Runout Measurement (Dial Indicator)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 Ford Pickup. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Diagnosis of tire/wheel vibration should not be performed on tires with less than 320 km (200 mi). Some initial tire/wheel vibration issues (such as flat spotting) correct themselves after the tires have been in service for 320 km (200 mi).

NOTE: Loaded runout measurements are the preferred method for verifying tire serviceability. While a dial indicator can be used to optimize the position of the tire on the wheel, the unloaded runout measurement cannot accurately determine if the tire should be removed from service.

Use the following procedures if normal diagnostics leads to a potential runout issue.

Some vehicles may exhibit a wheel and tire vibration caused by excessive runout. Radial runout measurements can be taken using a dial indicator and should be measured with the wheel and tire assembly mounted on a suitable wheel balancer. Make sure the dial indicator is mounted securely to eliminate gauge movement when measuring runout.

NOTE: Use only the Digital Tire Pressure Gauge any time tire pressures are measured to be sure that accurate values are obtained.

Make sure the tire pressures are set to the correct pressure as indicated on the VC label.
Using a tire crayon, record the vehicle position on the inner sidewall of all 4 tires.
Remove the wheel and tire assemblies. Refer to Wheel and Tire .

NOTE: Make sure the correct wheel balancer adapters are used when mounting the assembly to the wheel balancer or damage to the wheel may occur.

NOTE: Make sure the wheel and tire assembly is clean and free of foreign material prior to installation on the balancer.

Fig 1: Identifying Wheel Balancer, Cone, Wheel And Tire Assembly, Finger Plate And Balancer Wing Nut

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Item	Description
1	Wheel balancer
2	Cone
3	Wheel and tire assembly
4	Finger plate
5	Balancer wing nut

Mount the wheel and tire assembly on a suitable wheel balancer using the correct wheel balancer adapters as shown in illustration. Refer to the list of recommended wheel balancer adapters on the PTS website.

NOTE: Apply masking tape on the center tread rib to allow for a smoother measuring surface. Some fluctuation of the gauge reading is expected. Observe the overall sweep of the gauge from the highest to the lowest spot on the tire.

Fig 2: Positioning Suitable Dial Indicator And Stand With Dial Indicator On Center Tread Rib

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Position the dial indicator and stand with the dial indicator on the center tread rib.
- Rotate the wheel and tire assembly (or wheel) to locate the low spot.
- Adjust the runout gauge to read 0.
- Rotate the wheel and tire assembly one complete revolution to make sure the low spot has been found and the dial indicator returns to 0.
While slowly and constantly rotating the wheel and tire assembly (or wheel), measure the radial runout.
- Note the variance (runout) from 0 on the dial of the gauge.
- If the runout reading of a wheel and tire assembly is greater than 1.14 mm (0.045 in), locate and temporarily mark the high spot and runout reading on the sidewall of the tire and carry out the Match Mounting procedure to optimize the wheel and tire assembly.
- If the runout reading of a wheel and tire assembly is 1.14 mm (0.045 in) or less, permanently mark the high spot and the runout reading on the inner sidewall of the tire for reference during future wheel and tire service. Balance the assembly and install the wheel and tire on the vehicle using the Wheel-to-Hub Optimization procedure.

Fig 3: Measuring Radial Runout

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.