flat tire MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2006 User Guide

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 capac-
ity 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 fail-
ure. 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 on all four tires.
DESCRIPTION - TIRE PRESSURE FOR HIGH
SPEEDS
Where speed limits allow the vehicle to be driven
at high speeds, correct tire inflation pressure is very
important. For speeds up to and including 120 km/h
(75 mph), tires must be inflated to the pressures
shown on the tire placard. For continuous speeds in
excess of 120 km/h (75 mph), tires must be inflated
to the maximum pressure specified on the tire side-
wall.
Vehicles loaded to the maximum capacity should
not be driven at continuous speeds above 75 mph
(120 km/h).
For emergency vehicles that are driven at speeds
over 90 mph (144 km/h), special high speed tires
must be used. Consult tire manufacturer for correct
inflation pressure recommendations.
DESCRIPTION - REPLACEMENT TIRES
The original equipment tires provide a proper bal-
ance of many characteristics such as:
²Ride
²Noise
²Handling
²Durability
²Tread life
²Traction
²Rolling resistance
²Speed capability
It is recommended that tires equivalent to the orig-
inal equipment tires be used when replacement is
needed.
Failure to use equivalent replacement tires may
adversely affect the safety and handling of the vehi-
cle.The use of oversize tires may cause interference
with vehicle components. Under extremes of suspen-
sion and steering travel, interference with vehicle
components may cause tire damage.
WARNING: FAILURE TO EQUIP THE VEHICLE WITH
TIRES HAVING ADEQUATE SPEED CAPABILITY
CAN RESULT IN SUDDEN TIRE FAILURE.
DESCRIPTION - TIRE INFLATION PRESSURES
Under inflation will cause rapid shoulder wear, tire
flexing, and possible tire failure (Fig. 12).
Over inflation will cause rapid center wear and
loss of the tire's ability to cushion shocks (Fig. 13).
Improper inflation can cause:
²Uneven wear patterns
²Reduced tread life
²Reduced fuel economy
²Unsatisfactory ride
Fig. 12 Under Inflation Wear
1 - THIN TIRE THREAD AREAS
Fig. 13 Over Inflation Wear
1 - THIN TIRE THREAD AREA
22 - 8 TIRES/WHEELSVA

²Vehicle drift
For proper tire pressure specification refer to the
Tire Inflation Pressure Chart provided with the vehi-
cles Owners Manual. A Certification Label on the
drivers side door pillar provides the minimum tire
and rim size for the vehicle. The label also list the
cold inflation pressure for these tires at full load
operation
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
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 - 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.
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 PAT-
TERNS
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. 14 Tread Wear Indicators
1 - TREAD ACCEPTABLE
2 - TREAD UNACCEPTABLE
3 - WEAR INDICATOR
VATIRES/WHEELS 22 - 9

STANDARD PROCEDURE - REPAIRING 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. 17). 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 dam-
age 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 tighten to proper
torque specification, (Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/
WHEELS - SPECIFICATIONS).
CLEANING
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
TIRES
SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
TIRE P225/70R15C
LR D
TIRE LT225/75R16
LR E
TIRE P
SPARE TIRE CARRIER
REMOVAL
(1) Open the back doors.
(2) Loosen the bolts for the spare tire hold down
(Fig. 18).
(3) Push up on the spare tire carrier and push the
hold downs to the side and lower (Fig. 18).
(4) Remove the spare tire.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the spare tire to the spare tire carrier
(Fig. 18).
(2) Raise the tire and wheel assmbly and hook on
the hold downs (Fig. 18).
(3) Then tighten the hold downs to secure the
spare tire in place and then close the doors.
Fig. 17 TIRE REPAIR AREA
1 - TIRE REPAIR AREA
Fig. 18 SPARE TIRE
1 - HOLD DOWNS
2 - SPARE TIRE
3 - SPARE TIRE CARRIER
22 - 12 TIRES/WHEELSVA

WHEELS
DESCRIPTION
Original equipment wheels are designed for the
specified Maximum Vehicle Capacity.
All models use steel or aluminum wheels.
Aluminum wheels require special balance weights
and alignment equipment.
(1) On vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels,
The slots in the wheel must be aligned to provide
access to the valve stem.
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.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - WHEEL REPLACE-
MENT
The wheel stud/lugs are designed for specific appli-
cations. They must be replaced with equivalent parts.
Do not use replacement parts of lesser quality or a
substitute design.
Before installing the wheel, be sure to remove any
build up of corrosion on the wheel mounting surfaces.
Ensure wheels are installed with good metal-to-metal
contact. Improper installation could cause loosening
of wheel nuts. This could affect the safety and han-
dling of your vehicle.
To install the wheel, first position it properly on
the mounting surface. All wheel nuts should then be
tightened just snug. Gradually tighten them in
sequence to the proper torque specification.Never
use oil or grease on studs.
Wheels must be replaced if they have:
²Excessive runout
²Bent or dented
²Leak air through welds
²Have damaged bolt holes
Wheel repairs employing hammering, heating, or
welding are not allowed.
Original equipment wheels are available through
your dealer. Replacement wheels from any other
source should be equivalent in:
²Load carrying capacity
²Diameter
²Width
²Offset
²Mounting configuration
Failure to use equivalent replacement wheels may
affect the safety and handling of your vehicle.
Replacement withusedwheels is not recommended.
Their service history may have included severe treat-
ment.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - DUAL REAR WHEEL
INSTALLATION
The tires on both wheels must be completely raised
off the ground when tightening the lug nuts. This
Fig. 19 Safety Rim
1 - FLANGE
2 - RIDGE
3 - WELL
VATIRES/WHEELS 22 - 13