Steel Wheel

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

Check tires for wear and improper inflation.
Check wheels for deformation, cracks, and other damage. If deformed, remove wheel and check wheel runout.
1. Remove tire from steel wheel and mount on a tire balance machine.
2. Set two dial indicators as shown.
3. Set each dial indicator to 0.
4. Rotate wheel and check dial indicators at several points around the circumference of the wheel.
5. Calculate runout at each point as shown.
  Radial runout = (A+B)/2
  
  Lateral runout = (C+D)/2
6. Select maximum positive runout value and the maximum negative value.
Add the two values to determine total runout. In case a positive or negative value is not available, use the maximum value (negative or positive) for total runout. If the total runout value exceeds the limit, replace the steel wheel.

Wheel runout: Refer to "ROAD WHEEL ".

Fig 1: Checking Radial And Lateral Runout Using Dial Indicator
Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.