The OEM wheels that came with the optional Appearance Package on this vehicle (18" x 8" Black Painted Wheels) have slots machined in them next to the bead where the tire seats to the rim. The slots allow air to leak and escape when trying to seat the new tires on the bead of the wheels (there isn't enough air pressure to push the tires onto the bead).
Two tire shops mounted 5 brands of tires before finding one that they could seat on the bead of these wheels. These tires were about $300 more expensive than the other brands that I originally wanted to buy. All of the tires are the OEM size 235/50R18. This tire replacement took about 1.5 days to complete (installing new tires should take maybe an hour on normal wheels w/ a standard style bead w/o the machined slots). I feel like I am forced to buy whatever tires can be installed, and this is like going to the tire store with a blank check, since you don't know how much money it will take to replace the tires (even though they are all the same size. I suspect the tires that went on are slightly looser on the bead vs. other brands.
I suspect that these machined slots were added to the wheels by Ford to Lighten them up and they traded slightly lighter weight for serviceability since it is nearly impossible to fit replacement tires.
I believe these wheels are defective or throw away wheels since you can't replace the tires. I don't think I am now comfortable taking this vehicle on a vacation or far away from home since it is nearly impossible to replace a tire should that be needed (i.e. sidewall puncture or other tire problem). It isn't convenient or practical to plan on 1.5 days to replace tires.
I checked with my Ford car dealer and confirmed that there isn't any special service procedure. The Ford dealer says they have never heard of this issue or problem.
I also contacted Ford and requested investigation of this problem. It has only been a few days since I contacted Ford, so I have not heard anything back from them yet.
I have been working in the automotive industry and racing cars for about 30 years and have never seen this type of non-standard bead on any wheels. This machining process on this area of the wheel seems like a band-aid to try to save some parts that were made incorrectly (maybe too heavy).
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
The OEM wheels that came with the optional Appearance Package on this vehicle (18" x 8" Black Painted Wheels) have slots machined in them next to the bead where the tire seats to the rim. The slots allow air to leak and escape when trying to seat the new tires on the bead of the wheels (there isn't enough air pressure to push the tires onto the bead).
Two tire shops mounted 5 brands of tires before finding one that they could seat on the bead of these wheels. These tires were about $300 more expensive than the other brands that I originally wanted to buy. All of the tires are the OEM size 235/50R18. This tire replacement took about 1.5 days to complete (installing new tires should take maybe an hour on normal wheels w/ a standard style bead w/o the machined slots). I feel like I am forced to buy whatever tires can be installed, and this is like going to the tire store with a blank check, since you don't know how much money it will take to replace the tires (even though they are all the same size. I suspect the tires that went on are slightly looser on the bead vs. other brands.
I suspect that these machined slots were added to the wheels by Ford to Lighten them up and they traded slightly lighter weight for serviceability since it is nearly impossible to fit replacement tires.
I believe these wheels are defective or throw away wheels since you can't replace the tires. I don't think I am now comfortable taking this vehicle on a vacation or far away from home since it is nearly impossible to replace a tire should that be needed (i.e. sidewall puncture or other tire problem). It isn't convenient or practical to plan on 1.5 days to replace tires.
I checked with my Ford car dealer and confirmed that there isn't any special service procedure. The Ford dealer says they have never heard of this issue or problem.
I also contacted Ford and requested investigation of this problem. It has only been a few days since I contacted Ford, so I have not heard anything back from them yet.
I have been working in the automotive industry and racing cars for about 30 years and have never seen this type of non-standard bead on any wheels. This machining process on this area of the wheel seems like a band-aid to try to save some parts that were made incorrectly (maybe too heavy).
- Jim S., Mor, US