DODGE NEON 1999 Service Repair Manual

TIRE NOISE OR VIBRATION
Radial-ply tires are sensitive to force impulses
caused by improper mounting, vibration, wheel
defects, or possibly tire imbalance.
To find out if tires are causing the noise or vibra-
tion, drive the vehicle over a smooth road at varying
speeds. Note the noise level during acceleration and
deceleration. The engine, differential and exhaust
noises will change as speed varies, while the tire
noise will usually remain constant.
LEAD CORRECTION CHART
Use the following chart to diagnose a vehicle that
has a complaint of a drift or lead condition. The use
of the chart will help to determine if the lead condi-
tion is the result of a bad tire or is caused by the
front wheel alignment.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
TIRE AND WHEEL ROTATION
NON-DIRECTIONAL TREAD PATTERN TIRES
Tires on the front and rear axles operate at differ-
ent loads and perform different functions. For these
reasons, they wear at unequal rates, and tend to
develop irregular wear patterns. These effects can be
reduced by timely rotation of tires. The benefits of
rotation are especially worthwhile. Rotation will
increase tread life, help to maintain mud, snow, and
wet traction levels, and contribute to a smooth, quiet
ride.
The suggested rotation method is the forward-cross
tire rotation method (Fig. 6). This method takes
advantage of current tire industry practice whichallows rotation of radial-ply tires. Other rotation
methods may be used, but may not have all the ben-
efits of the recommended method.
NOTE: Only the 4 tire rotation method may be used
if the vehicle is equipped with a low mileage or tem-
porary spare tire.
DIRECTIONAL TREAD PATTERN TIRES
Some vehicles are fitted with special high-perfor-
mance tires having a directional tread pattern. These
tires are designed to improve traction on wet pave-
ment. To obtain the full benefits of this design, the
tires must be installed so that they rotate in the cor-
rect direction. This is indicated by arrows on the tire
sidewalls.
When wheels and tires are being installed, extra
care is needed to ensure that this direction of rota-
tion is maintained.
Refer to Owner's Manual for rotation schedule.
REPAIRING TIRE LEAKS
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 (Fig. 7). The
tire should be replaced if the puncture is located in
the sidewall.
Deflate tire completely before attempting to dis-
mount the tire from the wheel.Use a lubricant
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 neces-
sary.
Fig. 5 Tire Wear Patterns
22 - 4 TIRES AND WHEELSPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

PLTIRES AND WHEELS 22 - 5
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

Install wheel on vehicle, and progressively tighten
the 5 wheel nuts to a torque of 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
TIRE AND WHEEL 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. This technique is
used to reduce run-out in the wheel/tire assembly.
The high spot on the tire is marked with a paint
mark or a bright colored adhesive label on the out-
board sidewall. The low spot on the rim is identified
with a label on the outside of the rim and a dot or
line on the inside of the rim. If the outside label has
been removed the tire will have to be removed to
locate the dot or line on the inside of the rim.Before dismounting a tire from its wheel, a refer-
ence 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.
(1) Measure the total indicator runout on the cen-
ter of the tire tread rib. Record the indicator reading.
Mark the tire to indicate the high spot. Place a mark
on the tire at the valve stem location (Fig. 8).
(2) Break down the tire and remount it 180
degrees on the rim (Fig. 9).
Fig. 6 Forward-Cross Tire Rotation Method
Fig. 7 Tire Repair Area
Fig. 8 First Measurement On Tire
Fig. 9 Remount Tire 180 Degrees
22 - 6 TIRES AND WHEELSPL
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

(3) Measure the total indicator runout again. Mark
the tire to indicate the high spot.
(4) If runout is still excessive, the following proce-
dures must be done.
²If the high spot is within 102 mm (4.0 in.) of the
first spot and is still excessive, replace the tire.
²If the high spot is within 102 mm (4.0 in.) of the
first spot on the wheel, the wheel may be out of spec-
ifications. Refer to Wheel and Tire Runout.
²If the high spot is NOT within 102 mm (4.0 in.)
of either high spot, draw an arrow on the tread from
second high spot to first. Break down the tire and
remount it 90 degrees on rim in that direction (Fig.
10). This procedure will normally reduce the runout
to an acceptable amount.
CLEANING AND INSPECTION
CLEANING TIRES
Remove protective coating on tires before delivery
of vehicle. This coating may cause deterioration of
tires.
To remove the protective coating applying warm
water and let it soak for a few minutes. Then 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 wire brush for cleaning.
SPECIFICATIONS
TIRE SPECIFICATIONS
Fig. 10 Remount Tire 90 Degrees In Direction of
Arrow
PLTIRES AND WHEELS 22 - 7
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

