C
C - 5
SPRINTER VAN
TIRES and WHEELS
(partially excerpted from the Sprinter Van Operator’s Manual)
Check tires regularly for even tread wear; tread depth (note legal requirements) and
signs of external damage.
Use only wheels and tires of the same size, make and pattern.
Do not install tires that are not approved for the size and type of wheel installed on
the vehicle itself. Only use those wheel sizes that were delivered to you buy your
authorized Sprinter dealer.
Use only wheels and tires that have been tested and approved by the vehicle manu-
facturer.
Break in the tires at moderate speeds for distance of about 65 miles.
WARNING
: always replace wheel bolts that are damage or rusted.
Never apply oil or grease to wheel bolts. Damaged wheel hub threads should be
repaired immediately. Incorrect mounting bolts or improperly tighten mounting
bolts can cause the wheel to come off. This could cause an accident. Be sure
to use the correct mounting bolts. Checked tightness of wheel bolts or nuts
regularly and retighten if necessary.
After changing a wheel, the wheel bolts or nuts must be tightened once the ve-
hicle has been driven for about 30 miles.
If new or repainted wheels are fitted, the wheel bolts or nuts must be retighten
again after about 600 to 3000 miles.
Fitting other wheel sizes to the vehicle will change the Sprinter’s handling char-
acteristics and may lead to an accident resulting in severe personal injuries,
death and property damage.
Do not use remolded tires.
Tighten the wheel bolts or nuts in a cross pattern sequence.
Tighten the wheel bolts or nuts to the specified torque with a torque wrench.
Tightening Torque for 8,550 lbs. (vehicle type 2500 C/HC/SHC):
Steel Wheel
177 Lbf/ Ft. + or - 7 Lbf. /Ft.
Light Alloy Wheel
138 Lbf/ Ft. + or - 14 Lbf. /Ft (optional)
Tire Grip
Tire grip is greatly reduced on a wet or icy road. Speed and driving style must therefore
be adapted to suit road conditions. In winter, install M + S radial tires. Below a tread
depth of 1/8 in., tire grip begins to decrease rapidly on wet roads.
Hydroplaning
Depending on the depth of the water layer on the road, hydroplaning may occur, even
at low speeds and with new tires. Reduce vehicle speed, avoid grooves in the road,
and apply brakes cautiously in the rain.
