Tires/wheels: Other Dodge Durango II

TIRE AND WHEEL RUNOUT

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

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Lateral runout is the wobble of the tire or wheel.

Lateral runout of more than 2.0 mm (.080 inch) measured near the shoulder of the tire may cause the vehicle to shake.

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Radial runout of more than 1.5 mm (.060 inch) measured at the center line of the tread may cause the vehicle to shake.

Sometimes radial runout can be reduced. Relocate the wheel and tire assembly on the mounting studs (See METHOD 1 (RELOCATE WHEEL ON HUB) ). If this does not reduce runout to an acceptable level, the tire can be rotated on the wheel. (See METHOD 2 (RELOCATE TIRE ON WHEEL) ).

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METHOD 1 (RELOCATE WHEEL ON HUB)

1. Drive vehicle a short distance to eliminate tire flat spotting from a parked position.
2. Check wheel bearings and adjust if adjustable or replace if necessary.
3. Check the wheel mounting surface.
4. Relocate wheel on the mounting, two studs over from the original position.
5. Tighten wheel nuts until all are properly torqued, to eliminate brake distortion.
6. Check radial runout. If still excessive, mark tire sidewall, wheel, and stud at point of maximum runout and proceed to Method 2.

METHOD 2 (RELOCATE TIRE ON WHEEL)

Note. Rotating the tire on wheel is particularly effective when there is runout in both tire and wheel.

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1. Remove tire from wheel and mount wheel on service dynamic balance machine.
2. Check the wheel radial runout.
3. Check the wheel lateral runout. STEEL WHEELS: Radial runout 0.031 in., Lateral runout 0.031 in. (maximum) ALUMINUM WHEELS: Radial runout 0.02 in., Lateral runout 0.025 in. (maximum)
4. If point of greatest wheel lateral runout is near original chalk mark, remount tire 180 degrees. Recheck runout.

MATCH MOUNTING

Wheels and tires are match mounted at the factory. This means that the high spot of the tire is matched to the low spot on the wheel rim. Each are marked with a bright colored temporary label on the outboard surface for alignment. The wheel is also marked permanently on the inside of the rim in the tire well. This permanent mark may be a paint dot or line, a permanent label or a stamped impression such as an X. An optional location mark is a small spherical indentation on the vertical face of the outboard flange on some non styled base steel wheels. The tire must be removed to locate the permanent mark on the inside of the wheel.

Before dismounting a tire from its wheel, a reference mark should be placed on the tire at the valve stem location. This reference will ensure that it is remounted in the original position on the wheel.

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1. Remove the tire and wheel assembly from the vehicle and mount on a service dynamic balance machine.
2. Measure the total runout on the center of the tire tread rib (3) with a dial indicator. Record the indicator reading. Mark the tire to indicate the high spot (2). Place a mark on the tire at the valve stem (4) location (1).
3. Break down the tire and remount it 180 degrees on the rim (1)(2).
4. Measure the total indicator runout again. Mark the tire to indicate the high spot.
5. If runout is still excessive, the following procedures must be done. If the high spot is within 101.6 mm (4.0 in.) of the first spot and is still excessive, replace the tire. If the high spot is within 101.6 mm (4.0 in.) of the first spot on the wheel, the wheel may be out of specifications. Refer to Wheel and Tire Runout . If the high spot is NOT within 101.6 mm (4.0 in.) of either high spot, draw an arrow on the tread from second high spot (1) to first (2). Break down the tire and remount it 90 degrees on rim in that direction. This procedure will normally reduce the runout to an acceptable amount, if not replace the rim.

ROTATION

Tires on the front and rear operate at different loads and perform different steering, driving, and braking functions. For these reasons they wear at unequal rates and tend to develop irregular wear patterns. These effects can be reduced by rotating the tires at regular intervals. The benefits of tire rotation are

1. Increase tread life
2. Maintain traction levels
3. A smooth, quiet ride

The suggested method of tire rotation is shown in graphic. Other rotation methods can be used, but they will not provide all the tire longevity benefits.

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TIRE AND WHEEL BALANCE

It is recommended that a two plane service dynamic balancer be used when a tire and wheel assembly require balancing. Refer to balancer operation instructions for proper cone mounting procedures. Typically use front cone mounting method for steel wheels. For aluminum wheel use back cone mounting method without cone spring.

Note. Static should be used only when a two plane balancer is not available.

Note. Cast aluminum and forged aluminum wheels require coated balance weights and special alignment equipment.

Wheel balancing can be accomplished with either on or off vehicle equipment. When using on-vehicle balancing equipment, remove the opposite wheel/tire. Off-vehicle balancing is recommended.

For static balancing, find the location of the heavy spot (1) causing the imbalance (5). Counter balance wheel directly opposite the heavy spot. Determine weight required to counter balance the area of imbalance (4). Place half of this weight on the inner rim flange (3) and the other half on the outer rim flange (3).

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For dynamic balancing (3), the balancing equipment is designed to locate the amount of weight to be applied to both the inner and outer rim flange (2).

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Tires are designed and engineered for each specific vehicle. They provide the best overall performance for normal operation. The ride and handling characteristics match the vehicle's requirements. With proper care they will give excellent reliability, traction, skid resistance, and tread life.

Driving habits have more effect on tire life than any other factor. Careful drivers will obtain in most cases, much greater mileage than severe use or careless drivers. A few of the driving habits which will shorten the life of any tire are

1. Rapid acceleration
2. Severe brake applications
3. High speed driving
4. Excessive speeds on turns
5. Striking curbs and other obstacles

Radial-ply tires are more prone to irregular tread wear. It is important to follow the tire rotation interval (Refer to - STANDARD PROCEDURE ). This will help to achieve a greater tread life.

