Wheels

Wheels must be replaced when they are bent, dented or heavily rusted, have air leaks (aluminum wheels can, in most cases, be serviced using the procedure under Adjustments), or elongated bolt holes, and have excessive lateral or radial runout. Wheels with a lateral or radial runout greater than the recommended specification may cause an objectionable, high-speed vehicle vibration.

Replacement wheels must be equal to the original equipment wheels in load capacity, diameter, width, offset and mounting configuration. An improper wheel may affect wheel and bearing life, ground and tire clearance, or speedometer and odometer calibrations.

Corrosion buildup can result in wheels sticking to the axle or rotor flange after extensive service. To prevent this from recurring once the wheels are removed, use the following procedure:

1. Clean the axle/rotor flange and wheel bore of corrosion with a wire brush, steel wool or other suitable material.

2. Coat wheel bore with Disc Brake Caliper Slide Grease D7AZ-19590-A (ESA-M1C172-A) or equivalent. Do not apply grease to wheel lug nut seats or wheel studs.

3. Install wheel on vehicle.

Anti-Theft Wheel Lug Nuts

Optional aluminum wheels are equipped with anti-theft wheel lug nuts (one per wheel) that are installed during vehicle pre-delivery. The key is attached to the wheel lug nut wrench, stowed with the spare tire. To allow vehicle service in the event the customer's key has been misplaced, a Rotunda Locking Lug Nut Master Key Set 013-00006 or equivalent is available at most Ford and Lincoln/Mercury dealer service departments.

The key has a circular keyway that is matched to the female slot in the anti-theft wheel lug nut.

To remove or install the anti-theft wheel lug nut, insert the key into the slot of the wheel lug nut, place the wheel lug nut wrench on the key, and, while applying pressure on the key, remove or install the wheel lug nut.

 CAUTION: Make sure the key is held square to the nut. If the key is on an angle, it may damage the key and the anti-theft wheel lug nut. DO NOT use a power impact wrench on the wheel lug nut key.