Inspection and Verification

Wheels And Tires

Inspection and Verification

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

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 carrying out inspection and verification

WARNING: Always wear safety goggles or a face shield when carrying out any work with tire and wheel assemblies.

WARNING: Retighten the wheel nuts at 800 km (500 miles) after any wheel change or any time the wheel nuts are loosened.

WARNING: Failure to retighten wheel nuts at the mileage specified can allow wheels to come off while the vehicle is in motion, possibly causing loss of vehicle control and collision.

CAUTION: Do not clean aluminum wheels with steel wool, abrasive-type cleaners or strong detergents. Use Custom Bright Metal Cleaner 8A-19522-A or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESR-M5B194-B.

CAUTION: Reduce the air pressure as much as possible by pushing the valve core plunger in prior to removing the valve core.

When carrying out any inspection or repair procedures on wheels and tires, follow the preceding safety precautions