Pinpoint Test J: Wheel And Tire

NOTE: Wheel or tire vibrations felt in the steering wheel are most likely related to the front wheel or tire. Vibration felt through the seat are most likely related to the rear wheel or tire. This may not alwyas 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 vibration 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 and noise? 

Yes 

GO to J2.

No 

The wheel and tires are OK. CONDUCT a diagnosis on other suspect systems.

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

Yes 

GO to J3.

No 

INSPECT the wheel bearings. ADJUST or REPAIR as necessary. 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 AND FREQUENCY CALCULATIONS .
• 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 J4.

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

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

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

Yes 

GO to J5.

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 1.14 mm (0.04 in).
  Fig 3: Measuring Radial Runout Of Wheel And Tire Assembly

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

Yes 

GO to J8.

No 

GO to J6.

• Measure the radial runout of the wheel. A typical specification for total radial runout is 1.14 mm (0.04 in).
• Is the radial runout within specifications? 

Yes 

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

No 

GO to J7.

• 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 SUSPENSION SYSTEM article. .

• Measure the lateral runout of the wheel and tire assembly. A typical specification for total lateral runout is 1.14 mm (0.04 in).
  Fig 4: Measuring Lateral Runout Of Wheel And Tire Assembly

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

Yes 

Wheel and tires OK. CONDUCT diagnosis on other suspect systems.

No 

GO to J9.

• Measure the lateral runout of the wheel. A typical specification for total radial runout is 1.14 mm (0.04 in).
• Is the lateral runout within specifications? 

Yes 

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

No 

GO to J10.

• 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 SUSPENSION SYSTEM article .