tires DODGE NEON 2000 Service Owner's Guide

The suggested rotation method is the forward-cross
tire rotation method (Fig. 7). This method takes
advantage of current tire industry practice which
allows 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. 8). 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.
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 in the drop well on the tire side 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.
Fig. 7 Forward-Cross Tire Rotation Method
Fig. 8 Tire Repair Area
1 ± REPAIRABLE AREA
PLTIRES AND WHEELS 22 - 7
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

(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. 9).
(2) Break down the tire and remount it 180
degrees on the rim (Fig. 10).
(3) Measure the total indicator runout again. Mark
the tire to indicate the high spot.
(4) If runout is still excessive (in excess of 1.524
mm or 0.060 in.), the following procedures 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.
11). This procedure will normally reduce the runout
to an acceptable amount.
Fig. 9 First Measurement On Tire
1 ± REFERENCE MARK
2 ± 1ST MEASUREMENT HIGH SPOT MARK TIRE AND RIM
3 ± WHEEL
4 ± VALVE STEM
Fig. 10 Remount Tire 180 Degrees
1 ± VALVE STEM
2 ± REFERENCE MARK
Fig. 11 Remount Tire 90 Degrees In Direction of
Arrow
1 ± 2ND HIGH SPOT ON TIRE
2 ± 1ST HIGH SPOT ON TIRE
22 - 8 TIRES AND WHEELSPL
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

CLEANING AND INSPECTION
CLEANING TIRES
Remove the protective coating on the tires before
delivery of a vehicle. This coating may cause deteri-
oration 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 coat-
ing.
NOTE: DO NOT use gasoline, mineral oil, oil-based
solvent or a wire brush for cleaning.
SPECIFICATIONS
TIRE SPECIFICATIONS
The following guide should help you understand the tire designations:
P Passenger car tire (or ªTº for temporary-use tire).
185 Nominal width of tire in millimeters.
70 Tire height-to-width ratio.
R Radial-ply tire (or ªDº for bias-ply tire).
14 Nominal rim diameter in inches.
Do not install smaller than minimum size tires shown on the tire inflation placard on the vehicle.
PLTIRES AND WHEELS 22 - 9

WHEELS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
WHEEL................................10
WHEEL COVER (LOCK-ON).................11
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
WHEEL INSPECTION......................11
TIRE AND WHEEL RUNOUT................12
SERVICE PROCEDURES
TIRE AND WHEEL BALANCE................13REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
WHEEL COVER (LOCK-ON).................15
WHEEL COVER RETAINING NUT............15
TIRE AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY...............16
SPECIFICATIONS
WHEEL SPECIFICATIONS..................17
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
WHEEL
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 (Fig. 1). Every wheel has raised sections
between the rim flanges and rim drop well called
safety humps (Fig. 2).
Initial inflation of the tires forces the bead over
these raised sections. In case of air loss the raised
Fig. 1 Wheels and Covers (Typical)
1 ± CAST ALUMINUM WHEEL
2 ± WEIGHTS
3 ± CENTER CAP
4 ± WHEEL COVER5 ± MOUNTING NUTS
6 ± VALVE STEM
7 ± STEEL WHEEL
8 ± TIRE
22 - 10 TIRES AND WHEELSPL

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. This
enlarged 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.
WHEEL COVER (LOCK-ON)
This vehicle uses a lock-on type wheel cover (Fig.
3) on certain models.
The wheel cover is attached to the wheel using the
5 nuts located in the wheel cover (Fig. 3). The nuts in
the wheel cover thread onto a special externally
threaded wheel nut (Fig. 4) to retain the wheel cover
to the wheel.
The wheel cover retaining nut (Fig. 3) 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 areun-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,
Fig. 2 Safety Rim
1 ± TIRE
2 ± WELL
3 ± SAFETY HUMPS
4 ± FLANGE
Fig. 3 Wheel Cover And Retaining Nut
1 ± WHEEL COVER RETAINING NUTS
2 ± TIRE
3 ± WHEEL
4 ± LOCK-ON WHEEL COVER
Fig. 4 Wheel Nut And Wheel Cover Retaining Nut
1 ± WHEEL NUT
2 ± EXTERNAL THREADS
3 ± LOCK-ON WHEEL COVER RETAINING NUT
PLTIRES AND WHEELS 22 - 11
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

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. 5).
Use run out gauge D-128-TR to determine run out
(Fig. 6).
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. 7) and proceed to Method 2.
Fig. 5 Tightening Wheel Nuts
Fig. 6 Run Out Gauge
Fig. 7 Chalk Marking On Wheel, Tire And Stud
1 ± STUD
2 ± TIRE
3 ± CHALK MARK LOCATIONS
22 - 12 TIRES AND WHEELSPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