TIRE CHAINS

Tire snow chains may be used on certain models. Refer to the Owner's Manual for more information.

RADIAL-PLY TIRES

Radial-ply tires improve handling, tread life and ride quality, and decrease rolling resistance.

Radial-ply tires must always be used in sets of four. Under no circumstances should they be used on the front only. They may be mixed with temporary spare tires when necessary. A maximum speed of 50 MPH is recommended while a temporary spare is in use.

Radial-ply tires have the same load-carrying capacity as other types of tires of the same size. They also use the same recommended inflation pressures.

The use of oversized tires, either in the front or rear of the vehicle, can cause vehicle drive train failure. This could also cause inaccurate wheel speed signals when the vehicle is equipped with Anti-Lock Brakes.

The use of tires from different manufactures on the same vehicle is NOT recommended. The proper tire pressure should be maintained oh all four tires.

TIRE INFLATION PRESSURES

Under inflation will cause rapid shoulder wear (1), tire flexing, and possible tire failure.

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Over inflation will cause rapid center wear (1) and loss of the tire's ability to cushion shocks.

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Improper inflation can cause

1. Uneven wear patterns
2. Reduced tread life
3. Reduced fuel economy
4. Unsatisfactory ride
5. Vehicle drift

For proper tire pressure specification refer to the vehicles Owners Manual .

TIRE PRESSURE FOR HIGH SPEED

Refer to the Vehicles Owners Manual package .

SPARE / TEMPORARY TIRE

The temporary spare tire is designed for emergency use only. The original tire should be repaired or replaced at the first opportunity, then reinstalled. Do not exceed speeds of 50 M.P.H. when using the temporary spare tire. Refer to Owner's Manual for complete details.

FULL SIZE, SPARE WHEEL WITH MATCHING TIRE

The spare is a full usage wheel with a matching tire, It can be used within the (posted legal) speed limits or distance limitations as of the rest of the vehicles four tires. Refer to Owner's Manual for complete details.

PRESSURE GAUGES

A quality air pressure gauge is recommended to check tire pressure. After checking the air pressure, replace valve cap finger tight.

TREAD WEAR INDICATORS

Tread wear indicators (3) are molded into the bottom of the tread grooves. When tread depth is 1.6 mm (1/16 in.), the tread wear indicators (3) will appear as a 13 mm (1/2 in.) band.

Tire replacement is necessary when indicators appear in two or more grooves or if localized balding occurs.

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Under inflation will cause wear on the shoulders of tire. Over inflation will cause wear at the center of tire.

Excessive camber causes the tire to run at an angle to the road. One side of tread is then worn more than the other.

Excessive toe-in or toe-out causes wear on the tread edges and a feathered effect across the tread.

TIRE REPAIR AREA

For proper repairing, a radial tire must be removed from the wheel. Repairs should only be made if the defect, or puncture, is in the tread area (1). The tire should be replaced if the puncture is located in the sidewall.

Deflate tire completely before removing the tire from the wheel. Use lubrication such as a mild soap solution when dismounting or mounting tire. Use tools free of burrs or sharp edges which could damage the tire or wheel rim.

Before mounting tire on wheel, make sure all rust is removed from the rim bead and repaint if necessary.

Install wheel on vehicle, and tighten to proper torque specification.

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Remove the protective coating on the tires before delivery of a vehicle. This coating may cause deterioration of the tires.

To remove the protective coating, apply warm water and let it soak for a few minutes. Afterwards, scrub the coating away with a soft bristle brush. Steam cleaning may also be used to remove the coating.

Note. DO NOT use gasoline, mineral oil, oil-based solvent or a wire brush for cleaning.

TIRE REVOLUTIONS PER MILE

TIRE REVOLUTIONS PER MILE

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1. Pull up on the hole (1) cut in the carpet (2) to access the spare tire winch cover.
2. Remove the spare tire winch cover (1).
3. Install the jack handle (2) and lug wrench (1) to the spare tire winch (3) to loosen the spare tire to the ground.
4. Remove spare tire.
5. Remove 4 bolts (1) attaching spare tire winch (2) to body (3).
6. Separate spare tire winch from vehicle.

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1. Position spare tire winch (2) on the vehicle.
2. Install and tighten 4 bolts (1) attaching the spare tire winch to body (3).
3. Install spare tire.
4. Tighten the spare tire up to the vehicle.
5. Remove the jack handle (2) and lug wrench (1).
6. Install the spare tire winch cover (1) and reseat the carpet access hole.

WHEEL DESIGN

The rim size is on the vehicle safety certification label located on the drivers door shut face. The size of the rim is determined by the drivetrain package. Original equipment wheels/rims are designed for operation up to the specified maximum vehicle capacity.

All models use stamped steel, cast aluminum or forged aluminum wheels. Every wheel has raised sections between the rim flanges (1) and rim drop well (3) called safety humps.

Initial inflation of the tire forces the bead over these raised sections. In case of rapid loss of air pressure, the raised sections help hold the tire on the wheel.

The wheel studs and nuts are designed for specific applications. All aluminum and some steel wheels have wheel stud nuts with an enlarged nose. This enlarged nose is necessary to ensure proper retention of the wheels. Do not use replacement studs or nuts with a different design or lesser quality.

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