49 CFR 571 Part 109 (New Pneumatic Tires)

[Scott@Rockstomper]

I'm tired of seeing this regulation vaguely referenced with regards to beadlocks, and nobody willing to quote specific portions of it. So here it is, in its entirety.

Link to the search page at the Federal level:
http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/c...eve.html#page1

TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION

OF TRANSPORTATION

PART 571--FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS--Table of Contents

Subpart B--Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards

Sec. 571.109 Standard No. 109; New pneumatic tires.

S1. Scope. This standard specifies tire dimensions and laboratory
test requirements for bead unseating resistance, strength, endurance,
and high speed performance; defines tire load ratings; and specifies
labeling requirements for passenger car tires.
S2. Application. This standard applies to new pneumatic tires for
use on passenger cars manufactured after 1948. However, it does not
apply to any tire which has been altered so as to render impossible its
use, or its repair for use, as motor vehicle equipment.
S3. Definitions.
Bead means that part of the tire made of steel wires, wrapped or
reinforced by ply cords, that is shaped to fit the rim.
Bead separation means a breakdown of bond between components in the
bead area.
Bias ply tire means a pneumatic tire in which the ply cords that
extend to the beads are laid at alternate angles substantially less than
90 deg. to the centerline of the tread.
Carcass means the tire structure, except tread and sidewall rubber.
Chunking means the breaking away of pieces of the tread or sidewall.
Cord means the strands forming the plies in the tire.
Cord separation means cords parting away from adjacent rubber
compounds.
Cracking means any parting within the tread, sidewall, or innerliner
of the tire extending to cord material.
CT means a pneumatic tire with an inverted flange tire and rim
system in which the rim is designed with rim flanges pointed radially
inward and the tire is designed to fit on the underside of the rim in a
manner that encloses the rim flanges inside the air cavity of the tire.
Groove means the space between two adjacent tread ribs.
Innerliner means the layer(s) forming the inside surface of a
tubeless tire that contains the inflating medium within the tire.
Innerliner separation means the parting of the innerliner from cord
material in the carcass.
Load rating means the maximum load a tire is rated to carry for a
given inflation pressure.
Maximum permissible inflation pressure means the maximum cold
inflation pressure to which a tire may be inflated.
Maximum load rating means the load rating at the maximum permissible
inflation pressure for that tire.
Open splice means any parting at any junction of tread, sidewall, or
innerliner that extends to cord material.
Overall width means the linear distance between the exteriors of the
sidewalls of an inflated tire, including elevations due to labeling,
decorations, or protective bands or ribs.
Ply means a layer of rubber-coated parallel cords.
Ply separation means a parting of rubber compound between adjacent
plies.
Pneumatic tire means a mechanical device made of rubber, chemicals,
fabric and steel or other materials, which, when mounted on an
automotive wheel, provides the traction and contains the gas or fluid
that sustains the load.
Radial ply tire means a pneumatic tire in which the ply cords which
extend to the beads are laid at substantially 90 deg. to the centerline
of the tread.
Rim means a metal support for a tire or a tire and tube assembly
upon which the tire beads are seated.
Section width means the linear distance between the exteriors of the
sidewalls of an inflated tire, excluding elevations due to labeling,
decoration, or protective bands.
Sidewall means that portion of a tire between the tread and the
bead.
Sidewall separation means the parting of the rubber compound from
the cord material in the sidewall.
Test rim means, with reference to a tire to be tested, any rim that
is listed as appropriate for use with that tire in accordance with S4.4.
For purposes of this section and Sec. 571.110, each rim listing shall
include dimensional specifications and a diagram of the rim.
Tread means that portion of a tire that comes into contact with the
road.
Tread rib means a tread section running circumferentially around a
tire.

[[Page 307]]

Tread separation means pulling away of the tread from the tire
carcass.
S4. Requirements.
S4.1 Size and construction. Each tire shall be designed to fit each
rim specified for its size designation in each reference cited in the
definition of test rim in S3.
S4.2 Performance requirements.
S4.2.1 General. Each tire shall conform to each of the following:
(a) It shall meet the requirements specified in S4.2.2 for its tire
size designation, type, and maximum permissible inflation pressure.
(b) Its maximum permissible inflation pressure shall be either 32,
36, 40, or 60 psi, or 240, 280, 300, 340, or 350 kPa. For a CT tire, the
maximum permissible inflation pressure shall be either 290, 330, 350, or
390 kPa.
(c) Its load rating shall be that specified in a submission made by
an individual manufacturer, pursuant to S4.4.1(a), or in one of the
publications described in S4.4.1(b) for its size designation, type and
each appropriate inflation pressure. If the maximum load rating for a
particular tire size is shown in more than one of the publications
described in S4.4.1(b), each tire of that size designation shall have a
maximum load rating that is not less than the published maximum load
rating, or if there are differing maximum load ratings for the same tire
size designation, not less than the lowest published maximum load
rating.
(d) It shall incorporate a tread wear indicator that will provide a
visual indication that the tire has worn to a tread depth of \1/16\
inch.
(e) It shall, before being subjected to either the endurance test
procedure specified in S5.4 or the high speed performance procedure
specified in S5.5, exhibit no visual evidence of tread, sidewall, ply,
cord, innerliner, or bead separation, chunking, broken cords, cracking,
or open splices.
(f) It shall meet the requirements of S4.2.2.5 and S4.2.2.6 when
tested on a test wheel described in S5.4.2.1 either alone or
simultaneously with up to 5 other tires.
S4.2.2 Test requirements.
S4.2.2.1 Test sample. For each test sample use:
(a) One tire for physical dimensions, resistance to bead unseating,
and strength, in sequence;
(b) Another tire for tire endurance; and
(c) A third tire for high speed performance.
S4.2.2.2 Physical dimensions. The actual section width and overall
width for each tire measured in accordance with S5.1, shall not exceed
the section width specified in a submission made by an individual
manufacturer, pursuant to S4.4.1(a) or in one of the publications
described in S4.4.1(b) for its size designation and type by more than:
(a) (For tires with a maximum permissible inflation pressure of 32,
36, or 40 psi) 7 percent, or
(b) (For tires with a maximum permissible inflation pressure of 240,
280, 290, 300, 330, 350 or 390 kPa, or 60 psi) 7 percent or 10 mm (0.4
inches), whichever is larger.
S4.2.2.3 Tubeless tire resistance to bead unseating.
S4.2.2.3.1 When a tubeless tire that has a maximum inflation
pressure other than 60 psi is tested in accordance with S5.2, the
applied force required to unseat the tire bead at the point of contact
shall be not less than:
(a) 1,500 pounds for tires with a designated section width of less
than six (6) inches;
(b) 2,000 pounds for tires with a designated section width of six
(6) inches or more but less than eight (8) inches;
(c) 2,500 pounds for tires with a designated section width of eight
(8) inches or more, using the section width specified in a submission
made by an individual manufacturer, pursuant to S4.4.1(a), or in one of
the publications described in S4.4.1(b) for the applicable tire size
designation and type.
S4.2.2.3.2 When a tire that has a maximum inflation pressure of 60
psi is tested in accordance with S5.2, the applied force required to
unseat the bead at the point of contact shall be not less than:
(a) 1,500 pounds for tires with a maximum load rating of less than
880 pounds;
(b) 2,000 pounds for tires with a maximum load rating of 880 pounds
or more but less than 1,400 pounds;

[[Page 308]]