WHEELS
INDEX
page page
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
WHEEL COVER (LOCK-ON)................. 8
WHEEL INFORMATION.................... 8
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
TIRE AND WHEEL RUNOUT................ 9
WHEEL INSPECTION...................... 9
SERVICE PROCEDURES
TIRE AND WHEEL BALANCE............... 10REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
WHEEL AND TIRE....................... 12
WHEEL COVER (LOCK-ON)................ 12
WHEEL COVER RETAINING NUT........... 13
SPECIFICATIONS
WHEEL SPECIFICATIONS................. 14
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
WHEEL INFORMATION
Original equipment wheels are designed for proper
operation at all loads up to the specified maximum
vehicle capacity.
All models use steel or cast aluminum drop center
wheels. Every wheel has raised sections between the
rim flanges and rim drop well called safety humps
(Fig. 1).
Initial inflation of the tires forces the bead over
these raised sections. In case of air loss the raised
sections help hold the tire in position on the wheel
until the vehicle can be brought to a safe stop.
Cast aluminum wheels require special balance
weights to fit on the thicker flange of the rim and
special wheel clamps for the alignment equipment.
The wheel studs and nuts are designed for specific
wheel applications and must be replaced with equiv-
alent parts. Do not use replacement parts of lesser
quality or of a substitute design. All aluminum
wheels use wheel nuts with an enlarged nose. Thisenlarged nose is necessary to ensure proper retention
of the wheels.
Vehicles that are equipped with lock-on wheel cov-
ers use large nose wheel nuts. The wheel nuts are
externally threaded so that the wheel covers can be
attached to the wheel nuts.
Before installing a wheel, remove any buildup of
corrosion on the wheel mounting surface.
WARNING: INSTALLING WHEELS WITHOUT GOOD
METAL-TO-METAL CONTACT COULD CAUSE LOOS-
ENING OF WHEEL LUG NUTS. THIS COULD
ADVERSELY AFFECT THE SAFETY AND HANDLING
OF YOUR VEHICLE.
WHEEL COVER (LOCK-ON)
This vehicle uses a lock-on type wheel cover (Fig.
2) on certain models.
The wheel cover is attached to the wheel using the
5 nuts located in the wheel cover (Fig. 2). The nuts in
the wheel cover thread onto a special externally
threaded wheel nut (Fig. 3) to retain the wheel cover
to the wheel.
Fig. 1 Safety Rim
Fig. 2 Wheel Cover And Retaining Nut
22 - 8 TIRES AND WHEELSPL

The wheel cover retaining nut (Fig. 2) is retained
in the wheel cover and will stay on the wheel cover
when un-threaded from the wheel nut. If required,
the retaining nut can be removed from the wheel
cover and replaced as a separate part of the wheel
cover.
The lock-on wheel cover can not be removed from
the wheel until all 5 wheel cover retaining nuts are
un-threaded from the wheel nuts. Then the lock-on
wheel cover can be removed by hand from the wheel.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
WHEEL INSPECTION
Inspect wheels for:
²Excessive run out
²Dents or cracks
²Damaged wheel lug nut holes
²Air Leaks from any area or surface of the rim
NOTE: Do not attempt to repair a wheel by ham-
mering, heating or welding.
If a wheel is damaged an original equipment
replacement wheel should be used. When obtaining
replacement wheels, they should be equivalent in
load carrying capacity. The diameter, width, offset,
pilot hole and bolt circle of the wheel should be the
same as the original wheel.
WARNING: FAILURE TO USE EQUIVALENT
REPLACEMENT WHEELS MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT
THE SAFETY AND HANDLING OF THE VEHICLE.
USED WHEELS ARE NOT RECOMMENDED. THE
SERVICE HISTORY OF THE WHEEL MAY HAVE
INCLUDED SEVERE TREATMENT OR VERY HIGH
MILEAGE. THE RIM COULD FAIL WITHOUT WARN-
ING.
TIRE AND WHEEL RUNOUT
NOTE: Runout should always be measured off the
vehicle and on a suitable balance machine.Radial run out is the difference between the high
and low points on the outer edge of the tire or wheel.
Lateral run out is the total side±to±side wobble of
the tire or wheel.
Radial run out of more than 1.5 mm (.060 inch)
measured at the center line of the tread may cause
the vehicle to shake.
Lateral run out of more than 2.0 mm (.080 inch)
measured at the side of the tire as close to the tread
as possible may cause the vehicle to shake.
Sometimes radial run out can be reduced by relo-
cating the wheel and tire on the wheel studs (See
Method 1). If this does not reduce run out 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.
Drive vehicle a short distance to eliminate tire flat
spotting from a parked position.
Verify all wheel nuts are tightened and properly
torqued in the correct sequence (Fig. 4).
Use run out gauge D-128-TR to determine run out
(Fig. 5).
Fig. 3 Wheel Nut And Wheel Cover Retaining Nut
Fig. 4 Tightening Wheel Nuts
Fig. 5 Run Out Gauge
PLTIRES AND WHEELS 22 - 9
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

