Aluminum Wheel - Air Leaks
89ford23Article No. 89-17-3
WHEEL-ALUMINUM-LEAKS AIR
FORD: 1986-90 CROWN VICTORIA, ESCORT 1986-88 EXP 1986-90 MUSTANG, TAURUS, TEMPO, THUNDERBIRD 1988-90 FESTIVA 1989-90 PROBE
LINCOLN-MERCURY: 1986-90 CONTINENTAL, COUGAR, GRAND MARQUIS 1986-87 LYNX 1986-90 MARK VII, SABLE, TOPAZ, TOWN CAR 1987-90 TRACER
MERKUR: 1985-89 XR4TI 1988-90 SCORPIO
This article is being republished in its entirety to expand the model year coverage to include 1987 through 1990 model year vehicles.
ISSUE: Slow air leaks may occur in cast aluminum wheels because of porous wheel castings.
ACTION: Use "HOT MELT" sealant (E7AZ-19554-A) and the following diagnostic/service procedure to eliminate the leaks.
NOTE: THIS TSB MUST BE PERFORMED PRIOR TO REPLACING THE WHEEL FOR A LEAKING CONDITION.
1. Remove the tire and wheel assembly and inspect the wheel for structural damage. If none exists, go on to Step 2. If the wheel is damaged, replace it.
2. Check the complete wheel for possible air leaks. With the tire mounted on the wheel, locate the air leak using the water bath or equivalent method and mark the location.
3. Dismount the tire and on the tire side of the wheel prepare the surface for sealant.
a. Thoroughly clean the leaking area with methylene chloride (e.g., choke cleaner E8AZ-19A501-AA) Or
b. Use sandpaper of about 80 grit to thoroughly remove all contamination and score the wheel surface to improve adhesion of sealer.
c. Prepare an adequate area around the leak to ensure covering the leak.
d. Remove the valve stem if it is close to the repair area.
4. Use a clean rag to remove all cleaner or sanding dust.
CAUTION: DO NOT USE AN OXYACETYLENE TORCH TO PERFORM STEP 5.
Figure 1:
5. Proceed to heat and seal the leaking area.
a. Heat the prepared area of the wheel with an electric heat gun (Rotunda 107-00301 type) or propane torch (not oxyacetylene) until the melt stick (E7AZ-19554-A) flows.
b. Apply the hot melt material over the prepared area using a liberal flow and a wiping action to assure coverage of the leaking area.
NOTE: THE REPAIR IS MOST EFFECTIVE WHEN THE HEAT IS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE SIDE OF THE WHEEL AND THE SEALER IS MELTED BY THE HEAT IN THE METAL, SEE FIGURE 1.
c. Apply only enough heat to melt the sealer and then remove the heat source.
6. Check for air leaks.
a. After repairing the leak, allow the wheel to cool until it can be handled safely.
b. Reassemble the tire and wheel.
c. Inflate the tire to the recommended air pressure as indicated on the tire pressure decal.
d. Check that the leak is repaired by using the procedure covered in Step 2.
7. After the repair is completed, balance and reinstall the wheel assembly on the vehicle.
PART NUMBER PART NAME CLASS
E8AZ-19A501-AA Choke Cleaner B
E7AZ-19554-A Melt Stick Sealant BM
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: None
SUPERSEDES: 87-2-13, dated 1/28/87
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Basic Warranty Coverage
OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
891703A Seal Aluminum Wheel - 0.8 Hr.
ONE
891703B Seal Aluminum Wheel - 1.5 Hrs.
TWO
891703C Seal Aluminum Wheel - 2.1 Hrs.
THREE
891703D Seal Aluminum Wheel - 2.8 Hrs.
FOUR
DEALER CODING
BASIC PART NO. CONDITION CODE
1007 48
OASIS CODES: 3300, 3500