Safety

Precautions When Servicing Truck Tires

 WARNING: NEVER RUN THE ENGINE WITH ONE WHEEL OFF THE GROUND, FOR EXAMPLE, WHEN CHANGING A TIRE. THE WHEEL RESTING ON THE GROUND COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO MOVE.

 WARNING: THE TIRE AND WHEEL MUST ALWAYS BE PROPERLY MATCHED. DO NOT MOUNT A 16-INCH TIRE ON A 16.5-INCH WHEEL. FAILURE TO ADHERE TO THESE INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN AN EXPLOSIVE SEPARATION AND CAUSE SERIOUS BODILY INJURY OR DEATH. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO DETERMINE THE SIZE OF EACH COMPONENT BEFORE ANY ASSEMBLY OPERATIONS COMMENCE. DO NOT MOUNT A 16.5-INCH TIRE ON A 16-INCH WHEEL. THE TIRE CAN COME OFF WITHOUT WARNING.

• Follow the safety procedures described in this manual and obtain safety literature from the wheel and rim manufacturer, NHTSA or OSHA. If you have any questions, consult the distributor or manufacturer directly. The load-carrying requirements of each vehicle should also be determined before selecting the proper tire/wheel combination.
• Always remember the weakest weight-carrying component of the vehicle (i.e., tire, wheel, axle, bearings, etc.) determines its overall maximum and safe load carrying capacity for the vehicle.
• When replacing tires, use the same size, load range and construction type (bias, bias belted or radial) as originally installed on the vehicle, of a type that meets Ford specifications for the vehicle.

NOTE: If the tire is to be reinstalled on an original equipment wheel, mark the tire at the valve stem hole so it can be reassembled in the same relative position.

NOTE: Use of improper replacement wheels and tires may adversely affect ride, handling, load carrying capacity, wheel bearing life, tire clearance to body and chassis components, vehicle ground clearance, vehicle width and brake cooling.

• When replacing wheels, use original equipment manufacturer's wheels or equivalent available from your Ford dealer with equivalent capacity, width, offset and mounting configuration as those originally installed on your vehicle.
• When changing tires, remove the wheel and tire assembly from the vehicle, as changing tires with the wheel on the vehicle is hazardous, more difficult, and takes more time.
• In servicing all tires use caution not to drop them (or the wheels or assemblies) on your feet, hands or body, or heavily on the floor.

• Practice good methods of lifting; use your legs as well as your arms and your body. This will help to prevent painful internal injury.
• When carrying tires or wheels, do not step in oil or grease. Keep the floor clean and dry.
• When deflating a tire, reduce the pressure as much as you possibly can by pushing the valve core plunger. Only then should you remove the valve core. Keep your eyes away from the valve.

• Use only standard tire mounting tools and equipment. The use of makeshift tools, screwdrivers or pliers to force tires on or off rims or wheels is dangerous. This can help prevent cuts and will make it unnecessary to use a mallet for unseating the tire beads.
• Always lubricate tire beads to ensure sealing on rim with Rubber Lubricant D9AZ-19583-A or equivalent that meets Ford specification ESR-M99B135-A.
• The Rotunda Deluxe Tire Changer 104-00291 or equivalent includes a bead seater/inflator using an automatically adjustable inflation ring, which aids in properly seating the bead for inflation. Also included are shims to allow 16- and 17-inch tires to be mounted. If note adjusted properly, wheels can be damaged. To operate the Rotunda Tire Changer properly, follow its provided instructions.
• Inspect tire and perform necessary repairs. A Rotunda Tire Spreader 104-00111 is very helpful, but use care when working around it. Keep the spreader arms closed when the machine is idle.

• Inspect and replace damaged or corroded parts. Abuse during road operations or in mounting tires can cause damage that may weaken the parts. Parts that are excessively corroded are weakened. Always inspect for and replace damaged or heavily rusted parts.
• Inspect and remove light rust and other foreign matter. Accumulation of such material on the engagement surfaces of the rim base and side can prevent the proper fit of these parts. Use of a rust preventative during mounting will minimize rust.
• Tires and rims often require a buffing operation before being mounted once the regular repairs have been made.

 CAUTION: Always wear safety goggles or a face shield when performing any buffing operation.

• Avoid hammering rims with steel hammers. Small bits of steel may be broken off the hammer or rim, flying into the eyes, face or body. Always wear safety goggles and use rubber-covered, steel-headed hammers wherever possible. Only rubber mallets should be used on tires, although with modern tire-changing equipment no pounding is necessary.
• Stand as far as possible from the valve stem while inflating tires. Avoid a position where the face or body is immediately over the work being done on any tire in which there is pressure.
• Always use a safety cage, such as Rotunda Inflation Chamber 104-00104 or equivalent, or portable safety device, while inflating tires. Protect yourself from possible improper assembly, inadvertently mismatched parts and other assembly errors.
• Use only accurate, tested gauges to insure proper air pressure as specified on the Certification Label attached to the vehicle. Check all gauges regularly with a master gauge.
• Do not exceed the recommendations of load rating capacity specified on the vehicle safety certification decal (located on door pillar) relative to front and rear GAWR and vehicle GVWR.
• A jack is provided for wheel and tire maintenance only. Never run the engine when the vehicle is supported by a jack.