Dodge Dakota (R1). Manual — part 752

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TIRE NOISE OR
VIBRATION

Radial-ply tires are sensitive to force impulses

caused

by

improper

mounting,

vibration,

wheel

defects, or possibly tire imbalance.

To find out if tires are causing the noise or vibra-

tion, drive the vehicle over a smooth road at varying
speeds. Note the noise level during acceleration and
deceleration. The engine, differential and exhaust
noises will change as speed varies, while the tire
noise will usually remain constant.

STANDARD PROCEDURE - 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 (Fig. 15). The
tire should be replaced if the puncture is located in
the sidewall.

Deflate tire completely before removing the 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 dam-
age the tire or wheel rim.

Before mounting tire on wheel, make sure all rust

is removed from the rim bead and repaint if neces-
sary.

Install wheel on vehicle, and tighten to proper

torque specification.

CLEANING - TIRES

Remove the protective coating on the tires before

delivery of a vehicle. This coating may cause deteri-
oration of the tires.

To remove the protective coating, apply warm

water and let it soak for a few minutes. Afterwards,
scrub the coating away with a soft bristle brush.
Steam cleaning may also be used to remove the coat-
ing.

NOTE: DO NOT use gasoline, mineral oil, oil-based
solvent or a wire brush for cleaning.

Fig. 14 Tire Wear Patterns

Fig. 15 Tire Repair Area

1 - REPAIRABLE AREA

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TIRES/WHEELS

AN

TIRES (Continued)

SPECIFICATIONS

TIRE SPECIFICATION

SPECIFICATIONS

DESCRIPTION

SPECIFICATION

TIRE

P215/75R15

TIRE

P235/75R15 XL

TIRE

P255/65R16

TIRE

P255/55R17

TIRE

P265/70R16

SPARE TIRE

DESCRIPTION

The temporary spare tire is designed for emer-

gency use only. The original tire should be repaired
or replaced at the first opportunity, then reinstalled.
Do not exceed speeds of 50 M.P.H. when using the
temporary spare tire. Refer to Owner’s Manual for
complete details.

WHEELS

DESCRIPTION

The rim size is on the vehicle safety certification

label located on the drivers door shut face. The size
of the rim is determined by the drivetrain package.
Original equipment wheels/rims are designed for
operation up to the specified maximum vehicle capac-
ity.

All models use stamped steel, cast aluminum or

forged aluminum wheels. Every wheel has raised sec-
tions between the rim flanges and rim drop well
called safety humps (Fig. 16) .

Initial inflation of the tire forces the bead over

these raised sections. In case of rapid loss of air pres-
sure, the raised sections help hold the tire on the
wheel.

The wheel studs and nuts are designed for specific

applications. All aluminum and some steel wheels
have wheel stud nuts with an enlarged nose. This
enlarged nose is necessary to ensure proper retention
of the wheels. Do not use replacement studs or nuts
with a different design or lesser quality.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WHEEL
INSPECTION

Inspect wheels for:
• Excessive run out

• Dents or cracks

• Damaged wheel lug nut holes

• Air Leaks from any area or surface of the rim

NOTE: Do not attempt to repair a wheel by hammer-
ing, heating or welding.

If a wheel is damaged an original equipment

replacement wheel should be used. When obtaining
replacement wheels, they should be equivalent in
load carrying capacity. The diameter, width, offset,
pilot hole and bolt circle of the wheel should be the
same as the original wheel.

WARNING:

FAILURE

TO

USE

EQUIVALENT

REPLACEMENT

WHEELS

MAY

ADVERSELY

AFFECT THE SAFETY AND HANDLING OF THE
VEHICLE.

USED

WHEELS

ARE

NOT

RECOM-

MENDED. THE SERVICE HISTORY OF THE WHEEL
MAY HAVE INCLUDED SEVERE TREATMENT OR
VERY HIGH MILEAGE. THE RIM COULD FAIL WITH-
OUT WARNING.

WHEEL INSTALLATION

The wheel studs and nuts are designed for specific

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

NOTE: Do not use chrome plated lug nuts with
chrome plated wheels.

Fig. 16 Safety Rim

1 - FLANGE
2 - RIDGE
3 - WELL

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TIRES/WHEELS

22 - 9

Before installing the wheel, be sure to remove any

build up of corrosion on the wheel mounting surfaces.
Ensure wheels are installed with good metal-to-metal
contact. Improper installation could cause loosening
of wheel nuts. This could affect the safety and han-
dling of your vehicle.

To install the wheel, first position it properly on

the mounting surface. All wheel nuts should then be
tightened just snug. Gradually tighten them in
sequence to the proper torque specification (Fig. 17).
Never use oil or grease on studs or nuts.

STANDARD PROCEDURE - WHEEL
REPLACEMENT

The wheel studs and nuts are designed for specific

applications. They must be replaced with equivalent

parts. Do not use replacement parts of lesser quality
or a substitute design. All aluminum and some steel
wheels have wheel stud nuts which feature an
enlarged nose. This enlarged nose is necessary to
ensure proper retention of the aluminum wheels.

NOTE: Do not use chrome plated lug nuts with
chrome plated wheels.

Before installing the wheel, be sure to remove any

build up of corrosion on the wheel mounting surfaces.
Ensure wheels are installed with good metal-to-metal
contact. Improper installation could cause loosening
of wheel nuts. This could affect the safety and han-
dling of your vehicle.

To install the wheel, first position it properly on

the mounting surface. All wheel nuts should then be
tightened just snug. Gradually tighten them in
sequence to the proper torque specification (Fig. 17).
Never use oil or grease on studs or nuts.

Wheels must be replaced if they have:
• Excessive runout

• Bent or dented

• Leak air through welds

• Have damaged bolt holes
Wheel repairs employing hammering, heating, or

welding are not allowed.

Original equipment wheels are available through

your dealer. Replacement wheels from any other
source should be equivalent in:

• Load carrying capacity

• Diameter

• Width

• Offset

• Mounting configuration
Failure to use equivalent replacement wheels may

affect the safety and handling of your vehicle.
Replacement with used wheels is not recommended.
Their service history may have included severe treat-
ment.

Fig. 17 Lug Nut Tightening Pattern

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TIRES/WHEELS

AN

WHEELS (Continued)

SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE CHART

CAUTION: DO NOT USE CHROME PLATED LUG
NUTS WITH CHROME PLATED WHEELS.

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

DESCRIPTION

N·m

Ft. Lbs.

In. Lbs.

Wheel

Lug Nut

115 to 157

85 to 115

—

STUDS

REMOVAL

CAUTION: Do not use a hammer to remove wheel
studs.

(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
(3) Remove the brake caliper, caliper adapter and

rotor, (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHAN-
ICAL/ROTORS - REMOVAL).

(4) Remove the stud from the hub with Remover

C-4150A (Fig. 18).

INSTALLATION

CAUTION: Do not use a hammer to remove wheel
studs.

(1) Install the new stud into the hub flange.
(2) Install three washers onto the stud, then

install lug nut with the flat side of the nut against
the washers.

(3) Tighten lug nut until the stud is pulled into

the hub flange. Verify that the stud is properly
seated into the flange.

(4) Remove lug nut and washers.
(5) Install the brake rotor, caliper adapter, and cal-

iper, (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHAN-

ICAL/ROTORS - INSTALLATION) refer to Brakes
for procedure.

(6) Install the wheel and tire assembly, (Refer to

22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE) use a new lug nut on the stud or studs
that were replaced.

(7) Remove the support and lower vehicle.

Fig. 18 Wheel Stud Removal

1 - REMOVER
2 - WHEEL STUD

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TIRES/WHEELS

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