"There are plenty of myths and outright falsehoods floating around (commercial truck tire) repair shops that only help to perpetuate the phenomenon of wheel-offs," says Kevin Rohlwing, senior vice president of training for the Tire Industry Association (TIA).
To combat those myths, TIA recently published four tips that truck tire techs should keep in mind:
1. Proper torque in and of itself is not a guarantee that the wheel is secure on the hub or drum. The key is clamping force. "Tire technicians must be trained to ensure that the wheel and hub are properly cleaned and that the wheel and fasteners are inspected before installed. Even with the correct torque, foreign material on the mating surfaces and worn threads will still cause a wheel to become loose."
2. Use proper wheel fastener lubricants, such as 30-weight oil on the stud and flange nut for hub-piloted wheels and dry for stud-piloted rims.
3. Do not use anti-seize compounds on stud-piloted wheels. "This use has never been approved by wheel, hub or fastener manufacturers."
4. Wheel fastener torque should always be checked after the first 50 to 100 miles.
For more information about TIA's Commercial Tire Service certification courses, contact Christine Bell at (800) 876-8372, ext. 106, or see TIA's Web site at www.tireindustry.org.
