Wheels: Testing and Inspection

Wheel Runout Diagnosis





Measure wheel runout with an accurate dial indicator. Measurements may be taken with the wheels either on or off the vehicle, using an accurate mounting surface such as a wheel balancer. Measurements may be taken with or without the tire mounted on the wheel. Measure radial runout and lateral runout on both the inboard and the outboard rim flanges. With the dial indicator firmly seated next to the wheel and tire assembly, slowly rotate the wheel one revolution and record the indicator reading. If any measurement exceeds the following specifications and there is a vibration that wheel balancing will not correct, replace the wheel. Disregard any indicator readings due to welds, paint runs, or scratches.

Steel Wheels
^ Radial runout: 0.8 mm (0.03 inch)
^ Lateral runout: 1.0 mm (0.04 inch)

Alloy Wheels
^ Radial runout: 0.25 mm (0.01 inch)
^ Lateral runout: 0.25 mm (0.01 inch)
Measure free radial runout on the center of the tire tread. The tread can be taped to present a smooth surface. Measure free lateral runout on the outboard side of the tire nearest to the tread.