Chrysler Sebring, Stratus sedan, Sebring Convertible. Manual - part 650
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TIRE PRESSURE
FOR HIGH SPEED OPERATION
DaimlerChrysler Corporation advocates driving at
safe speeds within posted speed limits. Speed capac-
ity of a tire is a function of the tire speed rating,
inflation pressure and vehicle axle weight. Where
speed limits allow the vehicle to be driven at high
speeds, correct tire inflation pressure is very impor-
tant. Vehicles loaded to maximum capacity should
not be driven at continuous speeds over 120 km/h (75
mph). Never exceed the maximum speed capacity of
the tire. For information on tire identification and
speed ratings, (Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/TIRES
- DESCRIPTION).
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TIRE LEAK
REPAIRING
For proper repairing, a radial tire must be removed
from the wheel. Repairs should only be made if the
defect, or puncture, is in the tread area (Fig. 18). The
tire should be replaced if the puncture is located in
the sidewall.
Deflate tire completely before attempting to dis-
mount the tire from the wheel. Use a lubricant
such as a mild soap solution when dismounting
or mounting tire. Use tools free of burrs or sharp
edges which could damage the tire or wheel rim.
Before mounting tire on wheel, make sure all rust
is removed from the rim bead and repaint if neces-
sary.
Install wheel on vehicle, and progressively tighten
the 5 wheel nuts to a torque of 135 N·m (100 ft. lbs.).
CLEANING - TIRES
Before delivery of a vehicle, remove the protective
coating on the tires with white sidewalls or raised
white letters. To remove the protective coating, apply
warm water and let it soak for a few minutes. After-
wards, scrub the coating away with a soft bristle
brush. Steam cleaning may also be used to remove
the coating.
CAUTION: DO NOT use gasoline, mineral oil, oil-
based solvent or a wire brush for cleaning.
WHEELS
DESCRIPTION
Original equipment wheels are designed for proper
operation at all loads up to the specified maximum
vehicle capacity.
All models use steel or cast aluminum drop center
wheels. Every wheel has raised sections between the
rim flanges and rim drop well called safety humps
(Fig. 19).
Initial inflation of the tires forces the bead over
these raised sections. In case of air loss the raised
sections help hold the tire in position on the wheel
until the vehicle can be brought to a safe stop.
Cast aluminum wheels require special balance
weights to fit on the rim flange of the wheel and spe-
cial wheel clamps for the alignment equipment.
The wheel studs and nuts are designed for specific
wheel applications and must be replaced with equiv-
alent parts. Do not use replacement parts of lesser
quality or of a substitute design. All aluminum and
some steel wheels have wheel stud nuts with an
enlarged nose. This enlarged nose is necessary to
ensure proper retention of the wheels.
Fig. 17 Over Inflation Wear
1 - THIN TIRE TREAD AREA
Fig. 18 Tire Repair Area
1 - REPAIRABLE AREA
JR
TIRES/WHEELS
22 - 11
TIRES (Continued)