PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-606

PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly

ISSUE 606

MAY 2003

PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-606 - Page 11 of 32
MAY 03
18
Wall Separations
Most bulges in the sidewall or tread
make a tire unserviceable. All tires need a
closer inspection. However, some bulges on
radial sidewalls are not defects, but the
result of how they are made. Let your
mechanic make the decision.
Underinflation
A sure sign of underinflation is a worn
tread at each side of the tire. Underinflated
tires flex more than properly inflated tires.
The flexing causes heat, which ruins tires and
may cause a blow out.
Overinflation
Look for tires that are worn in the mid-
dle. Overinflated tires don’t flex enough.
The middle of the tread takes all the
weight, causing rapid wear. When an over-
inflated tire hits a large rock or a rut, the
cords or steel belts inside snap and break,
weakening the tire
.
Wrong Caster/camber
Adjustment
A sure sign of misadjustment is
wear on one edge. Tires worn on
the inside or outside edge have cast-
er/camber problems. Either way,
report it so your mechanic can make
adjustments.
Balding Tires
When tire tread gets below a certain
height, a tire needs to be replaced. Report
any tire you believe to be worn out to your
mechanic. He’ll measure tread using the wear
gauge from the No. 1 and No. 2 Common
shop sets to make the final decision.
Here’s the list
of tires, by NSN,
that should
not
be retreaded…
oh,
spare
me!
those
jokes are
flat!
they’re
all re-
treads!
wheel
you never
shut up!?
Retreads
Retread tires can be run on most trucks
and trailers with the following exceptions:
Two-ply tires, without breaker strip
or belts.
Buses (front wheels only).
M520-series trucks and M747 semitrailers.
M860A1 semitrailers, M893 HEMTT
(when it is the prime mover of the
M860A1), and the M985E1 HEMTT.
M911, M916, M920, M915, and M915A1
tractor trucks (steering axles only).
Any vehicle with a central tire inflation
system (CTIS).
PS 606
this wasn’t a
good year
for any of us!


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