Wheel/Center Cap - Rust Streaking

NUMBER: 22-006-01

GROUP: Wheels & Tires

DATE: Sep. 14, 2001

SUBJECT:
Rust Color Streaks Coming From Center Cap Of Five Spoke Aluminum Wheel

OVERVIEW:

This bulletin involves sealing the center cap to the aluminum wheel.

MODELS:

2002 (KJ) Liberty

NOTE:
THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 16 X 7.0 FIVE SPOKE ALUMINUM WHEEL (SALES CODE = WLD) AND BUILT PRIOR TO OCTOBER 14, 2001 (MDH 1014XX).

SYMPTOM/CONDITION:

A customer may complain of rust color streaks on one or more of the aluminum wheels. Closer inspection may find that the streaks are coming from the perimeter of the center cap on the aluminum wheel. Trapped moisture from the backside of the wheel may be leaking past the center cap and onto the face of the aluminum wheel.

DIAGNOSIS:

If the customer complains ot the above condition, perform the Repair Procedure.





PARTS REQUIRED:

REPAIR PROCEDURE:

1. Raise and support vehicle.

2. Remove the left front tire and wheel assembly from the vehicle.

3. While pushing on the backside of the center cap, remove the center cap from the aluminum wheel.

4. Use a brake parts cleaner to thoroughly clean the mating surfaces on the center cap and the aluminum wheel. Make sure the components clean and dry.

5. The center of the aluminum wheel has a machined recessed lip that the center cap rests on. Apply a small bead of the Dow Corning # 737 Neutral Cure RTV Sealant around the entire recessed lip surface. Make sure there are no gaps.

NOTE:
MOST RTV SEALANTS ARE AN ACID WHILE THEY ARE CURING. THESE RTV SEALANTS CAN CAUSE CORROSION TO THE ADJOINING COMPONENTS. USE DOW CORNING # 737 NEUTRAL CURE RTV SEALANT FOR THIS REPAIR.

6. Install the center cap to the aluminum wheel.

7. Immediately wipe any excess sealant from the face of the center cap and aluminum wheel with a clean rag.

8. Once the excess sealant has been removed, use a rag and brake parts cleaner to remove remaining sealant residue. Make sure clean-up is performed immediately. Make sure no excess sealant residue remains on the face of the wheel or center cap.

9. Install the wheel and tire assembly to the vehicle. Tighten the wheel lug nuts to 136 Nm (100 ft. lbs.).

10. Repeat steps 2 through 9 for the remaining three road wheels and the spare tire wheel. Tighten the spare tire and wheel assembly lug nuts to 115 Nm (85 ft. lbs.).

NOTE:
ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO SET IN A DRY ENVIRONMENT FOR A HALF HOUR BEFORE USE.

POLICY:
Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.





TIME ALLOWANCE:





FAILURE CODE: