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Sometime when we think it is
safe to get back into the water, we remember that shark. This has
nothing to do with sharks or water; it does have to do with remembering
a danger. If you have a CitiCar with the original wheels, there is a
danger you should be aware of two piece rims! Now there is a
difference between them and the Split rims on big construction
equipment. Big truck Split rims have bolts holding the pieces of them
together. CitiCar rims are just pressed together.
Look at the center of the
wheel, between the lug bolts, if it looks like two pieces of metal then
the original owners didnt know of, or didnt heed the original Service
Bulletin please read on!
What should I know when
disassembling split rim wheels?
- Know,
understand, and follow the proper safety procedures. Serious or
fatal injuries can result if proper precautions are not followed.
- Check
tire/rim assembly for proper component seating prior to removing it
from the vehicle.
- Stand
to the side, out of the way of flying wheel parts, in case the
assembly disassembles explosively.
-
Deflate tires by first removing the valve core. Insert a wire in the
valve stem to ensure that the stem is not blocked and that the tire
is deflated completely before removing the rim/wheel from the axle.
What
are some tips for rim inspections?
-
Check that the proper tire size and construction
matches the manufacturer's rim or wheel rating and size. The tire
size must match the size of the rim. Rims or wheels may accommodate
tires of various widths; check with the manufacturer's
specifications.
-
Check all metal surfaces for rust, corrosion, cracks,
bent flanges, and deep tool marks on rings or in gutter areas.
-
Clean and repaint lightly rusted rims. Remove all
dirt and other foreign material from metal surfaces.
-
Use parts that are in good condition: destroy and
dispose of parts that are corroded, bent, out-of-round, cracked or
otherwise damaged.
When assembling split rims,
what should I do?
-
Wear approved safety glasses.
-
Check tire for cracks, cuts and penetrating objects.
-
Use a suitable tire lubricant that is tended for use
with rubber products and that will not promote the corrosion of the
metal rims.
-
Place the tire on the car and tighten lug nuts before
inflating tire.
-
Inflate the tire using a clip-on air chuck and hose
extension with an in-line pressure gauge and valve.
-
Use remote control inflation equipment.
-
Stand clear of the tire during inflation and ensure
that no other person is in the trajectory path during inflation.
-
Inspect the tire and rims for proper seating after
the tire is fully inflated. If the tire is not well-seated, deflate
the tire, inspect all parts, follow proper re-assembly and inflation
procedures.
What should I avoid doing?
-
Do not stand in front of or over the rim during
inflation.
-
Do not re-inflate or add inflation pressure to a tire
that has been run flat or is seriously under-inflated without
removing and checking for seating and rim damage.
-
Do not use damaged, worn or corroded rims/wheels or
mounting hardware.
-
Do not rework, weld, braze, or otherwise heat wheel
components.
-
Do not hammer on components of an inflated or
partially inflated assembly.
Most of that is brought
to you by OSHA. I have a better solution: buy a new set of rims! Those
originals are rusted, the hub caps are rusted. A nice set of chrome
jobs would look much better and you can discard this notice with the old
rims. There is (or will be) another article on the tire sizes and where
to get them on this site.
Our
attorney tells us we must tell you that: this is for information only;
electricity kills; Were not responsible for any damage you may do to
anything or yourself; Use eye protection; dont stand on the top rung of
a ladder; fast food is fattening; smoking causes lung cancer; breathing
is dangerous; everybody is going to die sometime. In other words, be
careful and if you do anything stupid, we are NOT
to blame |