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. 8). The
radial runout should be no more than 0.762 mm
(0.030 inch).
Check the lateral run out of the wheel (Fig. 9). 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 the
run 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. 10).
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. 11).
Fig. 8 Checking Wheel Radial Run Out
1 ± MOUNTING CONE
2 ± SPINDLE SHAFT
3 ± WING NUT
4 ± PLASTIC CUP
5 ± DIAL INDICATOR
6 ± WHEEL
7 ± DIAL INDICATOR
Fig. 9 Checking Wheel Lateral Run Out
1 ± MOUNTING CONE
2 ± SPINDLE SHAFT
3 ± WING NUT
4 ± PLASTIC CUP
5 ± DIAL INDICATOR
6 ± WHEEL
7 ± DIAL INDICATOR
PLTIRES AND WHEELS 22 - 13
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

Fig. 10 Static Unbalance & Balance
1 ± HEAVY SPOT
2 ± OF SPINDLE
3 ± ADD BALANCE WEIGHTS HERE4 ± CORRECTIVE WEIGHT LOCATION
5 ± TIRE OR WHEEL TRAMP, OR WHEEL HOP
Fig. 11 Dynamic Unbalance & Balance
1 ± OF SPINDLE
2 ± ADD BALANCE WEIGHTS HERE PER DIRECTION OF
DYNAMIC BALANCING EQUIPMENT.3 ± CORRECTIVE WEIGHT LOCATION
4 ± HEAVY SPOT WHEEL SHIMMY AND VIBRATION
22 - 14 TIRES AND WHEELSPL
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
WHEEL COVER (LOCK-ON)
REMOVE
NOTE: When unthreading the wheel cover retaining
nuts (Fig. 12) 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. 12) 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. 12). 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 wrenchcould 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 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. 13).
Fig. 12 Wheel Cover Retaining Nuts
1 ± TIRE
2 ± VALVE STEM
3 ± LOCK-ON WHEEL COVER
4 ± WHEEL
5 ± WHEEL COVER RETAINING NUTS
Fig. 13 Wheel Cover Retaining Nut Retention
1 ± WHEEL COVER
2 ± WHEEL COVER RETAINING NUT
3 ± SMALL RETAINING TABS
4 ± LARGE RETAINING TAB
PLTIRES AND WHEELS 22 - 15

(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.
INSTALL
(1) Install retaining nut in hole of wheel cover
with retaining nut flange positioned under the large
retaining flange (Fig. 13).
(2) Push on hex of retaining nut forcing the retain-
ing nut flange past the 2 small retaining tabs in
wheel cover.
TIRE AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY
CAST WHEEL
REMOVAL
(1) Raise the vehicle. Refer to HOISTING in the
LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE section.
(2) Remove the wheel mounting nuts from the
studs.
(3) Remove the tire and wheel assembly from the
hub.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Installing the wheel mounting nuts with-
out having good metal-to-mental contact between
the back of the wheel and the hub mounted brake
disc or drum could cause the wheel to bind and
eventually cause loosening of the wheel mounting
nuts.
(1) Install the tire and wheel assembly on the hub
studs against the hub mounted brake disc or drum
using the hub pilot as a guide.
CAUTION: When installing the tire and wheel
assembly, never use oil or grease on studs or nuts.
(2) Install and lightly tighten the wheel mounting
nuts in the proper sequence (Fig. 14).
(3) Lower the vehicle.
(4) Progressively tighten the 5 wheel nuts in the
proper sequence until tightened to half of the speci-
fied torque (Fig. 14). Finally, tighten the wheel nuts
in the proper sequence to a torque of 135 N´m (100
ft. lbs.).
STEEL WHEEL
REMOVAL
(1) Raise the vehicle. Refer to HOISTING in the
LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE section.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 unthreading the wheel
cover retaining nuts and pulling it off the wheel by
hand.
NOTE: When unthreading the lock-on wheel cover
retaining nuts (Fig. 15) 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.
(2) Unthread the nuts attaching the wheel cover to
the wheel mounting nuts (Fig. 15).
Fig. 14 Tightening Wheel Nuts
Fig. 15 Wheel Cover Retaining Nuts
1 ± TIRE
2 ± VALVE STEM
3 ± LOCK-ON WHEEL COVER
4 ± WHEEL
5 ± WHEEL COVER RETAINING NUTS
22 - 16 TIRES AND WHEELSPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)