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 run out. If still excessive, mark tire
sidewall, wheel, and stud at point of maximum run
out (Fig. 6) and proceed to Method 2.
METHOD 2 (RELOCATE TIRE ON WHEEL)
Rotating tire on wheel is particularly effective
when there is run out in both tire and wheel.
Remove tire from wheel and remount wheel on hub
in former position.
Check the radial run out of the wheel (Fig. 7). The
radial runout should be no more than 0.762 mm
(0.030 inch).
Check the lateral run out of the wheel (Fig. 8). The
lateral run out should be no more than 0.762 mm
(0.030 inch).
If the point of greatest wheel radial run out is near
the original chalk mark, remount the tire on the rim
180 degrees from its original position. Recheck therun out. If this does not reduce the run out to an
acceptable level, replace the wheel and/or the tire.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
TIRE AND WHEEL BALANCE
Balancing need is indicated by vibration of seats,
floor pan, or steering wheel. The vibration will be
noticed mostly when driving over 90 km/h (55 mph)
on a smooth road.
It is recommended that a two plane dynamic bal-
ancer be used when a wheel and tire assembly
require balancing. Static balancing should be used
only when a two plane balancer is not available.
Off-vehicle tire and wheel balancing is recom-
mended to be used on this vehicle.
NOTE: If on vehicle equipment is being used to bal-
ance the tire /wheel assemblies, remove the oppo-
site tire/wheel from the vehicle.
For static balancing, find the location of heavy spot
on tire/wheel causing the imbalance. Counter balance
wheel directly opposite the heavy spot. Determine
weight required to counterbalance the area of imbal-
ance. Place half of this weight on theinnerrim
flange and the other half on theouterrim flange
(Fig. 9).
For dynamic balancing, the balancing equipment is
designed to indicate the location and amount of
weight to be applied to both the inner and outer rim
flanges (Fig. 10).Fig. 6 Chalk Marking On Wheel, Tire And Stud
Fig. 7 Checking Wheel Radial Run Out
Fig. 8 Checking Wheel Lateral Run Out
22 - 10 TIRES AND WHEELSPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

