Villager V6-181 3.0L SOHC VIN 1 EFI (1997)
Wheels: Vehicle Damage Warnings
1. Follow the safety procedures described in this manual and obtain safety literature from the wheel and rim manufacturer, NHTSA or OSHA. If you
have any questions, consult the distributor or manufacturer directly. The load carrying requirements of each vehicle should also be determined
before selecting the proper tire/wheel combination.
2. Always remember that the weakest weight-carrying component of the vehicle (e.g., tire, wheel, rear axle housing, wheel bearings, etc.) determines
the overall maximum and safe load carrying capacity for the vehicle.
3. When replacing tires, use the same size, load range, tread type and construction type (bias, bias belted or radial) as originally installed on the
vehicle, or a type that meets Ford specifications for the vehicle.
NOTE: Use of improper replacement wheels or tires may adversely affect ride, handling, load carrying capacity, wheel bearing life, tire clearance
to body and chassis components, vehicle ground clearance, vehicle width, and brake cooling.
4. When replacing wheels, use original equipment manufacturer's wheels, or equivalent available from your Ford dealer, with an equivalent capacity,
width, offset and mounting configuration as those originally offered on the vehicle.
NOTE: If the tire is to be reinstalled, mark the tire in relation to the air valve hole in the wheel so that they can be reassembled in the same relative
position.
When deflating a tire, reduce the pressure as much as possible by pushing the air valve core plunger. Only then should you remove the air valve
core. Keep your eyes away from the air valve.
NOTE: The use of makeshift tools screwdrivers or pliers to force tires on or off wheels is dangerous.
Use only standard tire mounting tools and equipment. This can help prevent cuts on the hands and wrists and will make it unnecessary to use a
mallet for unseating the tire beads.
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Always lubricate the tire beads to assure seating of tire beads on wheels with rubber lubricant meeting Ford specification ESA-M1B6-A.
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The Rotunda Deluxe Tire Changer 104-001 10 or equivalent includes a bead seater / inflator using an automatically adjustable inflation ring,
which aids in properly seating the bead for inflation. To properly operate the Rotunda tire changer, follow the instructions provided.
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Inspect the tire and perform necessary service. Rotunda Tire Spreader 104-00111 is very helpful, but use care when working around it. Keep
the spreader arms closed when the machine is idle.
5. Inspect and replace damaged or corroded parts. Abuse during road operations or in mounting tires can cause damage that may weaken the parts.
Parts that are excessively corroded are weakened. Always inspect for and replace damaged or heavily rusted parts.
6. Inspect and remove light rust and other foreign matter. Accumulation of such material on the engagement surfaces of the wheel base and side can
prevent the proper fit of these parts. Use of a rust preventative during mounting will minimize rust.
WARNING: WHENEVER A WHEEL IS INSTALLED ALWAYS REMOVE ANY CORROSION, DIRT, OR FOREIGN MATERIAL
THAT MAY BE PRESENT ON THE MOUNTING SURFACES OF THE WHEEL OR THE SURFACE OF THE WHEEL HUB,
BRAKE DRUM, OR FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTOR THAT CONTACTS THE WHEEL. INSTALLING WHEELS WITHOUT
PROPER METAL-TO-METAL CONTACT AT THE WHEEL MOUNTING SURFACES CAN CAUSE THE WHEEL HUB BOLT NUT
TO LOOSEN AND COULD ALLOW THE WHEEL TO COME OFF WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, CAUSING LOSS OF
CONTROL.
CAUTION: Always wear safety goggles, or a face shield when performing any buffing operations.
After regular service has been performed, tires and wheels often require a buffing operation before being mounted.
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Protect yourself from possible improper assembly, inadvertently mismatched parts and other assembly errors.
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Use only accurate, tested gauges to ensure proper air pressure as specified on the Tire Size and Inflation Pressure Chart affixed to the glove
compartment door. Check all gauges regularly with a master gauge.