Vehicle Damage Warnings

1. Follow the safety procedures described in this manual and obtain safety literature from the wheel 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 the weakest weight carrying component of the vehicle (i.e., tire, 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, tire and 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 equivalent capacity, width, offset and mounting configuration as those originally offered on the vehicle.
5. When deflating a tire, reduce the pressure as much as possible by pushing the valve core plunger. Keep your eyes away from the valve.

NOTE: If the tire is to be reinstalled on an original equipment wheel, mark the tire at the valve stem hole so that they can be reassembled in the same relative position.

NOTE: The use of makeshift tools, screwdrivers or pliers to force tires on or off the wheels is dangerous.

6. 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.
7. Always lubricate the tire beads with a rubber lubricant meeting Ford specification ESR-M99B135-A.
8. The Rotunda Tire Changer 104-00291 or equivalent, includes a bead seater/inflater 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.
9. Inspect the tire and perform necessary service. Rotunda Tire Spreader 104-00111 or equivalent is very helpful, but use care when working around it. Keep the spreader arms closed when the machine is idle.
10. 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.

CAUTION: Always wear safety goggles, or a face shield when performing any buffing operations.

11. Inspect and remove light rust and other foreign matter. Accumulation of such material on the engagement surfaces of the wheel can prevent the proper fit of these parts. Use of a rust preventative during mounting will minimize rust.
12. Tires and wheels often require a buffing operation before being mounted once the regular service has been made.
13. Avoid hammering rims with steel hammers. Small bits of steel may break off the hammer flying into the eyes (wear safety goggles), face or body. Use rubber-covered, steel-headed hammers wherever possible. Rubber mallets only should be used on tires; although with modern tire changing equipment, no pounding is necessary.
14. Stand away from the valve stem as far as possible while inflating tires. Avoid a position where the face or body is immediately over the work being done on any tire in which there is pressure.
15. Always use a safety cage such as Rotunda Inflation Chamber 104-00104 or equivalent, or a portable safety device while inflating tires. Protect yourself from possible improper assembly, inadvertently mismatched parts and other assembly errors.
16. Use only accurate, tested gauges to ensure proper air pressure as specified on the Vehicle Certification Label affixed to the LH door pillar or panel. Check all gauges regularly with a master gauge.