(c) 2,500 pounds for tires with a maximum load rating of 1,400
pounds or more, using the maximum load rating marked on the sidewall of
the tire.
S4.2.2.4 Tire strength. Each tire shall meet the requirements for
minimum breaking energy specified in Table 1 when tested in accordance
with S5.3.
S4.2.2.5 Tire endurance. When the tire has been subjected to the
laboratory endurance test specified in S5.4, using a test rim that
undergoes no permanent deformation and allows no loss of air through the
portion that it comprises of the tire-rim pressure chamber:
(a) There shall be no visual evidence of tread, sidewall, ply, cord,
innerliner, or bead separation, chunking, broken cords, cracking, or
open splices.
(b) The tire pressure at the end of the test shall be not less than
the initial pressures specified in S5.4.1.1.
S4.2.2.6 High speed performance. When the tire has been subjected
to the laboratory high speed performance test specified in S5.5, using a
test rim that undergoes no permanent deformation and allows no loss of
air through the portion that it comprises of the tire-rim pressure
chamber, the tire shall meet the requirements set forth in S4.2.2.5 (a)
and (b).
S4.3 Labeling Requirements. Except as provided in S4.3.1 and
S4.3.2, each tire shall have permanently molded into or onto both
sidewalls, in letters and numerals not less than 0.078 inches high, the
information shown in paragraphs S4.3 (a) through (g). On at least one
sidewall, the information shall be positioned in an area between the
maximum section width and bead of the tire, unless the maximum section
width of the tire falls between the bead and one-fourth of the distance
from the bead to the shoulder of the tire. For tires where the maximum
section width falls in that area, locate all required labeling between
the bead and a point one-half the distance from the bead to the shoulder
of the tire. However, in no case shall the information be positioned on
the tire so that it is obstructed by the flange or any rim designated
for use with that tire in Standards Nos. 109 and 110 (Sec. 571.109 and
Sec. 571.110 of this part). (a) One size designation, except that
equivalent inch and metric size designations may be used;
(b) Maximum permissible inflation pressure;
(c) Maximum load rating;
(d) The generic name of each cord material used in the plies (both
sidewall and tread area) of the tire;
(e) Actual number of plies in the sidewall, and the actual number of
plies in the tread area if different;
(f) The words ``tubeless'' or ``tube type'' as applicable; and
(g) The word ``radial'' if the tire is a radial ply tire.
S4.3.1 Each tire shall be labeled with the symbol DOT in the manner
specified in part 574 of this chapter, which shall constitute a
certification that the tire conforms to applicable Federal motor vehicle
safety standards.
S4.3.2 Each tire shall be labeled with the name of the
manufacturer, or brand name and number assigned to the manufacturer in
the manner specified in part 574.
S4.3.3 [Reserved]
S4.3.4 If the maximum inflation pressure of a tire is 240, 280,
290, 300, 330, 340, 350, or 390 kPa, then:
(a) Each marking of that inflation pressure pursuant to S4.3(b)
shall be followed in parenthesis by the equivalent inflation pressure in
psi, rounded to the next higher whole number; and
(b) Each marking of the tire's maximum load rating pursuant to
S4.3(c) in kilograms shall be followed in parenthesis by the equivalent
load rating in pounds, rounded to the nearest whole number.
S4.3.5 If the maximum inflation pressure of a tire is 420 kPa (60
psi), the tire shall have permanently molded into or onto both
sidewalls, in letters and numerals not less than 1/2 inch high, the
words ``Inflate to 60 psi'' or ``Inflate to 420 kPa (60 psi).'' On both
sidewalls, the words shall be positioned in an area between the tire
shoulder and the bead of the tire. However, in no case shall the words
be positioned on the tire so that they are obstructed by the flange of
any rim designated for use with that tire in this standard or in
Standard No. 110 (Sec. 571.110 of this part).
S4.4 Tire and rim matching information.

[[Page 309]]

S4.4.1 Each manufacturer of tires shall ensure that a listing of
the rims that may be used with each tire that he produces is provided to
the public. A listing compiled in accordance with paragraph (a) of this
section need not include dimensional specifications or diagram of a rim
if the rim's dimensional specifications and diagram are contained in
each listing published in accordance with paragraph (b) of this
standard. The listing shall be in one of the following forms:
(a) Listed by manufacturer name or brand name in a document
furnished to dealers of the manufacturer's tires, to any person upon
request, and in duplicate to the Docket Section, National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC
20590; or
(b) Contained in publications, current at the date of manufacture of
the tire or any later date, of at least one of the following
organizations:

The Tire and Rim Association
The European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation
Japan Automobile Tire Manufacturers' Association, Inc.
Deutsche Industrie Norm
British Standards Institution
Scandinavian Tire and Rim Organization
The Tyre and Rim Association of Australia

