Testing and Service Equipment for Wheels and Tires

Frequently Asked Questions About Wheels, Tires, and Tire Pressure

Tire pressure, vehicle load, temperature, and proper installation all affect the performance of tires and wheels. At the same time, various tasks must be clearly separated during service at a repair shop: measuring and adjusting tire pressure, cleaning wheel hubs, and loosening or tightening wheel nuts with the appropriate tools. Here, we answer frequently asked questions about professional wheel and tire service.

• Why is proper tire pressure important?

  Tire pressure affects, among other things:

  • Handling
  • Tire wear
  • Rolling resistance
  • Fuel or energy consumption
  • Tire load capacity.

  Insufficient tire pressure can also lead to increased heat buildup and tire damage. Therefore, the tire pressure specified by the vehicle manufacturer should be maintained.

• What is the difference between checking tire pressure and inflating tires?

  During measurement, only the current tire pressure is determined.

  During inflation, air is added using a compressed air source. A tire inflator may also allow you to safely release excess pressure.

  The HRV 01 Handheld Tire Inflator combines these functions in a single workshop tool.

• What is HRV 01?

  HRV 01 is a handheld tire inflator featuring:

  • Pistol grip
  • Valve cap
  • Precision pressure gauge
  • Measuring range: 0–10 bar
  • Graduation: 0.1 bar
  • Protected pressure gauge
  • Inflation and deflation functions.

  The device is connected to the workshop's compressed air supply.

• Can the HRV 01 only measure, or can it also inflate tires?

  The HRV 01 can display the current tire pressure and inflate the tire using compressed air from a connected workshop air supply.
  
  The control panel also allows you to release air from the tire.
  
  This allows you to set the desired target value.

• What is the measurement range of the HRV 01?

  The current HRV 01 has a measurement range of:

  0 to 10 bar

  with a scale division of:

  0.1 bar.

• What unit does HRV 01 display?

  The current product page lists 0 to 10 bar.

  The Leitenberger catalog also describes the corresponding manual tire inflator series as having a dual-range scale up to 145 psi

• Does the HRV 01 require compressed air in the workshop?

  Yes.
  
  A handheld tire inflator requires a compressed air supply to inflate tires.
  
  For simply measuring tire pressure without an inflation function, however, a standalone tire pressure gauge is sufficient.

• Why should you check the wheel hub before changing a tire?

  The wheel hub and contact surfaces must be clean so that the wheel or brake disc can sit properly.

  Rust, dirt, and debris can interfere with proper seating.

  For vehicles with the appropriate stud/hub geometry, the RNS 01_LR Wheel Hub Grinder is available for this purpose.

• What does RNS 01_LR clean?

  RNS 01_LR cleans in a single operation:

  • the wheel hub flange
  • the lower contact surface of the wheel hub.

  This process treats two areas critical to proper fit.

• For which vehicles is the RNS 01_LR intended?

  The tool is specifically designed for vehicles with stud bolts and a wheel hub flange of 63.4 mm.

  Leitenberger specifically mentions corresponding Ford and Volvo applications.

• Is the RNS 01_LR a universal wheel hub grinder?

  No.

  The current design is intended for a specific wheel hub geometry.

  Before use, you must therefore verify that:

  • stud arrangement
  • wheel hub flange
  • diameter

  are suitable for the application.

• How is the RNS 01_LR powered?

  The tool is powered by a standard drill.
  
  Cleaning is done using replaceable abrasive pads.

• Are the sanding pads replaceable?

  Yes.

  For RNS 01_LR, ET 1103_RNS is available as a replacement sanding pad set containing five pads.

• How long do the sanding pads last?

  On the product page, Leitenberger states that the pads can last for up to 25 vehicles.

• Why are there special wheel nut sockets for Ford?

  On certain Ford wheel nuts, the outer metal protective cap may be damaged or missing.
  
  This changes the effective wrench size, so a standard wheel wrench may no longer provide a secure grip.
  
  Leitenberger double socket wrenches therefore each feature two matched wrench sizes.

• What types of Ford wheel nut sockets are available?

  Currently available:

  SW 18.5 / 19.5 mm

  for corresponding SW 19 wheel nuts and

  SW 20.5 / 21.5 mm

  for corresponding SW 21 wheel nuts.

• Why do socket wrenches come in two sizes?

  One side is designed for wheel nuts that are missing their metal caps.
  
  The other side grips wheel nuts whose metal caps are damaged or flared.
  
  This allows a single tool to address two common problems.

• What equipment is recommended for a professional bike repair shop?

  Depending on the workshop task, the following may be useful:

  • Tire pressure gauges and inflators
  • A suitable compressed air supply
  • Wheel hub and lug nut tools
  • Torque wrenches
  • Vehicle-specific installation instructions
  • TPMS diagnostic and service equipment, if necessary.

  You can find additional general specialty tools under Practical Tools for the Workshop.