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.

Penetrating oil has not been found to be effective in removing tight wheels. However, if you use penetrating oil, apply the oil sparingly to the wheel center hole area only.
Sometimes wheels may be difficult to remove due to foreign material or a tight fit between the wheel center hole and the rotor. Excessive force such as hammering the wheel or the tire may cause damage and is not recommended. Slight tapping on the tire sidewall using a large rubber mallet is acceptable.
The wheel may be removed without damage using the following procedure:
1. Tighten all wheel nuts on the affected wheel. Then loosen each nut two turns. Rock the vehicle from side to side. If this is not effective, proceed to step 2.
2. Rock the vehicle from DRIVE to REVERSE allowing the vehicle to move several feet in each direction. Apply quick, hard jabs on the brake pedal to loosen the wheel. If the wheel still does not free up, then rock the vehicle again from side to side as hard as possible using one or more persons' body weight. If the wheel is still tight, repeat the procedure.
3. Raise the vehicle. Support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lift Points.
4. Remove the wheel cover, if equipped.
5. Remove the wheel nuts. Mark the location of the tire and wheel assembly to hub assembly.

CAUTION: Before installing a wheel, remove any buildup of corrosion on the wheel mounting surface and brake drum or rotor by scraping and wire brushing. Installing wheels without good metal-to-metal contact at the mounting surfaces can cause wheel nuts to loosen, which may later allow the wheel to come off while the vehicle is in motion.

6. Clean the wheel nuts, studs and the wheel and brake drum or rotor mounting surfaces.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
1. Install the hub cap on the aluminum wheel, if removed.
2. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Align the locating mark of the tire and wheel to the hub assembly.

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. 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.

NOTICE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

3. Install the wheel nuts.
- Tighten the wheel nuts in sequence to 140 Nm (100 ft. lbs.).
4. Install the wheel cover, if equipped.
5. Lower the vehicle.