S4.4.2 Information contained in any publication specified in
S4.4.1(b) which lists general categories of tires and rims by size
designation, type of construction and/or intended use, shall be
considered to be manufacturer's information pursuant to S4.4.1 for the
listed tires and rims, unless the publication itself or specific
information provided according to S4.4.1(a) indicates otherwise.
S5. Test procedures.
S5.1 Physical Dimensions. Determine tire physical dimensions under
uniform ambient conditions as follows:
(a) Mount the tire on a test rim having the test rim width specified
in a submission made by an individual manufacturer, pursuant to
S4.4.1(a), or in one of the publications described in S4.4.1(b) for that
tire size designation and inflate it to the applicable pressure
specified in Table II.
(b) Condition it at ambient room temperature for at least 24 hours.
(c) Readjust pressure to that specified in (a).
(d) Caliper the section width and overall width at six points
approximately equally spaced around the tire circumference.
(e) Record the average of these measurements as the section width
and overall width, respectively.
(f) Determine tire outer diameter by measuring the maximum
circumference of the tire and dividing this dimension by pi (3.14).
S5.2 Tubeless tire bead unseating resistance.
S5.2.1 Preparation of tire-wheel assembly.
S5.2.1.1 Wash the tire, dry it at the beads, and mount it without
lubrication or adhesives on a clean, painted test rim.
S5.2.1.2 Inflate it to the applicable pressure specified in Table
II at ambient room temperature.
S5.2.1.3 Mount the wheel and tire in a fixture shown in Figure 1,
and force the bead unseating block shown in Figure 2 or Figure 2A
against the tire sidewall as required by the geometry of the fixture.
However, in testing a tire that has an inflation pressure of 60 psi,
only use the bead unseating block described in Figure 2A.
S5.2.2 Test procedure.
S5.2.2.1 Apply a load through the block to the tire outer sidewall
at the distance specified in Figure 1 for the applicable wheel size at a
rate of 2 inches per minute, with the load arm substantially parallel to
the tire and rim assembly at the time of engagement.
S5.2.2.2 Increase the load until the bead unseats or the applicable
value specified in S4.2.2.3 is reached.
S5.2.2.3 Repeat the test at least four places equally spaced around
the tire circumference.
S5.3 Tire strength.
S5.3.1 Preparation of tire.
S5.3.1.1 Mount the tire on a test rim and inflate it to the
applicable pressure specified in Table II.
S5.3.1.2 Condition it at room temperature for at least 3 hours; and
S5.3.1.3 Readjust its pressure to that specified in S5.3.1.1.
S5.3.2 Test procedure.

[[Page 310]]

S5.3.2.1 Force a \3/4\-inch diameter cylindrical steel plunger with
a hemispherical end perpendicularly into the tread rib as near to the
centerline as possible, avoiding penetration into the tread groove, at
the rate of 2 inches per minute.
S5.3.2.2 Record the force and penetration at five test points
equally spaced around the circumference of the tire. If the tire fails
to break before the plunger is stopped by reaching the rim, record the
force and penetration as the rim is reached and use these values in
S5.3.2.3.
S5.3.2.3 Compute the breaking energy for each test point by means
of the following formula:

W = [(F x P) / 2]


where

W=Energy, inch-pounds;
F=Force, pounds; and
P=Penetration, inches.

S5.3.2.4 Determine the breaking energy value for the tire by
computing the average of the five values obtained in accordance with
S5.3.2.3.
S5.4 Tire endurance.
S5.4.1 Preparation of tire.
S5.4.1.1 Mount a new tire on a test rim and inflate it to the
applicable pressure specified in Table II.
S5.4.1.2 Condition the tire assembly to 100<plus-minus>5 deg.F.
for at least three hours.
S5.4.1.3 Readjust tire pressure to that specified in S5.4.1.1
immediately before testing.
S5.4.2 Test procedure.
S5.4.2.1 Mount the tire and wheel assembly on a test axle and press
it against a flat-faced steel test wheel 67.23 inches in diameter and at
least as wide as the section width of the tire to be tested or an
approved equivalent test wheel, with the applicable test load specified
in the table in S5.4.2.3 for the tire's size designation, type, and
maximum permissible inflation pressure.
S5.4.2.2 During the test, the air surrounding the test area shall
be 100<plus-minus>5 deg.F.
S5.4.2.3 Conduct the test at 50 miles per hour in accordance with
the following schedule without pressure adjustment or other
interruptions:

The loads for the following periods are the specified percentage of the
maximum load rating marked on the tire sidewall:


Percent

4 hours............................................. ......... 85
6 hours............................................. ......... 90
24 hours............................................. ........ 100


