prior to demounting, inspect the tire surface, the valve and the wheel for the source of the leak by using a water and soap solution. Mark the injured area and totally deflate the tire by removing the valve core.
2. Demount the tire from the wheel and place the tire on a well-lighted spreader.

Internal Inspection

1. Spread the beads and mark the puncture with a tire crayon.
2. Inspect the inner tire for any signs of internal damage.
3. Remove the puncturing object, noting the direction of the penetration.
4. Probe the injury with a blunt awl in order to determine the extent and direction of the injury.
5. Remove any loose foreign material from the injury.
6. Punctures exceeding 6.35 mm (1/4 in) should not be repaired.

Cleaning

1. Clean the area around the puncture thoroughly with a proper liner cleaner, clean cloth and a scraper. This step serves to remove dirt and mold lubricants to insure proper adhesion and non-contamination of the buffing tool.
2. Refer to information on the product or manufacturer's Material Safety Data Sheet and follow guidelines for handling and disposal.

Clean the Injury Channel

1. Use a proper hand reamer, carbide cutter or drill bit to ream the puncture channel from the inside of the tire in order to clean the injury.
2. Remove steel wires protruding above the liner surface to prevent damage to the repair unit.
3. Consult your repair material supplier for recommended reaming tool(s).

Fill the Injury

1. It is necessary to fill the injury channel to provide back up for the repair unit and to prevent moisture from entering the tire fabric and steel wires.
2. For combination repair/plug units skip this step. Cement the injured channel and fill the injury from the inside of the tire with the repair plug per repair material manufacturer's recommendations. Without stretching the plug, cut the plug off just above the inside tire surface.
3. Consult your repair material supplier for proper repair material selection.

Repair Unit Selection

1. Center the repair unit over the injury as a reference and outline an area larger than the unit so that buffing will not remove the crayon marks.
2. Remove the repair unit.
3. DO NOT overlap previous or multiple repair units.
4. Consult your repair material supplier for proper repair unit selection.

Buffing

1. To prevent contamination and preserve the outline, buff within the marked area thoroughly and evenly with a low speed buffing tool using a fine wire brush or gritted rasp.
2. Buff to a smooth velvet surface (RMA #1 or #2 buffed texture).
3. Use caution not to gouge the inner liner or expose casing fabric.
4. Remove any buffing dust with a vacuum cleaner.
5. Consult your repair material supplier for a proper buffing tool.

Scheme 4

Apply chemical cement according to the repair material manufacturer's procedures.

Scheme 5

The tire must be in the relaxed position when the repair unit is installed. Do not spread the beads excessively.

Two-Piece Plug and Repair Units

1. If applicable, install the repair unit so that the alignment is correct.
2. Center the repair unit over the injury and stitch down thoroughly with the stitching tool, working from the center out.
3. Being careful not to stretch the plug material, cut the plug flush with the outer tread.

Combination Repair/Plug Units

1. Pull the plug through the injury until the repair just reaches the liner. Stitch down thoroughly.
2. Follow the repair material manufacturer's recommendations for further installation instructions.

Consult your repair material supplier for the proper stitching tool.

Scheme 6

Some run flat tires may require more than 275 kPa (40 psi) to seat the bead. In such a case, a tire safety cage must be used. Consult the tire manufacturer for its individual repair policy.

Final Inspection

1. After remounting and inflating the tire, check both beads, the repair and the valve with a water and soap solution in order to detect leaks.
2. If the tire continues to lose air, the tire must be demounted and reinspected.
3. Balance the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Assembly Balancing - Off Vehicle»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/oem-general-information/#vibration-symptoms-diagnosis-and-correction__tire-and-wheel-assembly-balancing) .

For additional tire puncture repair information, contact

Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA)

1400 K Street, N.W., Suite 900

Washington

DC

20005-2403

Telephone: 202-682-4800

E-mail: informa.org

Website: www.rma.org

Tire Mounting and Dismounting

Note. Use a tire changing machine in order to dismount tires. Do not use hand tools or tire irons alone in order to remove the tire from the wheel. Damage to the tire beads or the wheel rim could result.

Note. Do not scratch or damage the clear coating on aluminum wheels with the tire changing equipment. Scratching the clear coating could cause the aluminum wheel to corrode and the clear coating to peel from the wheel.

1. Deflate the tire completely.
2. Use the tire changer in order to remove the tire from the wheel.
3. Remove all residual liquid sealant from the inside of the tire and wheel surfaces. If any tire sealant is noted upon tire dismounting on vehicles equipped with TPM, replace the tire pressure sensor. Refer to «Tire Pressure Indicator Sensor Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/warning-system/#tire-pressure-monitoring-system) .
4. Use a wire brush or coarse steel wool in order to remove any rubber, or corrosion from the wheel bead seats.
5. Apply GM P/N 12345884 (Canadian P/N 5728223) or equivalent to the tire bead and the wheel rim.
6. Use the tire changer in order to install the tire to the wheel.
7. Inflate the tire to the proper air pressure.
8. Ensure that the locating rings are visible on both sides of the tire in order to verify that the tire bead is fully seated on the wheel.

Tire Rotation

Your vehicle's tires should be inspected regularly for wear. Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate your tires as soon as possible and check wheel alignment. Also check for damaged tires or wheels. See When It Is Time for New Tires and Wheel Replacement in Owners Manual for additional information.

Scheme 7

When rotating your vehicles tires, always use the correct rotation pattern shown here.