Fig. 9 Static Unbalance & Balance
Fig. 10 Dynamic Unbalance & Balance
PLTIRES AND WHEELS 22 - 11
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
WHEEL COVER (LOCK-ON)
REMOVE
NOTE: When unthreading the wheel cover retaining
nuts (Fig. 11) from the wheel nuts it is recom-
mended that a hand wrench be used and not an
impact wrench. Use of an impact wrench could
result in damage to the lock-on wheel cover retain-
ing nuts.
(1) Un-thread the 5 nuts (Fig. 11) attaching the
wheel cover to the wheel nuts.
(2) Grasp the wheel cover and pull straight out-
ward from the wheel. This will remove the wheel
cover from the wheel.
INSTALL
(1) Align the valve notch in the wheel cover with
the valve stem on the wheel (Fig. 11). Align the
wheel cover retaining nuts with the externally
threaded wheel nuts.
(2) By hand, start to thread all 5 of the wheel
cover retaining nuts onto the externally threaded
wheel nuts.
NOTE: When tightening the wheel cover retaining
nuts it is recommended that a hand wrench be used
and not an impact wrench. Use of an impact wrench
could result in damage to the lock-on wheel cover
retaining nuts.
(3) Tighten each of the wheel cover retaining nuts.
If the retaining nut ªjumpsº a thread (slips), which is
an override feature of the retaining nut, retighten
the retaining nut to a point just prior to this occur-ring. To avoid rattling of the wheel cover be sure all
five retaining nuts are correctly tightened.
WHEEL AND TIRE
CAST ALUMINUM WHEEL
To install the wheel, first position it properly on
the mounting surface using the hub pilot as a guide.
All wheel nuts should be lightly tightened before pro-
gressively tightening them in the proper sequence
(Fig. 12). Then tighten wheel nuts in the proper
sequence to a torque of 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.). Never
use oil or grease on studs or nuts.
STEEL WHEEL
REMOVE
CAUTION: When removing the lock-on wheel cover,
do not attempt to pry the wheel cover off the wheel.
This can result in damage to the wheel cover. The
wheel cover is removed by un-threading the wheel
cover retaining nuts and pulling it off the wheel by
hand.
NOTE: When unthreading the lock-on wheel cover
retaining nuts (Fig. 13) from the wheel nuts it is rec-
ommended that a hand wrench be used and not an
impact wrench. Use of an impact wrench could
result in damage to the lock-on wheel cover retain-
ing nuts.
(1) Un-thread the 5 nuts (Fig. 13) attaching the
wheel cover to the wheel nuts.
(2) Grasp the wheel cover and pull straight out-
ward. This will remove the wheel cover from the
wheel.
(3) Remove the wheel nuts (Fig. 14) from the
studs.
(4) Remove the wheel and tire from the hub.
Fig. 11 Wheel Cover Retaining Nuts
Fig. 12 Tightening Wheel Nuts
22 - 12 TIRES AND WHEELSPL

INSTALL
(1) To install the wheel, first position it properly
on the studs and hub mounting surface using the
hub pilot as a guide. Install andlightly tightenthe
wheel nuts in the proper sequence (Fig. 15).
CAUTION: When installing the wheel/tire never use
oil or grease on studs or nuts.
(2) Progressively tighten the 5 wheel nuts in the
proper sequence (Fig. 15) until tightened to half of
the specified torque. Then tighten the wheel nuts in
the proper sequence to a torque of 135 N´m (100 ft.
lbs.).
(3) Align the valve notch in the wheel cover with
the valve stem on the wheel (Fig. 13). Align the
wheel cover retaining nuts with the externally
threaded wheel nuts.
(4) By hand, start to thread all 5 of the wheel
cover retaining nuts onto the externally threaded
wheel nuts.NOTE: When tightening the wheel cover retaining
nuts it is recommended that a hand wrench be used
and not an impact wrench. Use of an impact wrench
could result in damage to the lock-on wheel cover
retaining nuts.
(5) Tighten each of the wheel cover retaining nuts.
If the retaining nut ªjumpsº a thread (slips), which is
an override feature of the retaining nut, retighten
the retaining nut to a point just prior to this occur-
ring. To avoid rattling of the wheel cover be sure all
five retaining nuts are correctly tightened.
WHEEL COVER RETAINING NUT
If a retaining nut for the lock-on wheel cover is
damaged, it can be replaced as a separate component
of the wheel cover. Use the following procedure for
replacing a wheel cover retaining nut.
REMOVE
(1) If required, remove the wheel cover from the
wheel. Refer to Wheel Cover Lock-On in the Removal
And Installation Section in this group of the service
manual for the procedure.
NOTE: The retaining nut flange can not be forced
past the large retaining tab. When removing retain-
ing nut from wheel cover, the flange on the retain-
ing nut must be forced past the 2 small retaining
tabs on wheel cover.
(2) From the back side of the wheel cover, push
outward and tilt the retaining nut sideways forcing
the flange on the retaining nut past the 2 small
retaining tabs in the retaining nut hole of the wheel
cover (Fig. 16).
(3) When flange on retaining nut is past the 2
retaining tabs on the wheel cover, remove retaining
nut from wheel cover by pushing or pulling from hole
in wheel cover.
Fig. 13 Wheel Cover Retaining Nuts
Fig. 14 Wheel Nuts
Fig. 15 Wheel Nut Tightening Sequence
PLTIRES AND WHEELS 22 - 13
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)