S5.4.2.4 Immediately after running the tire the required time,
measure its inflation pressure. Allow the tire to cool for one hour.
Then deflate the tire, remove it from the test rim, and inspect it for
the conditions specified in S4.2.2.5(a).
S5.5 High speed performance.
S5.5.1 After preparing the tire in accordance with S5.4.1, mount
the tire and wheel assembly in accordance with S5.4.2.1, and press it
against the test wheel with a load of 88 percent of the tire's maximum
load rating as marked on the tire sidewall.
S5.5.2 Break in the tire by running it for 2 hours at 50 m.p.h.
S5.5.3 Allow to cool to 100<plus-minus>5 deg.F and readjust the
inflation pressure to the applicable pressure specified in Table II.
S5.5.4 Without readjusting inflation pressure, test at 75 m.p.h.
for 30 minutes, 80 m.p.h. for 30 minutes, and 85 m.p.h. for 30 minutes.
S5.5.5 Immediately after running the tire the required time,
measure its inflation pressure. Allow the tire to cool for one hour.
Then deflate the tire, remove it from the test rim, and inspect it for
the conditions specified in S4.2.2.5(a).
S6. Nonconforming tires. No tire that is designed for use on
passenger cars and manufactured on or after October 1, 1972, but does
not conform to all the requirements of this standard, shall be sold,
offered for sale, introduced or delivered for introduction into
interstate commerce, or imported into the United States, for any
purpose.

[[Page 311]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC01AU91.036


Figures to Standard 109
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dimension ``A'' for
tires with maximum
inflation pressure
Wheel sizes -------------------------
Other than
60 lbs/in 60 lbs/in
\2\ \2\
------------------------------------------------------------------------
19............................................ 13.00 12.00
18............................................ 12.50 11.40
17............................................ 12.00 10.60
16............................................ 11.50 9.90
15............................................ 11.00 9.40
14............................................ 10.50 8.90
13............................................ 10.00 8.40
12............................................ 9.50 ...........
11............................................ 9.00 ...........
10............................................ 8.50 ...........
320mm......................................... 8.50 ...........
340mm......................................... 9.00 ...........
345mm......................................... 9.25 ...........
365mm......................................... 9.75 ...........
370mm......................................... 10.00 ...........
390mm......................................... 11.00 ...........
415mm......................................... 11.50 ...........
400mm(1)...................................... 10.25 ...........
425mm(1)...................................... 10.75 ...........
450mm(1)...................................... 11.25 ...........
475mm(1)...................................... 11.75 ...........
500mm(1)...................................... 12.25 ...........
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) for CT tires only.


[[Page 312]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC01AU91.037


[[Page 313]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC01AU91.038

Appendix A--Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109

The following tables list tire sizes and tire constructions with
proper load and inflation values. The tables group tires of related
constructions and load/inflation values. Persons requesting the addition
of new tire sizes to the tables or the addition of tables for new tire
constructions may, when the additions requested are compatible with
existent groupings, or when adequate justification for

[[Page 314]]

new tables exists, submit five (5) copies of information and data
supporting the request to the Vehicle Dynamics Division, Office of Crash
Avoidance Standards, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 400
Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590.
The information should contain the following:
1. The tire size designation, and a statement either that the tire
is an addition to a category of tires listed in the tables or that it is
in a new category for which a table has not been deloped.
2. The tire dimensions, including aspect ratio, size factor, section
width, overall width, and test rim size.
3. The load-inflation schedule of the tire.
4. A statement as to whether the tire size designation and load
inflation schedule has been coordinated with the Tire and Rim
Association, the European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation, the Japan
Automobile Tire Manufacturers' Association, Inc., the Deutsche Industrie
Norm, the British Standards Institution, the Scandinavian Tire and Rim
Organization, and the Tyre and Rim Association of Australia.
5. Copies of test data sheets showing test conditions, results and
conclusions obtained for individual tests specified in Sec. 571.109.
6. Justification for the additional tire sizes.

Table I-A--For Bias Ply Tires With Designated Section Width of 6 Inches and Above
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum permissible inflation
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cord Material 32 lb/in 36 lb/in 40 lb/in
\2\ \2\ \2\ 240 kPa 280 kPa 300 kPa 340 kPa
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rayon (in-lbs).............................................. . 1,650 2,574 3,300 1,650 3,300 1,650 3,300
Nylon or polyester (in-lbs).................................. 2,600 3,900 5,200 2,600 5,200 2,600 5,200
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Table I-B--For Bias Ply Tires With Designated Section Width Below 6 Inches
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum permissible inflation
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cord Material 32 lb/in 36 lb/in 40 lb/in
\2\ \2\ \2\ 240 kPa 280 kPa 300 kPa 340 kPa
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rayon (in-lbs).............................................. . 1,000 1,875 2,500 1,000 2,500 1,000 2,500
Nylon or polyester (in-lbs).................................. 1,950 2,925 3,900 1,950 3,900 1,950 3,900
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Table I-C--For Radial Ply Tires
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Permissible Inflation
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tires other than CT tires CT Tires
Size Designation -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
psi kPa kPa
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
32 36 40 240 280 300 340 350 290 330 350 390
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Below 160mm (in-lbs)........................ 1,950 2,925 3,900 1,950 3,900 1,950 3,900 1,950 1,950 3,900 1,950 3,900
160mm or above (in-lbs)..................... 2,600 3,900 5,200 2,600 5,200 2,600 5,200 2,600 2,600 5,200 2,600 5,200
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Table I-D--For Tires With 60 lb/in\2\ Maximum Permissible Inflation
Pressure and Maximum Load Rating Below 880 Lb. and above
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inch-
Cord material pounds
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rayon............................................. .......... 1,650
Nylon or polyester......................................... . 2,600
------------------------------------------------------------------------


