Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/41477
1. SELECTION OF PROPER COMPONENTS AND MATERIALS a. All tires must be mounted on the proper wheel as indicated in the specification tables. For complete tire specifications, refer to application specific data books. b. Make certain that wheel is proper for the tire dimension. c. Always install new valve cores and metal valve caps containing plastic or rubber seals. d. Always replace the rubber valve stem on a 16" through 19.5" wheel. e. Always use a safety device such as an inflation cage or other restraining device that will constrain all wheel components during the sudden release of the contained gas of a single piece wheel. Refer to current OSHA standards for compliance. Do not bolt safety cages to the floor nor add any other restraints or accessories. Cage should be placed 3 feet from anything, including the wall. Never stand over a tire or in front of a tire when inflating. Always use a clip-on valve chuck with an in-line valve fitted with a pressure gauge or use a presettable regulator. Additionally, ensure there is a sufficient length of hose between the clip-on chuck and the in-line valve (if one is used) to allow the service technician to stand outside the trajectory zone when inflating. Trajectory zone means any potential path or route that a wheel component may travel during an explosive separation or the sudden release of the pressurized gas, or an area at which the blast from a single piece wheel may be released. The trajectory may deviate from paths that are perpendicular to the assembled position of the wheel at the time of separation or explosion. See Rubber Manufacturers Association Tire Information Service Bulletin Volume 33, Number 3 (December 2007) for more information. 2. TIRE AND WHEEL LUBRICATION It is essential that an approved tire mounting lubricant be used. Preferred materials for use as bead lubricants are vegetable based and mixed with proper water ratios per manufacturer's instructions. Never use antifreeze, silicones, or petroleum-base lubricants as this will damage the rubber. Lubricants not mixed to the manufacturer's specifications may have a harmful effect on the tire and wheel. The lubricant serves the following three purposes: • Helps minimize the possibility of damage to the tire beads from the mounting tools. • Helps ease the insertion of the tire onto the wheel by lubricating all contacting surfaces. • Assists proper bead seating (tire and wheel centering) and helps to prevent eccentric mountings. The MICHELIN product, Tiger Grease 80, MSPN 25817, is specifically formulated for commercial truck tire mounting. It can be obtained through any authorized MICHELINTruck Tire dealer or by contacting MICHELIN Consumer Care (1-888-622-2306). 4 For tube-type tires apply a clean lubricant to all portions of the tire bead area and the exposed portion of the flap using sufficient but sparing quantities of lubricant. Also, lubricate the entire rim surface of the wheel. Avoid using excessive amounts of lubricant, which can become trapped between the tire and tube and can result in tube damage and rapid air loss. CAUTION: It is important that tire lubricant be clean and free of dirt, sand, metal shavings, or other hard particles. The following practice is recommended: a. Use a fresh supply of tire lubricant each day, drawing from a clean supply source and placing the lubricant in a clean portable container. b. Provide a cover for the portable container and/or other means to prevent contamination of the lubricant when not in use. For lubricants in solution, we suggest the following method that has proven to be successful in helping to minimize contamination and prevent excess lubricant from entering the tire casing: provide a special cover for the portable container that has a funnel-like device attached. The small opening of the funnel should be sized so that when a swab is inserted through the opening into the reserve of lubricant and then withdrawn, the swab is compressed, removing excess lubricant. This allows the cover to be left in place providing added protection. A mesh false bottom in the container is a further protection against contaminants. The tire should be mounted and inflated promptly before lubricant dries. 3. PREPARATION OF WHEELS AND TIRES a. Always wear safety goggles or face shields when buffing or grinding wheels. b. Inspect wheel assemblies for cracks, distortion, and deformation of flanges. Using a file and/or emery cloth, smooth all burrs, welds, dents, etc. that are present on the tire side of the wheel. Inspect the condition of bolt holes on the wheels. Rim flange gauges and ball tapes are available for measuring wear and circumference of aluminum wheels. c. Remove rust with a wire brush and apply a rust inhibiting paint on steel wheels. The maximum paint thickness is 0.0035" on the disc face of the wheel. d. Remove any accumulation of rubber or grease that might be stuck to the tire, being careful not to damage it. Wipe the beads down with a dry rag. MOUNTING TUBELESS 1. Inspect the condition of the bolt holes on the wheels, and look for signs of fatigue. Check flanges for excessive wear by using the wheel manufacturer's flange wear indicator. 2. Replace valve core, and inspect valve stem for damage and wear. Michelin recommends always replacing the valve stem and using a new valve stem grommet. Ensure valve stem is installed using the proper torque value. 80-125 in/lbs (7-11 ft/lbs) for standard aluminum General Instructions