run flat DODGE RAM 2001 Service User Guide

TIRES/WHEELS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
TIRES/WHEELS
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING..................1
TIRE AND WHEEL RUNOUT...............1
STANDARD PROCEDURE...................2
TIRE ROTATION.........................2
MATCH MOUNTING......................2
TIRE AND WHEEL BALANCE...............4
TIRES
DESCRIPTION............................5
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING..................7
PRESSURE GAUGES....................7
TREAD WEAR INDICATORS...............7
TIRE WEAR PATTERNS...................7
TIRE NOISE OR VIBRATION...............8
STANDARD PROCEDURE...................8
REPAIRING LEAKS......................8
SPECIFICATIONS.........................9SPARE TIRE
DESCRIPTION............................9
WHEELS
DESCRIPTION............................9
OPERATION.............................10
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................10
WHEEL INSPECTION....................10
STANDARD PROCEDURE..................10
DUAL WHEEL INSTALLATION.............10
SPECIFICATIONS.........................11
STUDS
REMOVAL..............................12
INSTALLATION...........................12
WHEEL COVER
REMOVAL..............................12
INSTALLATION...........................12
TIRES/WHEELS
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TIRE AND WHEEL
RUNOUT
Radial runout is the difference between the high
and low points on the tire or wheel (Fig. 1).
Lateral runout is thewobbleof the tire or wheel.Radial runout of more than 1.5 mm (.060 inch)
measured at the center line of the tread may cause
the vehicle to shake.
Lateral runout of more than 2.0 mm (.080 inch)
measured near the shoulder of the tire 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). If this does not reduce runout to an
acceptable level, the tire can be rotated on the wheel.
(See Method 2).
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.
Fig. 1 Checking Tire/Wheel/Hub Runout
1 - RADIAL RUNOUT
2 - LATERAL RUNOUT
BR/BETIRES/WHEELS 22 - 1

Tire pressures have been chosen to provide safe
operation, vehicle stability, and a smooth ride. Tire
pressure should be checked cold once a month. Tire
pressure decreases as the ambient temperature
drops. Check tire pressure frequently when ambient
temperature varies widely.
Tire inflation pressures are cold inflation pressure.
The vehicle must sit for at least 3 hours to obtain the
correct cold inflation pressure reading. Or be driven
less than one mile after sitting for 3 hours. Tire
inflation pressures may increase from 2 to 6 pounds
per square inch (psi) during operation. Do not reduce
this normal pressure build-up.
WARNING: OVER OR UNDER INFLATED TIRES CAN
AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING AND TREAD WEAR.
THIS MAY CAUSE THE TIRE TO FAIL SUDDENLY,
RESULTING IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PRESSURE
GAUGES
A quality air pressure gauge is recommended to
check tire pressure. After checking the air pressure,
replace valve cap finger tight.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TREAD WEAR
INDICATORS
Tread wear indicators are molded into the bottom
of the tread grooves. When tread depth is 1.6 mm
(1/16 in.), the tread wear indicators will appear as a
13 mm (1/2 in.) band (Fig. 14).
Tire replacement is necessary when indicators
appear in two or more grooves or if localized balding
occurs.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TIRE WEAR
PATTERNS
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 (Fig. 15).
Excessive toe-in or toe-out causes wear on the
tread edges and a feathered effect across the tread
(Fig. 15).
Fig. 12 Under Inflation Wear
1 - THIN TIRE THREAD AREAS
Fig. 13 Over Inflation Wear
1 - THIN TIRE THREAD AREAFig. 14 Tread Wear Indicators
1 - TREAD ACCEPTABLE
2 - TREAD UNACCEPTABLE
3 - WEAR INDICATOR
BR/BETIRES/WHEELS 22 - 7
TIRES (Continued)

OPERATION
The wheel (Fig. 19) has raised sections between
the rim flanges and the rim well. Initial inflation of
the tire forces the bead over these raised sections. In
case of tire failure, the raised sections hold the tire
in position on the wheel until the vehicle can be
brought to a safe stop.
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 hammer-
ing, 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 RECOM-
MENDED. THE SERVICE HISTORY OF THE WHEEL
MAY HAVE INCLUDED SEVERE TREATMENT OR
VERY HIGH MILEAGE. THE RIM COULD FAIL WITH-
OUT WARNING.
STARDARD PROCEDURE - DUAL REAR WHEEL
INSTALLATION
Dual rear wheels use a special heavy duty lug nut
wrench. It is recommended to remove and install
dual rear wheels only when the proper wrench is
available. The wrench is also use to remove wheel
center caps for more information refer to Owner's
Manual.
The tires on both wheels must be completely raised
off the ground when tightening the lug nuts. This
will ensure correct wheel centering and maximum
wheel clamping.
A two piece flat face lug nut with right-hand
threads is used for retaining the wheels on the hubs
(Fig. 20).
The dual rear wheel lug nuts should be tightened
according to the following procedure:
²Place two drops of oil to the interface of the nut/
washer (Fig. 20) before installing on the wheel stud.
NOTE: Do not use more then two drops of oil on
the nut/washer, since the center caps attach in this
area.
²Tighten the wheel lug nuts in the numbered
sequential pattern until they are snug tight. Then
tighten lug nut to specified torque following same
number sequence, (Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/
WHEELS - SPECIFICATIONS).
Fig. 18 Dual Rear Wheels
1 - INBOARD WHEEL VALVE STEM
2 - OUTBOARD WHEEL VALVE STEM
Fig. 19 Safety Rim
1 - FLANGE
2 - RIDGE
3 - WELL
22 - 10 TIRES/WHEELSBR/BE
WHEELS (Continued)

INSTALLATION - WHEEL COVERS
(1) Install cover on wheel by hand only (Fig. 20).
(2) Install and torque wheel nuts to 135 N´m (100
lb. ft.).
(3) Install nut caps, if equipped using lug wrench,
do not over tighten.
(4) Remove release liner from removal instructions
label and install label next to jacking instructions
label. Surface must be clean and flat for proper adhe-
sion of label.
EXTERIOR
INSPECTIONÐBODY SEALING
Visually inspect the following seals during the nor-
mal recommended wash. Look for areas where water
may have entered the vehicle.
²Door and window seals
²Windshield
²Backlight
INSPECTION - FIT AND FINISH
(1) Remove all protective coatings/covers.
²Remove protective film from body moldings.
(2) Make sure body is free from paint chips,
scratches, sags, run, dirt or corrosion. Touch up any
minor paint chips and scratches as required.
(3) Ensure that moldings and stripes are aligned
properly.
²Ensure that moldings and stripes are present
and securely fastened to the body.NOTE: Painted-on accent strips require a unique
paint for touch-ups.
(4) Check that the door panels have even gaps and
fit well with adjacent body panels (Fig. 21).
(5) Check that the tailgate has even gaps and fits
well with adjacent panels (Fig. 22).
Fig. 20 WHEEL COVER
Fig. 21 DOOR ALIGNMENT
Fig. 22 TAILGATE ALIGNMENT
30 - 10 NEW VEHICLE PREPARATIONBR/BE
UNDER VEHICLE (Continued)