Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for setting the toe-in on motor vehicles during assembly thereof is disclosed which includes a sensor assembly operative to accurately sense the position of a nut runner prior to torquing of a locking jam nut so as to thereby ensure the full desired torque loading is applied to the jam nut. The method includes the step of rotating the nut runner in a reverse direction a predetermined distance subsequent to ascertaining its position so as to provide a distance of travel to assure alignment of the wrenching surfaces of the nut runner and jam nut.

Abstract: An improved inflator for use in automated wheel/tire assembly lines is disclosed herein. The improved inflator incorporates temperature sensors to sense both the temperature of the compressed air used to inflate the tire and the ambient air temperature in response to which control means will adjust a base reference inflation pressure to compensate for these variables. A pressure sensor is also provided which serves to provide feed back information as to the actual pressure to which the tire is inflated.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein load simulating apparatus for use in applying a load to a mounted and inflated wheel/tire assembly in order to insure proper and complete seating of the tire bead on the vehicle rim. The load simulating apparatus of the present invention incorporates a plurality of pivotably mounted driven rollers which are operable to move into engagement with the peripheral tread portion of the tire and to accelerate same while applying a generally radially inwardly directed force thereto so as to simulate the loading on the tire typically encountered after the wheel/tire assembly is mounted on a vehicle. Preferably, the load simulating apparatus of the present invention will be incorporated in a wheel/tire assembly line and located prior to the balancing machine so as to insure proper and complete seating of the tire bead before the assembly is balanced.