Table I-E--For Tires With 60 lb/in\2\ Maximum Permissible Inflation
Pressure and Maximum Load Rating Below 880 Lb.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inch-
Cord material pounds
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rayon............................................. .......... 1,000

[[Page 315]]


Nylon or polyester......................................... . 1,950
------------------------------------------------------------------------


Table II--Test Inflation Pressures
[Maximum permissible inflation pressure to be used for the following test]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tires other than CT tires CT tires
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Test type psi kPa kPa
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
32 36 40 60 240 280 300 340 350 290 300 350 390
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Physical dimensions, bead unseating, tire strength, and tire 24 28 32 52 180 220 180 220 180 230 270 230 270
endurance......................................... ..........
High speed performance....................................... 30 34 38 58 220 260 220 260 220 270 310 270 310
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[38 FR 30235, Nov. 1, 1973]

Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affecting
Sec. 571.109, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in
the Finding Aids section of the printed volume and on GPO Access.

Effective Date Note: At 63 FR 28914, May 27, 1998, Sec. 571.109 was
amended by revising in S4.2.1, paragraph (d); revising S4.2.2.3.1;
revising S4.2.2.3.2; revising the first sentence of S4.3 Labeling
Requirements introductory paragraph; revising the first sentence of
S4.3.5; revising S5.2.2.1; revising S5.3.2.1; revising S5.3.2.3;
revising S5.4.1.2; revising S5.4.2.1; revising S5.4.2.2; revising
S5.4.2.3; revising S5.5.2; revising S5.5.3; and revising S5.5.4; by
revising Figure 1--``Bead Unseating Fixture--Dimensions in Inches'', the
Table titled ``Figures for Standard No. 109'', Figure 2--``Diagram of
Beat Unseating Block Dimensions in Inches'', and Figure 2A--``Diagram of
Bead Unseating Block--Dimensions in Inches'' after S6, and preceding
Appendix A; by revising in Appendix A, Table 1-A--``For Bias Ply Tires
with Designated Section Width of 6 Inches and Above'', Table 1-B ``For
Bias Ply Tires with Designated Section Width Below 6 Inches'', Table 1-C
``For Radial Ply Tires'', Table 1-D ``For Tires with 60 lb/in\2\ Maximum
Permissible Inflation Pressure and Maximum Load Rating Below 880 Lb. And
Above'', and Table 1-E ``For Tires With 60 lb/in\2\ Maximum Permissible
Inflation Pressure and Maximum Load Rating Below 880 Lb'', effective May
27, 2003. For the convenience of the user, the revised material is set
forth as follows:

Sec. 571.109 Standard No. 109, New pneumatic tires.

* * * * *

S4.2.1. General. Each tire shall conform to each of the following:

* * * * *

(d) It shall incorporate a tread wear indicator that will provide a
visual indication that the tire has worn to a tread depth of 1.6 mm (\1/
16\ inch).

* * * * *

S4.2.2.3.1 When a tubeless tire that has a maximum inflation
pressure other than 420 kPa (60 psi) is tested in accordance with S5.2,
the applied force required to unseat the tire bead at the point of
contact shall be not less than:
(a) 6,670 N (1,500 pounds) for tires with a designated section width
of less than 160 mm (6 inches);
(b) 8,890 N (2,000 pounds) for tires with a designated section width
of 160 mm (6 inches) or more but less than 205 mm (8 inches);
(c) 11,120 N (2,500 pounds) for tires with a designated section
width of 205 mm (8 inches) or more, using the section width specified in
a submission made by an individual manufacturer, pursuant to S4.4.1(a),
or in one of the publications described in S4.4.1(b) for the applicable
tire size designation and type.
S4.2.2.3.2 When a tire that has a maximum inflation pressure of 420
kPa (60 psi) is tested in accordance with S5.2, the applied force
required to unseat the bead at the point of contact shall be not less
than:
(a) 6,670 N (1,500 pounds) for tires with a maximum load rating of
less than 399 kg (880 pounds);
(b) 8,890 N (2,000 pounds) for tires with a maximum load rating of
399 kg (880 pounds) or more but less than 635 kg (1,400 pounds);
(c) 11,120 N (2,500 pounds) for tires with a maximum load rating of
635 kg (1,400 pounds)

