Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview

Inspection and Verification

WARNING: A vehicle equipped with a Traction-Lok (R) differential will always have both wheels driving. If, while the vehicle is being serviced, only one wheel is raised off the floor and the rear axle is driven by the engine, the wheel on the floor could drive the vehicle off the stand or jack. Be sure both rear wheels are off the floor.

WARNING: Never run the engine with one wheel off the ground, for example, when changing a tire. The wheel(s) resting on the ground could cause the vehicle to move.

WARNING: Do not balance the wheels and tires while they are mounted on the vehicle. Possible tire disintegration or differential failure could result, causing personal injury and extensive component damage. Use off-vehicle wheel and tire balancer only.

Be sure to follow the warnings when performing inspection and verification.

Road Test
Verify the customer concern by performing a road test on a smooth road. If any vibrations are apparent, perform Noise, Vibration and Harshness diagnostic procedures.

To maximize tire performance, inspect for signs of improper inflation and uneven wear, which may indicate a need for balancing, rotation, or front suspension alignment.

Correct tire pressure and driving techniques have an important influence on tire life. Heavy cornering, excessively rapid acceleration and unnecessary sharp braking increases tire wear.

Replacement tires must follow the recommended:
- tire sizes.
- speed rating.
- load range.
- radial construction type.

Use of any other tire size or type can seriously affect:
- ride.
- handling.
- speedometer/odometer calibration.
- vehicle ground clearance.
- tire clearance between the body and chassis.
- wheel bearing life.
- brake cooling.

Wheels need to be replaced when:
- bent.
- cracked.
- dented.
- heavily rusted.
- leaking
- they have elongated wheel hub bolt holes.
- they have excessive lateral or radial runout.

Wheel and tire assemblies are attached by eight integral two-piece swiveling lug nuts.

It is mandatory to use only the tire sizes recommended on the tire chart attached to the vehicle. Larger or smaller tires can damage the vehicle, affect durability, and require changing the speedometer calibration. Make sure wheel size and offsets match those recommended for the tire in use.

1. Inspect for signs of uneven wear that may indicate a need for balancing, rotation, front suspension alignment, damaged tie rod, or steering components.

2. Check tires for:
- cuts.
- stone bruises.
- abrasions.
- blisters.
- embedded objects.

3. Tread wear indicators arc molded into the bottom of the tread grooves. Replace the tire when the indicator bands become visible.