MAINTENANCE
6-50 / Wheels and Tires
© 2020 Pierce Manufacturing Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Wheel Torque
1. Be sure to tighten wheel nuts to the recommended torque. Do not overtighten.
2. After the first 50 to 100 miles of operation, recheck the torque levels and retighten nuts to the proper torque level.
3. Maintain the nut torque at the recommended level through planned, periodic checks or at 10,000-mile intervals,
whichever comes first. Individual fleet experience may dictate shorter intervals or allow for longer intervals.
4. If air wrenches are used, they must be periodically calibrated for proper torque output. Use a manual torque
wrench to check the air wrench output and adjust the line pressure accordingly to give the correct torque.
6-28.5 Aluminum Rear Disc Wheels with Flange Nuts (Hub Piloted)
Prior to reinstalling rear aluminum hub-piloted wheels, clean each wheel locator pad on the hub of all dirt, rust and
foreign material. Apply a light coat of chassis grease or never seize.
6-28.6 Rim and Wheel Inspection
Inspect wheels during all pre-trip inspections and at periodic maintenance intervals depending upon road and
environmental conditions of operation.
Check all metal surfaces thoroughly while making tire inspections, including areas between duals and on inboard
side of wheel. Watch for:
• Excessive rust or corrosion buildup;
• Cracks in metal;
• Bent flanges;
• Deep rim tool marks on rings or in gutter areas;
• Loose, missing, or damaged nuts or clamps;
• Bent or stripped studs;
• Severe marring or gouging beneath fasteners;
• Damaged or missing rim valve-locator plates;
• Incorrectly matched rim parts.
Mark damaged or broken areas, when seen, so that rim will be removed from service at the first opportunity. Replace
the assembly that has damaged rims or wheels. Determine the cause of the damage before installing another wheel
or rim. If nuts are found to require frequent tightening, studs break frequently, or wheel bolt holes become damaged,
review hardware and mounting practices to determine cause.
Demountable rims are not all the same offset. Use the proper size tires, rims, spacer bands, and clamps
to get adequate dual spacing and vehicle clearance.
Wheels and rims are manufactured with capacity ratings based on maximum tire pressure and load.
Inflate tires to only the recommended air pressure, being sure not to exceed the rim/wheel inflation
rating. Failure to observe these precautions may cause wheel damage leading to loss of vehicle
control, serious property damage, personal injury or death.
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