[[Page 316]]

or more, using the maximum load rating marked on the sidewall of the
tire.

* * * * *

S4.3 Labeling Requirements. Except as provided in S4.3.1 and
S4.3.2, each tire shall have permanently molded into or onto both
sidewalls, in letters and numerals not less than 2 mm (0.078 inches)
high, the information shown in paragraphs S4.3 (a) and (g). * * *

* * * * *

S4.3.5 If the maximum inflation pressure of a tire is 420 kPa (60
psi), the tire shall have permanently molded into or onto both
sidewalls, in letters and numerals not less than 12.7 mm (\1/2\ inch),
the words ``Inflate to 420 kPa (60 psi)''. * * *

* * * * *

S5.2.2.1 Apply a load through the block to the tire's outer
sidewall at the distance specified in Figure 1 for the applicable wheel
size at a rate of 50 mm (2 inches) per minute, with the load arm
substantially parallel to the tire and rim assembly at the time of
engagement.

* * * * *

S5.3.2.1 Force a 19 mm (\3/4\ inch) diameter cylindrical steel
plunger with a hemispherical end perpendicularly into the tread rib as
near to the centerline as possible, avoiding penetration into the tread
groove, at the rate of 50 mm (2 inches) per minute.

* * * * *

S5.3.2.3 Compute the breaking energy for each test point by means
of one of the two following formulas:

W=[(FxP)/2]x10<SUP>x3</SUP> (joules)

Where
W=Energy, in joules;
F=Force, Newtons; and
P=Penetration, mm; or

W=[(FxP)/2]

Where
W=Energy, inch-pounds;
F=Force, pounds; and
P=Penetration, inches.

* * * * *

S5.4.1.2 Condition the tire assembly to 38 deg.<plus-minus>3 deg.C
(100 deg.<plus-minus>5 deg.F) for at least three hours.

* * * * *

S5.4.2.1 Mount the tire and wheel assembly on a test axle and press
it against a flat-faced steel test wheel 1708 mm (67.23 inches) in
diameter and at least as wide as the section width of the tire to be
tested or an approved equivalent test wheel, with the applicable test
load specified in the table in S5.4.2.3 for the tire's size designation,
type and maximum permissible inflation pressure.
S5.4.2.2 During the test, the air surrounding the test area shall
be 38 deg.<plus-minus>3 deg.C (100 deg.<plus-minus>5 deg.F).
S5.4.2.3 Conduct the test at 80 kilometers per hour (km/h)(50 miles
per hour) in accordance with the following schedule without pressure
adjustment or other interruptions:
The loads for the following periods are the specified percentage of
the maximum load rating marked on the tire sidewall:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percent
------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 hours............................................. .......... 85
6 hours............................................. .......... 90
24 hours............................................. ......... 100
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *

S5.5.2 Break in the tire by running it for 2 hours at 80 km/h (50
mph).
S5.5.3 Allow to cool to 38 deg.<plus-minus>3 deg.C
(100 deg.<plus-minus>5 deg.F) and readjust the inflation pressure to
the applicable pressure specified in Table II.
S5.5.4 Without readjusting inflation pressure, test at 121 km/h (75
mph) for 30 minutes, 129 km/h (80 mph) for 30 minutes, and 137 km/h (85
mph) for 30 minutes.

