6
3
3 Inspection and Maintenance
Safe operation requires thorough examination of wheels and attaching hardware, at frequent intervals,
both on and off the vehicle.
Wheels that have been in service need to be inspected at regular intervals to assure proper and safe perfor-
mance.
It is not always possible to predict the useful life of a wheel. Wheels will eventually wear out. Generally,
older wheels and wheels operating in extreme conditions should be examined more frequently for obvious
signs that they should be removed from service.
Examine all exposed areas frequently. Clean wheels and look for cracks or other damage. Also check the
inner dualed wheel when the outer wheel is removed.
During tire changes, thoroughly examine the entire wheel. Pay particular attention to the rim contour
and the surfaces of the rim.
Hidden damage
Do not exceed maximum wheel load. Customer must compare OEM vehicle load rating to maximum
wheel load rating.
Do not overinflate. Use the tire manufacturer’s recommended pressure, but under no circumstances exceed
cold tire pressures listed in Section 2 Specifications of this manual. Before mounting the tire perform a
wheel fitment check to insure proper clearance from any obstructions.
Some forms of wheel damage can be hidden beneath the tire, so whenever a tire is removed, thoroughly
examine the complete wheel. Remove all grease and road dirt. Use a wire brush or steel wool to remove
rubber from the bead seats.
Check mounting holes for the enlargement and elongation which can occur if the cap nuts are not kept tight
(see Section 3-8). Dirt streaks radiating from stud holes may indicate loose cap nuts.
Inspect thoroughly
and frequently
3-1
Alcoa does not approve any form of alteration to wheels except minor cosmetic buffing for appearance
purposes or sanding in the rim flange area (see Section 3-12).
Wheels should not be altered by welding, brazing or other heat application in an attempt to repair or
straighten a wheel. Use of adapter plates or bead-locks are not approved on Alcoa wheels.
Wheels should not be painted or otherwise coated in any way that may interfere with the mounting
surfaces.
Any wheels that shows signs of alteration should be removed from service and scrapped.
Wheel alteration
3-2
WARNING Welding, brazing or otherwise heating any area of an Alcoa aluminum wheel will weaken the
wheel. Weakened or damaged wheels can lead to an explosive separation of tires and wheels or wheel
failure on the vehicle.
Explosive separations of tires and wheels or wheel failure on the vehicle could cause serious injuries or
death.
Never attempt to weld, braze or heat any surface of an Alcoa aluminum wheel.
WARNING
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