Maintenance
Wheel and Tire Balancing
Out-of-round or out-of-balance wheels or tires can cause vehicle
vibration and bounce, and shimmy.
out-of-round wheels. Out-of-round tires and wheel assemblies
can be corrected by rechecking the tire relative to the wheel.
The tire and wheel assembly should thereafter be dynamically
balanced and reinspected while spinning for an out of round
condition.
Wear
Radial tires can exhibit three types of normal wear patterns:
even, erosion, or chamfer.
Even Wear is a sign that the tire is being properly used and
maintained.
Erosion Wear has also been called rolling wear, channel, or
river wear. Erosion wear is found more often at free rolling tires.
This is an indication that the tire is being used in a slow wearing
operation. What happens is that the belt plies are held very rigid
and the tread is not allowed to distort as it passes through the
contact area. Wear will only occur at the edge of the tread. No
corrective action is required. If erosion gets to be 2 mm (1/16 in)
or more, the tire may be rotated to a drive axle.
Chamfer or Shoulder Wear, with tires inflated properly, is a
normal tendency of most radial tire designs. If both inside and
outside shoulders are wearing evenly around the tire, no further
action is required. Overinflation is not effective in correcting this
effect.
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Replace damaged or
Irregular Wear
If irregular wear is present, check the axle alignment, tire
pressure, wheel balance, shock and suspension component
condition, and wheel bearing end play.
This condition not only shortens tire life but will adversely affect
the handling of your vehicle.
Rotating tires from one wheel position to another is a way often
used to even out many types of irregular wear or to avoid it
altogether. See Tires – Rotation for more information. Some
of the more effective tire rotation programs are listed below:
Irregular wear can be minimized by:
•
Using the right inflation pressure for the load being carried
•
Maintaining proper front wheel alignment – especially
toe-in – to specifications
•
Maintaining proper tire and wheel balance
•
Maintaining shock absorbers and suspension components
•
Maintaining proper wheel bearing adjustment
Use of Tire Chains
Refer to chain manufacturer's recommendation for correct tire
chain usage, installation, and removal.