* * * * *

[[Page 317]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR27MY98.013



Figures for Standard 109
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dimension ``A'' for tires with maximum inflation pressure
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wheel sizes Other than
Other than 60 psi 420 kPa 60 psi 420 kPa
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
19.................................. 13.00 in............... 330 12.00 in............... 305
18.................................. 12.50 in............... 318 11.40 in............... 290
17.................................. 12.00 in............... 305 10.60 in............... 269
16.................................. 11.50 in............... 292 9.90 in................ 251
15.................................. 11.00 in............... 279 9.40 in................ 239
14.................................. 10.50 in............... 267 8.90 in................ 226
13.................................. 10.00 in............... 254 8.40 in................ 213
12.................................. 9.50 in................ 241 ....................... ...........
11.................................. 9.00 in................ 229 ....................... ...........
10.................................. 8.50 in................ 216 ....................... ...........
320................................. 8.50 in................ 216 ....................... ...........
340................................. 9.00 in................ 229 ....................... ...........
345................................. 9.25 in................ 235 ....................... ...........
365................................. 9.75 in................ 248 ....................... ...........
370................................. 10.00 in............... 254 ....................... ...........
390................................. 11.00 in............... 279 ....................... ...........
415................................. 11.50 in............... 292 ....................... ...........
400<SUP>1</SUP>................................ 10.25 in............... 260 ....................... ...........
425<SUP>1</SUP>................................ 10.75 in............... 273 ....................... ...........
450<SUP>1</SUP>................................ 11.25 in............... 286 ....................... ...........
475<SUP>1</SUP>................................ 11.75 in............... 298 ....................... ...........
500<SUP>1</SUP>................................ 12.25 in............... 311
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<SUP>1</SUP> For CT Tires only.



[[Page 318]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR27MY98.014


[[Page 319]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR27MY98.015


Appendix A--Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109

[[Page 320]]



Table I-A.--For Bias Ply Tires With Designated Section Width of 152 mm (6 Inches) and Above
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cord material 32 psi 36 psi 40 psi 240 kPa 280 kPa 300 kPa 340 kPa
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rayon:
(in-lbs).............................................. ... 1,650 2,574 3,300 1,650 3,300 1,650 3,300
(joules).......................................... ....... 186 291 373 186 373 186 373
Nylon or polyester:
(in-lbs).............................................. ... 2,600 3,900 5,200 2,600 5,200 2,600 5,200
(joules).......................................... ....... 294 441 588 294 588 294 588
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Table I-B.--For Bias Ply Tires With Designated Section Width Below 152 mm (6 Inches)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cord material 32 psi 36 psi 40 psi 240 kPa 280 kPa 300 kPa 340 kPA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rayon:
(in-lbs).............................................. ... 1,000 1,875 2,500 1,000 2,500 1,000 2,500
(joules).......................................... ....... 113 212 282 113 282 113 282
Nylon or polyester:
(in-lbs).............................................. ... 1,950 2,925 3,900 1,950 3,900 1,950 3,900
(joules).......................................... ....... 220 330 441 220 441 220 441
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Table I-C.--For Radial Ply Tires
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum permissible inflation
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tires other than CT tires CT tires
Size designation -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
psi kPa kPa
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
32 36 40 240 280 300 340 350 290 330 350 390
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Below 160 mm:
(in-lbs)............................................ 1,950 2,925 3,900 1,950 3,900 1,950 3,900 1,950 1,950 3,900 1,950 3,900
(joules).......................................... .. 220 330 441 220 441 220 441 220 220 441 220 441
160 mm or above:
(in-lbs)............................................ 2,600 3,900 5,200 2,600 5,200 2,600 5,200 2,600 2,600 5,200 2,600 5,200
(joules).......................................... .. 294 441 588 294 588 294 588 294 294 588 294 588
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Table I-D.--For Tires With 420 kPa (60 psi) Maximum Permissible Inflation Pressure and Maximum Load Rating 399
kg (880 lb) and Above
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cord material Inch-pounds joules (J)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rayon............................................. .... 1,650 inch pounds 186 joules (J).
Nylon or Polyester.................................... 2,600 inch pounds 294 joules (J).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Table I-E.--For Tires With 420 kPa (60 psi) Maximum Permissible Inflation Pressure and Maximum Load Rating Below
399 kg (880 lb)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cord material Inch-pounds joules (J)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rayon............................................. .... 1,000 inch pounds 113 joules (J).
Nylon or Polyester.................................... 1,950 inch pounds 220 joules (J).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Bones]

Man I started reading it and WHEW! That is a boatload of info and jiberish at the same time. Good work

[IndyCJ]

Anybody have the Cliff's notes for that?

[yellowbronco]

Is it just me or is there no mention of rim standards here?

I remember doing some work involving the DOT certification of a new Hutchinson wheel design and, regardless of what the design was, if the wheel survived two drum tests similar to the tests mentioned for the tires, then it was considered to be DOT certified.

Tom