GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

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 loss of control and an injury accident.

Notice: Never use heat to loosen a tight wheel. It can shorten the life of the wheel, studs, or hub and bearing assemblies. Wheel nuts must be tightened in sequence and to the specified torque to avoid bending the wheel or rotor.

Important: Removing the wheels can be difficult, because of foreign material or a tight fit between the wheel center hole and the hub or the rotor. Excessive force, such as hammering on the wheel or the tire, can cause damage. Slightly tapping the tire side wall with a rubber mallet is acceptable. If the wheel is still difficult to remove, use the following procedure:

  1. Loosen each wheel nut 2 turns.
  2. Apply quick, hard jabs to the brake pedal in order to loosen the wheel. If this does not loosen the wheel, rock the vehicle from side to side, using the body weight of 1 or more persons.
  3. Repeat this procedure if the wheel is still tight.

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. If the wheel has a wheel cover, remove the wheel cover.

  3. Object Number: 177750  Size: SH
  4. Remove the wheel nuts (1, 2, 3, 4). Mark the location of the tire and wheel assembly to the hub assembly.
  5. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
  6. Clean the wheel nuts, the bolts, and the wheel and rotor mounting surfaces.

Installation Procedure

    Caution: Before installing the wheels, remove any buildup of corrosion on the wheel mounting surface and brake drum or disc mounting surface by scraping and wire brushing. Installing wheels with poor metal-to-metal contact at the mounting surfaces can cause wheel nuts to loosen. This can cause a wheel to come off when the vehicle is moving, causing loss of control and possibly personal injury.

  1. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Align the locating mark of the tire and wheel to the hub assembly.

  2. Object Number: 177750  Size: SH

    Notice: 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.

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  3. Install the wheel nuts (1, 2, 3, 4).
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the wheel nuts in the sequence shown to 103 N·m (76 lb ft).

  5. If the wheel had a wheel cover, install the wheel cover.
  6. Lower the vehicle.