Wheels and Tires: Service and Repair

Caution: If penetrating oil gets on the vertical surfaces between the wheel and the rotor or drum, it could cause the wheel to work loose as the vehicle is driven, resulting in a loss of control and an injury accident.

Notice: Improperly tightened wheel nuts can lead to brake pulsation and rotor damage. To avoid expensive brake repairs, evenly tighten the wheel nuts in the proper torque specification.

Notice: NEVER use heat to loosen a tight wheel. It can shorten the life of the wheel, wheel nuts and wheel bearings. Excessive force, such as hammering the wheel or tire, can also cause damage and is not recommended. Slight tapping of the tire side wall, such as with one's hand or a rubber mallet, is normally acceptable.

Important: Penetrating oil has not been found to be effective in removing tight wheels. However, if used, you should apply the oil sparingly on the wheel centerhole area only.

Sometimes the wheels can be difficult to remove due to foreign material or a tight fit between the wheel centerhole and the rotor.
You can remove the wheel without damage through the following steps:
1. Retighten all the wheel nuts on the affected wheel. Then loosen each nut two turns. Rock the vehicle from side to side. If this is not effective, go to step 2.
2. Rock the vehicle from Drive and Reverse allowing the vehicle to move several feet in each direction. Apply quick, hard pressure on the brake pedal in order to loosen the wheel. If the wheel still does not loosen, then rock the vehicle again from side to side as hard as possible using one or more person's body weight. If the wheel is still tight, repeat the procedure.

Removal Procedure
1. Raise the vehicle. Support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the wheel nut cap, if equipped.





3. Remove the hub cap or the wheel trim cover (4).
4. Remove the special security lock nut, if equipped. Use a special security wheel lock key located in the front floor console.
5. Remove the wheel nuts (3).
6. Mark the location of the tires and the wheels to the hub.
7. Remove the tire and the wheel (2).

Caution: Refer to Buildup of Corrosion Removal Caution in Service Precautions.

8. Clean the following components:
- The wheel nuts (3)
- The wheel hub bolts (1)
- The wheel (2)
- The brake drum or rotor mounting surfaces

Installation Procedure

Caution: Never use oil or grease on studs or nuts. Tighten the wheel nuts with your fingers until they are snug. Then, tighten the nuts (in the sequence shown) to the fastener tightening specification shown in Specifications in this Section. Improperly tightened wheel nuts could eventually allow the wheel to come off while the vehicle is moving, possibly causing loss of control, personal injury, and property damage.





1. Install the tire and wheel (2).
2. Install the wheel nuts (3) and the security wheel lock nut, if equipped.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.





3. Tighten the wheel nuts to specifications.
- Tighten the wheel nuts in increments of 27 Nm (20 ft. lbs.) in sequence up to 140 Nm (100 ft. lbs.).
4. Tighten the special security wheel lock nut, if equipped. Use a special security wheel lock key located in the front floor console.
5. Install the hub cap or the wheel trim cover, if equipped.
- Tighten the wheel trim cover to 6 Nm (53 inch lbs.).
6. Install the wheel nut cap, if equipped.
7. Lower the vehicle.