Leaks

DESCRIPTION
Slow air leaks may occur in wheels because of porous wheel castings.

PROCEDURES
Perform the following procedure to repair the air leak.
1. Remove the wheel and inspect for structural damage. If the wheel is damaged, replace it.
2. If the wheel is not damaged, check for air leaks (with the tire mounted on the wheel) using a water bath or an equivalent method. Mark the air leak location.
3. Demount the tire.
4. Replace the valve stem if necessary.
5. Prepare an adequate area around the leak to ensure complete leak coverage. Thoroughly clean the leaking area (on the tire side of the wheel) using:
^ Carburetor Tune-Up Cleaner D9AZ-19579-AA or equivalent meeting Ford specifications ESR-M14P9-A.
^ 80 grit sandpaper. Be sure to scrub the wheel surface to improve sealant adhesion.
6. Use a clean rag to remove all cleaner and sanding dust.

CAUTION:
^ Do NOT use an oxyacetylene torch to perform the next step.
^ Apply only enough heat to melt the sealant.

7. Using either a propane torch or Rotunda Heat Gun 107-R0301 or equivalent, heat the prepared wheel area until the Aluminum Wheel Repair Compound E7AZ-19554-A or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESA-M4G280-A begins to melt.
8. Apply a liberal amount of sealant over the prepared area using a wiping motion to ensure complete leak coverage.
9. Allow the wheel to cool until it can be handled safely.
10. Mount the tire on to the wheel and inflate it to the recommended pressure.
11. Check that the leak is repaired using the procedure in step 2. If the leak is still present, replace the wheel.
12. Balance the wheel, then install it on the vehicle.