Pinpoint Test H: Wheel And Tire

NOTE: Wheel or tire vibrations felt in the steering wheel are most likely related to the front wheels or tires. Vibration felt through the seat are most likely related to the rear wheels or tires. This may not always be true, but it can help to isolate the problem to the front or rear of the vehicle.
• Test drive the vehicle at different speed ranges.
• During the road test, if the vibrations can be eliminated by placing the vehicle in neutral or is affected by the speed of the engine, the cause is not the wheels or tires.
• Is there a vibration or noise? 

Yes:  GO to  H2.

No:  The wheels and tires are OK. CONDUCT a diagnosis of other suspect systems.

• Check the front wheel bearings. Refer to WHEEL BEARING CHECK .
• Are the wheel bearings OK? 

Yes:  GO to  H3.

No:  INSPECT the wheel bearings. ADJUST or REPAIR as necessary. REFER to FRONT SUSPENSION . TEST the system for normal operation.

• Check the tires for missing weights.
• Check the wheels for damage.
• Inspect the tire wear pattern. Refer to the TIRE WEAR PATTERNS TABLE .
• Do the tires have an abnormal wear pattern? 

Yes:  CORRECT the condition that caused the abnormal wear. INSTALL new tire(s). TEST the system for normal operation.

No:  GO to  H4.

• Spin the tires slowly and watch for signs of lateral runout.
  Fig 1: Checking Lateral Runout Of Tires

  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
• Spin the tires slowly and watch for signs of radial runout.
  Fig 2: Checking Radial Runout Of Tires

  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
• Are there visual signs of runout? 

Yes:  GO to  H5.

No:  CHECK the wheel and tire balance. CORRECT as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation.

• Measure the radial runout of the wheel and tire assembly. A typical specification for total radial runout is 1.15 mm (0.04 in)
  Fig 3: Radial Runout Check On Tire

  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
• Is the radial runout within specifications? 

Yes:  GO to  H8.

No:  GO to  H6.

• Measure the radial runout of the wheel. A typical specification for total radial runout is 1.14 mm (0-045 in).
• Is the radial runout within specifications? 

Yes:  INSTALL a new tire. TEST the system for normal operation.

No:  GO to  H7.

• Measure the pilot or bolt circle runout. A typical specification for radial runout is:
  • Pilot runout - less than 0.15 mm (0.006 inch).
  • Bolt circle runout - less than 0.38 mm (0.015 inch).
• Is the radial runout within specifications? 

Yes:  INSTALL a new wheel. TEST the system for normal operation.

No:  REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to FRONT SUSPENSION or REAR SUSPENSION .

• Measure the lateral runout of the wheel and tire assembly. A typical specification for total lateral runout is 2.25 mm (0.08 inch)
  Fig 4: Lateral Runout Check On Tire

  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
• Is the lateral runout within specifications? 

Yes:  Wheels and tires are OK. CONDUCT a diagnosis of other suspect systems.

No:  GO to  H9.

• Measure the lateral runout of the wheel. A typical specification for total radial runout is 1.15 mm (0.04 inch).
• Is the lateral runout within specifications? 

Yes:  INSTALL a new tire. TEST the system for normal operation.

No:  GO to  H10.

• Measure the flange face lateral runout. A typical specification for lateral runout is:
  • Hub/brake disc - less than 0.13 mm (0.005 inch).
  • Axle shaft - less than 0.25 mm (0.010 inch).
• Is the lateral runout within specifications? 

Yes:  INSTALL a new wheel. TEST the system for normal operation.

No:  REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to FRONT SUSPENSION or REAR SUSPENSION .