Wheels and Tires: Service and Repair
Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation
Special Tools
* J 41013 Rotor Resurfacing Kit
* J 42450-A Wheel Hub Resurfacing Kit
* J 39544-KIT Complete Torque Socket Set -10 Pieces
Removal Procedure
1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service and Repair).
2. Remove the wheel center cap, if equipped.
3. Remove the wheel center cap nuts, if equipped.
4. Remove the wheel nuts.
5. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
Caution: Never use heat to loosen a tight wheel bolt or nut. This can shorten the life of wheel and damage wheel bearings.
6. If the tire and wheel assembly is difficult to remove or cannot be removed, perform the following steps:
1. Apply a small amount of penetrating oil to the wheel nuts, and the center hub. Allow a few moments for the penetrating oil to work.
2. Loosen each wheel nut 2 complete turns.
3. Lower the vehicle.
4. Rock the vehicle from side to side.
5. Repeat the procedure if necessary.
7. If the tire and wheel assembly still does not loosen, perform the following:
1. Start the engine.
2. Allow the vehicle to move forward, and quickly apply the brakes. Repeat this procedure in reverse.
3. Repeat this procedure if necessary.
8. With the tire and wheel assembly loose, raise and support the vehicle.
Caution: Before installing wheels, remove any build-up of corrosion on the wheel mounting surface by scraping and wire brushing. Installing wheels without good metal-to-metal contact at the mounting surfaces can cause wheel bolts or nuts to loosen, which can later allow a wheel bolt or nut to come off while the vehicle is moving. Wheel bolts or nuts must be tightened in sequence and to proper torque to avoid bending the wheel, brake drum or rotor.
Note:
* Wear approved safety glasses when performing the following service procedures.
* DO NOT use power grinders to clean any of the brake rotor or brake drum to wheel contact areas.
9. Using a wire brush or wire wheel, clean the rotor to the wheel or brake drum to wheel hub contact area.
10. Where possible, use the J 41013 to clean the contact areas of the wheel to brake rotor or brake drum.
11. Using the J 42450-A , clean the surface around the wheel studs.
12. Clean the threads of the wheel studs. If the threads are damaged, replace the wheel stud.
* For the front wheel stud replacement, refer to Wheel Stud Replacement (Front Suspension).
* For the rear wheel stud replacement, refer to Wheel Stud Replacement (Rear Suspension).
13. After cleaning all the contact areas, use brake clean or denatured alcohol to remove all the penetrating oil, dirt and debris from the wheel nuts, brake rotor or brake drum.
14. Inspect and clean the contact area of the wheel. Refer to Wheel Mounting Surface Check (Component Tests and General Diagnostics).
Installation Procedure
1. Install the tire and wheel assembly.
2. Hand start the wheel nuts.
Caution: Improperly tightened wheel bolts or nuts can lead to brake pulsation and rotor damage. In order to avoid expensive brake repairs, evenly tighten the wheel bolts or nuts to the proper torque specification.
3. Using the J 39544-KIT (proper size torque stick), tighten the wheel nuts in sequence. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications (Specifications)
4. Install the wheel center cap, if required.
5. Install the wheel cap nuts, if required.
6. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.