Radial Tires - New Rotation Procedure

87chrysler4

Models


All Domestic Vehicles Through 1986


Subject


Radial Tire Rotation


Index


TIRES


Date

February 10, 1986

No.


22-01-86


P-332-C
Recent changes in tire design, combined with weight reduction in our vehicles, may result in irregular tire wear on some vehicles. This wear is most likely to occur on the rear tires of our front wheel drive vehicles, and is not normally related to a problem with suspension alignment, wheel/tire balance, tire inflation, and/or worn suspension components. In many cases, the wear will first be noticed as a hum or growl type of noise normally associated with a failed wheel bearing.

NOTE: UNEVEN OR IRREGULAR WEAR OF THE REAR TIRES OF ANY VEHICLE WITH LOW MILEAGE (UNDER 2,500) OR ON THE FRONT TIRES OF ANY VEHICLE, FRONT OR REAR WHEEL DRIVE, COULD MEAN THAT THERE IS ALSO A PROBLEM WITH THE ALIGNMENT, BALANCE, OR SUSPENSION PARTS OF THE VEHICLE. BE SURE TO FIND AND CORRECT THE CAUSE BEFORE ROTATING THE VEHICLE'S TIRES.

FIGURE 1A:

FIGURE 1B:

FIGURE 2:

FIGURE 3:

Irregular tire wear can be minimized and/or eliminated through regular rotation of the tires on the vehicle. A revised "preferred" tire rotation pattern for Chrysler vehicles should be followed as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3.

The new preferred rotation patterns involve the cross rotation of tires from the non-driven to the driven axle positions, as shown in Figures 1A and 2. The tires from the driven axle are then moved to the nondriven position, on the same side of the vehicle.

Exceptions to this pattern are:

^ Front wheel drive vehicles with unidirectional tires.

^ Four wheel drive vehicles.

^ Trucks equipped with mud and snow-type tire on the rear only.
Front wheel drive performance vehicles equipped with unidirectional tires, such as the Goodyear Eagle VR "Gatorback" use a rotation pattern which is strictly front to rear, and vice versa, on the same side of the vehicle as shown in Figure 1B.

NOTE:
DO NOT CROSS UNIDIRECTIONAL TIRES SIDE TO SIDE ON ANY VEHICLE.

On four wheel drive vehicles, the cross rotation pattern applies to all four tire positions, as shown in Figure 3.
Other exceptions to this cross rotation pattern are on trucks equipped with mud and snow tires on the rear only, which should not be rotated, and trucks equipped with dual rear tires, which should follow the procedure outlined in the operator's manual.

While still expecting the vehicle operator to frequently inspect the tires of a vehicle for unequal or irregular wear, it has been determined that regular, periodic tire rotation is required to assure prolonged tire life. It is recommended that the initial tire rotation should be performed at the same time as the initial oil change, approximately 7,500 miles. After this initial rotation, the tires should then be rotated at intervals of every other oil change, approximately 15,000 miles.

Following the recommended tire rotation pattern for the specific vehicle/tire combination at the recommended mileage interval will assist in maximizing the useful life of the tire. Proper tire rotation must be combined with proper tire inflation and balance, as well as maintaining suspension alignment, to assure prolonged tire life and customer satisfaction.


POLICY: Information only