Wheel replacement

If a serviceable, balanced wheel is refitted, for example after a brake inspection, it must be installed on the hub in the same position as before removal. To do this, mark the position of the rim (2) and the hub (1).

Changing a wheel on the road is not always simple. The wheel bolts may be seized by corrosion, or may have been overtightened with an impact wrench during the last wheel change at a workshop (instead of being tightened to the specified 110 N·m). In this case the vehicle tool kit will not help. A heavy-duty wheel wrench or a cross wrench with a pipe extension for more leverage is required.

PROCEDURE

Apply the parking brake and engage first or reverse gear, or select Park.

On the road, switch on the hazard warning lights and place a warning triangle.

Chock the wheels on the opposite side, for example with stones or wooden blocks, so that they cannot move.

Insert your fingers into the holes in the wheel trim and remove it.

If the vehicle has alloy wheels with concealed fasteners, insert a screwdriver into the side recess of the wheel trim and remove it.

If fitted to your vehicle, use the key to remove the «secret» wheel bolt.

Loosen the wheel bolts, each by approximately one turn.

Position the vehicle jack under the body at the marked point on the lower edge of the body (see Work Area Preparation), with the jack head facing inward. The jack must engage the vertical body reinforcement.

On soft ground, place a board under the jack.

Raise the vehicle.

Remove the wheel bolts completely.

Remove the wheel and fit the spare wheel. The centering pin from the vehicle tool kit can help. Screw it into the bolt hole before fitting the wheel.

Apply grease or lubricant to the bolt seat cone and the thread of the wheel bolts.

Tighten the bolts evenly in a crosswise pattern. Rotate the wheel back and forth during tightening so that it centers correctly on the hub.

Lower the vehicle and retighten the bolts to 110 N·m.

Fit the wheel trim. Align the cutout with the tire valve stem.

After a short drive, check that the wheel bolts are tight.

Note: if the wheel bolts cannot be threaded into the hub, the brake disc may have rotated on the hub. Turn the disc until the holes align.