Ranger 2WD L4-153 2.5L SOHC VIN C SFI (1998)
Wheels: Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview
WARNING:
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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 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.
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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.
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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.
Verify the customer concern by performing a road test on a smooth road.
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:
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tire sizes.
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speed rating.
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load range.
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radial construction type.
Use of any other tire size or type can seriously affect:
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ride.
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handling.
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speedometer/odometer calibration.
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vehicle ground clearance.
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tire clearance between the body and chassis.
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wheel bearing life.
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brake cooling.
Wheels need to be replaced when:
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bent.
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cracked.
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dented.
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heavily rusted.
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leaking.
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they have elongated wheel hub bolt holes.
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they have excessive lateral or radial runout.
Wheel and tire assemblies are attached by five noncentering 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:
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cuts.
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stone bruises.
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abrasions
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blisters.
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embedded objects.
3. Tread wear indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread grooves. Replace the tire when the indicator bands become visible.
