lnstallation of Tire,/Wheel Assembly
on the Vehicle
A wheel should be carefully inspected each time a tire is
to be mounted on it. The major causes of wheel failure
are improper maintenance, overloading, age, and accidents,
including pothole damage. Wheels must be replaced
when they are bent, dented, or heavily rusted;
have leaks or elongated bolt holes; and have excessive
lateral or radial runout. Wheels with lateral or radial
runout greater than specifications can cause high-speed
vibrations. Wobble or shimmy caused by a damaged
wheel eventually damages the wheel bearings. stones
wedged between the wheel and disc brake rotor or drum
can unbalance the wheel. Also, check the lug nuts to
be sure that they are set according to the torque given in
the vehicle's service manual. Loose lug nuts can cause
shimmy and vibration and can also distort the stud holes
in the wheels. Another wheel mounting problem is
caused by improperly positioning the wheel on the wheel
hub or by improperly tightening the lug nuts.