After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and rear inflation pressures as shown on the tire and loading information label, see Inflation-Tire Pressure and Loading Your Vehicle in your Owners Manual. Vehicles equipped with the Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) system will need to have the sensors reset after a tire rotation is performed. Make certain that all wheel nuts are properly tightened.

General Description

The factory installed tires are designed to operate satisfactorily with loads up to and including the full rated load capacity when these tires are inflated to the recommended pressures.

The following factors have an important influence on tire life

1. Correct tire pressures
2. Correct wheel alignment
3. Proper driving techniques
4. Tire rotation

The following factors increase tire wear

1. Heavy cornering
2. Excessively rapid acceleration
3. Heavy braking

Scheme 8

The original equipment tires have tread wear indicators that show when you should replace the tires.

The location of these indicators are at 60 degree intervals around the outer diameter of the tire. The indicators appear as a 6 mm (0.25 in) wide band when the tire tread depth becomes 1.6 mm (2/32 in).

Metric Wheel Nuts and Bolts Description

Metric wheel/nuts and bolts are identified in the following way

1. The wheel/nut has the word Metric stamped on the face.
2. The letter M is stamped on the end of the wheel bolt.

The thread sizes of metric wheel/nuts and the bolts are indicated by the following example: M12 x 1.5.

1. M = Metric
2. 12 = Diameter in millimeters
3. 1.5 = Millimeters gap per thread

Tire Inflation Description

This vehicle has been engineered to operate up to the stated load capacity with wheel and tire assemblies of the type, size, construction, and configuration as originally installed. Maintenance of the tire inflation pressures is critical to the continued satisfactory performance, handling, and operating economy of the vehicle. Operation with incorrectly or improperly inflated tires can adversely affect vehicle performance and may contribute to the following

1. Reduced fuel economy
2. Tire overloading
3. Shortened tire life
4. Excessive tire wear
5. Uneven tire wear
6. Vehicle handling concerns

Inspect the tire pressures when the vehicle has not been driven for at least 3 hours or not more than 1.6 km (1 mi) and when the tires are cool to the touch.

Tire inflation pressures should be inspected monthly and before an extended trip and adjusted to meet the specifications listed for the particular vehicle. Replace any missing or damaged tire valve stem extensions and/or caps to prevent the intrusion of water and contaminates.

One pound per square inch (psi) equals 6.9 kilopascals (kPa). The following table illustrates the conversion of kilopascals to pounds per square inch

Inflation Pressure Conversion (Kilopascals to PSI)

For the correct inflation pressures refer to the vehicle tire placard.

Tires inflated to a higher than recommended pressure can contribute to the following conditions

1. A hard ride
2. Tire bruising
3. Rapid tread wear at the center of the tire

Tires inflated to a lower than recommended pressure can contribute to the following conditions

1. Tire squeal on turns
2. Hard steering
3. Rapid and/or uneven wear on the outer edges of the tread
4. Tire rim bruises and tire rim rupture
5. Tire cord breakage
6. High tire temperatures
7. Sluggish vehicle handling
8. Higher fuel consumption

Unequal pressure on the same axle can cause the following conditions

1. Uneven braking action
2. Steering lead
3. Imprecise vehicle handling

Scheme 9

Most GM vehicles are equipped with steel belted all-season radial tires as standard equipment. These tires qualify as snow tires, with a higher than average rating for snow traction than the non-all season radial tires previously used. Other performance areas, such as wet traction, rolling resistance, tread life, and air retention, are also improved. This is done by improvements in both tread design and tread compounds. These tires are identified by an M + S molded in the tire side wall after the tire size. The suffix MS is also molded in the tire side wall after the TPC specification number.

The optional handling tires used on some vehicles now also have the MS marking after the tire size and the TPC specification number.

Scheme 10

Replacement tires should be of the same tire performance criteria (TPC) specification number. This will ensure the same size, the same load range, and the same construction as those originally installed on the vehicle.

Replacement Wheels Description

Replace the wheel if any of the following conditions exist

1. The wheel exhibits excessive runout.
2. The wheel is bent.
3. The wheel is cracked.
4. The wheel is severely corroded.
5. The wheel leaks air.

Note. The use of non-GM original equipment wheels may cause: Damage to the wheel bearing, the wheel fasteners and the wheel Tire damage caused by the modified clearance to the adjacent vehicle components Adverse vehicle steering stability caused by the modified scrub radius Damage to the vehicle caused by the modified ground clearance Speedometer and odometer inaccuracy

Replace the wheel, the wheel studs and the wheel/nuts, or the wheel bolts if applicable, if any of the following conditions exist

1. The wheel has elongated bolt holes.
2. The wheel/nuts, or bolts if applicable, loosen repeatedly.

Aluminum wheel identification is cast into the inboard side of the wheel.

Special Tools

Special Tools Illustration Tool Number/Description J 39544-KIT Complete Torque Socket Set - 10 PCS

Scheme 11

See also:
• Diagnostic Starting Point - Vibration Diagnosis and Correction
• Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle
• Vehicle Leads/Pulls
• Wheel Alignment Measurement
• Tire and Wheel Assembly Balancing - Off Vehicle
• Fastener Notice
• Tire Pressure Monitor Procedure
• Tire Pressure Indicator Sensor Replacement
• Tire Pressure Monitor Description and Operation
• Tire Mounting and Dismounting
• Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation