Runout Check

NOTE: This procedure may be stopped at whatever point the acceptable level of runout is reached.

1. Measure free runout of tire and wheel on vehicle using a dial indicator with a roller wheel.
^ Lateral runout (side to side) should be measured on tires sidewall as close to tread shoulder as possible.
^ Radial runout (up and down) should be measured on center tread rib.
- Some tread designs may require wrapping a piece of tape tightly around center tread circumference for better dial indicator contact.
2. Disregard any instantaneous indicator needle jumps due to sidewall depressions, tread blocks, etc.
3. Record total indicator reading, and location of high point of turnout.
4. If radial or lateral runout exceeds 1.52 mm (0.060 inch), mount tire and wheel on a dynamic balance machine and re-measure runout.
^ Make sure wheel is centered on machine by wheel center pilot hole.
5. Record total indicator reading, and location of the high point of runout.
6. If radial or lateral runout exceeds 1.27 mm (0.050 inch), break down and rotate tire on rim 180°.
^ In many cases, rotating tire on wheel will bring runout to an acceptable range.
^ Whenever a tire is rotated on the wheel, in this way, the must be re-balanced.
7. Re-inflate, mount on dynamic balance machine and re-measure runout.
8. Record total indicator reading and location of high point of runout.
9. If radial or lateral runout still exceeds 1.27 mm (0.050 inch) and high point has moved approximately 180°, following tire around rim, tire is faulty and should be replaced.
10. If second high point still exceeds 1.27 mm (0.050 inch) and is close to original high point, relative to the rim, wheel is faulty and should be replaced.
A. Before replacing tire and wheel, break down and measure wheel separately.
B. Replace wheel if radial runout exceeds 1.02 mm (0.040 inch), or lateral runout exceeds 1.14 mm (0.045 inch).
11. If runout of tire and wheel is within limits when measured off the vehicle, yet exceeds the limits when measured on the vehicle, the attachment of tire and wheel to hub is probable cause.
12. Rotate two wheel bolts and recheck runout.
^ Several positions may have to be tried to find best location.
13. If runout can not be reduced to an acceptable level, remove tire and wheel and measure hub stud runout.
14. If runout exceeds 0.76 mm (0.030 inch), replace hub or drive axle shaft.