Chrysler Town & Country/Voyager, Dodge Caravan, Plymouth Voyager. Manual — part 114

It is recommend that tires equivalent to the original

equipment tires be used when replacement is needed.

Failure to use equivalent replacement tires may

adversely affect the safety and handling of the vehicle.

The use of oversize tires not listed in the specification

charts may cause interference with vehicle compo-
nents. Under extremes of suspension and steering
travel interference with vehicle components may cause
tire damage.

WARNING: FAILURE TO EQUIP THE VEHICLE WITH
TIRES HAVING ADEQUATE SPEED CAPABILITY CAN
RESULT IN SUDDEN TIRE FAILURE AND LOSS OF
VEHICLE CONTROL.

ROTATION

Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles operate

at different loads and perform different steering, driv-
ing, and braking functions. For these reasons, they
wear at unequal rates, and tend to develop irregular
wear patterns. These effects can be reduced by timely
rotation of tires. The benefits of rotation are especially
worthwhile. Rotation will increase tread life, help to
maintain mud, snow, and wet traction levels, and
contribute to a smooth, quiet ride.

The suggested rotation method is the ‘‘forward-cross’’

tire rotation method. This method takes advantage of
current tire industry practice which allows rotation of
radial-ply tires. Other rotation methods may be used,
but may not have all the benefits of the recommended
method.

For proper tire rotation, refer to the Owner’s Manual.

TREAD WEAR INDICATORS

Tread wear indicators are molded into the bottom of

the tread grooves. When tread is 1.6 mm (1/16 in.), the
tread wear indicators will appear as a 13 mm (1/2 in.)
band.

Tire replacement is necessary when indicators ap-

pear in two or more grooves or if localized balding
occurs (Fig. 3).

REPAIRING LEAKS

For proper repairing, a radial tire must be removed

from the wheel. Repairs should only be made if the
defect, or puncture, is in the tread area. The tire should
be replaced if the puncture is located in the sidewall.

Deflate tire completely before dismounting tire from

the wheel. Use lubrication such as a mild soap solution

when dismounting or mounting tire. Use tools free of
burrs or sharp edges which could damage the tire or
wheel rim.

Before mounting tire on wheel, make sure all rust

scale is removed from the rim and repaint if necessary.

Install wheels on vehicle, progressively tightening

wheel nuts to 129 N

Im (95 ft. lbs.) torque (See

‘‘Wheels’’).

TIRE NOISE OR VIBRATION

Radial-ply tire are more sensitive to force impulses

caused by improper mounting, wheel irregularities, or
imbalance than the bias-ply tire.

To determine if the tires are causing the noise or

vibration, drive the vehicle over a smooth road at
different speeds. Note the effect of acceleration and
deceleration on noise level. Differential and exhaust
noises will change in intensity as speed varies, while
tire noise will usually remain constant.

TIRE WEAR PATTERNS

Under inflation results in faster wear on shoulders of

tire. Over inflation causes faster wear at center of
tread.

Excessive camber causes the tire to run at an angle

to the road. One side of tread is worn more than the
other.

Excessive toe-in or toe-out causes wear on the tread

edges of the tire, from dragging of tire. There is a
feathered effect across the tread (Fig. 4).

Fig. 3 Tread Wear Indicators

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WHEELS TIRES

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Fig. 4 Tire Wear Patterns

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WHEELS TIRES

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LEAD CORRECTION CHART

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WHEELS TIRES

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WHEEL SERVICE PROCEDURES

GENERAL INFORMATION

Original equipment wheels are designed for satisfac-

tory operation at all loads up to the specified maximum
vehicle capacity.

All models use steel or cast aluminum drop center

wheels. The safety rim wheel (Fig. 1) has raised sec-
tions between the rim flanges and rim well ‘‘A’’.

Initial inflation of the tires forces the bead over these

raised sections. In case of tire failure, the raised
sections help hold the tire in position on the wheel.

Cast aluminum wheels require special balance

weights and alignment equipment.

WHEEL INSTALLATION

The wheel studs and nuts are designed for specific

applications and must be replaced with equivalent
parts. Do not use replacement parts of lessor quality or
a substitute design. All aluminum and some steel
wheels have wheel stud nuts with an enlarged nose.
This enlarged nose is necessary to ensure proper re-
tention of the aluminum wheels.

Before installing the wheel, remove any build up of

corrosion on the wheel mounting surfaces. Installing
wheels without good metal-to-metal contact could
cause later loosening of wheel nuts. This could ad-
versely affect the safety and handling of your vehicle.

To install the wheel, first position it properly on the

mounting surface using the hub pilot as a guide. All
wheel nuts should then be tightened just snug. Then
progressively tighten them in the proper sequence (Fig.
3). Tighten wheel nuts to 129 N

Im (95 ft. lbs.). Never

use oil or grease on studs or nuts.

WHEEL REPLACEMENT

Wheels must be replaced if they:

• have excessive run out

• are bent or dented

• leak air through welds

• have damaged bolt holes

Wheel repairs employing hammering, heating, or

welding are not allowed.

Original equipment replacement wheels are avail-

able through your dealer. When obtaining replacement
wheels, they should be equivalent in load carrying
capacity. The physical dimensions (diameter, width,
offset, and mounting configuration) of the rim should
be the same as the original wheel. Failure to use
equivalent replacement wheels may adversely affect
the safety and handling of the vehicle. Replacement
with ‘‘used’’ wheels is not recommended. The
service history of the rim may have included
severe treatment or very high mileage. The rim
could fail without warning.

TIRE AND WHEEL BALANCE

Balancing need is indicated by vibration of seats,

floor pan, or steering wheel. The vibration will noticed
mostly when driving over 64 km/h (40 mph) on a
smooth road.

It is recommended that a two plane dynamic tire

balance machine be used. Static balancing should be
used only when a two plane tire balance machine is not
available.

For static imbalance, find location of heavy spot

causing imbalance and counter balance wheel directly
opposite the heavy spot. Determine weight required to
counterbalance the area of imbalance. Place half of this
weight on the inner rim flange. Then place the other
half on the outer rim flange (Fig. 2).

Off-vehicle balancing is preferred.

Fig. 1 Safety Rim

Fig. 2 Counterbalancing

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WHEELS TIRES

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