Wheels

NOTE: Automatic car wash tire brushes may damage aluminum and styled road wheel protective coatings. Before using such a service, be sure abrasive-type brushes are not being used.

Inspect the lug nuts (1012) and tighten to specification listed at end of this section. Loose lug nuts can cause shimmy and vibration, and may also distort the wheel hub bolt holes in the wheels.

Make sure wheels and wheel hub (1104) are clean. Stones wedged between the wheel and brake rotor or rear brake drum (1126) or lumps of mud and grease can unbalance the wheel.

Check for wheel damage. Wobble or shimmy caused by a damaged wheel will eventually damage the bearings. Inspect the rims for dents that could leak air.

Inspect the front wheel hub and front wheel bearings whenever the wheel hubs are removed, or at regular inspection intervals.

 CAUTION: Do not attempt to repair steel or aluminum wheels that are bent, leak air or show evidence of cracking or other damage. If repairs are made to the wheel, the structural integrity of the wheel may be lost. Replace the wheel if any of the above conditions are present.

Wheel services that use welding, heating, or peening are not approved. An inner tube is not acceptable service for leaky wheels or tires.

Steel

Rim bead seats (steel wheels only) should be cleaned with a wire brush or coarse steel wool to remove lubricants, old rubber and light rust.

Aluminum

 CAUTION: Do not use steel wool, abrasive-type cleaner or strong detergents containing high alkaline or caustic agents. Damage may occur to the protective coating and cause discoloration.

Aluminum wheel rim bead seats should be cleaned with a non-abrasive cleaner to remove tire mounting lubricants and old rubber. Before mounting or dismounting a tire, the bead area should be well lubricated with Rubber Lubricant D9AZ-19583-A or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESR-M99B135-A.

Flange Area

Corrosion buildup can result in wheels sticking to the brake drum or front disc brake rotor flange after extensive service. To prevent this from recurring once the wheel and tire assembly is removed, use the following procedure.

1. Clean brake drum or front disc brake rotor flange and wheel bore of corrosion with wire brush, steel wool or other suitable material.

2. Coat wheel bore with Disc Brake Caliper Slide Grease D7AZ-19590-A or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESA-M1C172-A. Do not apply grease to wheel hub bolt nut seats or lug bolts (1107).

3. Install wheel and tire assembly on vehicle and tighten lug nuts to specification listed at end of this section.