Wheels, Distorted

Wheel vibration may be caused by distorted pilot holes or lug holes on the wheel. This does not allow sufficient clamp load between the lug nuts, the wheel and the rotor/hub. It may also be difficult to remove the distorted wheel from the vehicle or to place the wheel on the vehicle in a different location. To determine if a wheel has been damaged and should not be reused, refer to the following service procedure for details.

Inspect for Wheel Damage

1. Remove the wheel from the hub. If the wheel is difficult to remove, do not reuse the wheel.

2. Visually inspect the wheel for distortion (turned-up) scallops in the pilot hole. If the pilot hole is distorted, do not reuse the wheel.

3. Inspect the distorted lug holes by placing a lug nut in the lug hole cone seat of the wheel and inspect from the reverse side. If the lug protrudes through the lug hole, do not reuse the wheel.

4. Inspect the wheel mounting surface for distortion.

   1. Lay a straightedge across the mounting surface of the wheel (the surface of the wheel that makes contact with the rear brake drum or front rotor).
   2. The straightedge should contact the outer edge of the mounting surface, lying between the bolt holes and across the center of the pilot hole.
   3. The clearance between the straightedge and the pilot hole cannot exceed 0.762mm (0.030 inch). The straightedge should not contact the pilot holes. If the clearance is more than 0.762mm (0.030 inch) or the straightedge makes the contact with the pilot holes, do not reuse the wheel.

Install Wheel

1. Inspect lubricant on the studs and lug nuts.

2. If lubricants are present, clean thoroughly using naphtha or equivalent.

3.  CAUTION: When tightening lug nuts, excessive torque may cause distortion of the wheel. Inadequate torque may not provide adequate clamping force to assure wheel retention.

   Tighten lug nuts to specifications using a torque wrench according to Section 04-04.