2003 MERCEDES-BENZ G500 wheel bolts

224 OperationTires and wheels
Tires and wheelsSee your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center for information on tested and
recommended rims and tires for summer
and winter operation. They can also offer
advice concerning tire service and pur-
chase.
Retread tires are not tested or recom-
mended by Mercedes-Benz, since previous
damage cannot always be recognized on
retreads. Mercedes-Benz can therefore
not assure the operating safety of the vehi-
cle when such tires are used.
Important guidelines

Use only sets of tires and rims of the
same type and make.


Tires must be of the correct size for the
rim.


Break in new tires for approximately
60 miles (100 km) at moderate
speeds.


Regularly check the tires and rims for
damage. Dented or bent rims can
cause tire pressure loss and damage to
the tire beads.


If vehicle is heavily loaded, check tire
pressure and correct as required.


Do not allow your tires to wear down
too far. Adhesion properties on wet
roads are sharply reduced at tread
depths under
1⁄8in (3 mm).


When replacing individual tires, you
should mount new tires on the front
wheels first (on vehicles with
same-sized wheels all around).
Warning!
G
Replace rims or tires with the same designa-
tion, manufacturer and type as shown on the
original part. See your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center for fur-
ther information. If incorrectly sized rims
and tires are mounted:

The wheel brakes or suspension compo-
nents can be damaged.


The correct operating clearance of the
wheels and the tires are no longer guar-
anteed.
Warning!
G
Do not mix different tire construction types
(i.e. radial, bias, bias-belted) on your vehicle
because handling may be adversely affected
and may result in loss of control.Warning!
G
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the
tire tread is badly worn, or if the tires have
sustained damage, replace them.
When replacing rims, use only genuine
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for the
particular rim type. Failure to do so can re-
sult in the bolts loosening and possibly an
accident.

227 Operation
Tires and wheels
Warning!
G
Have the tightening torque checked after
changing a wheel. Wheels could become
loose if not tightened with a torque of
97 ft.lb. (130 Nm).
Use only genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel
bolts specified for your vehicle's rims.

291 Practical hints
Flat tire
Mounting the spare wheel
Prepare the vehicle (
page 290).
Lifting the vehicle

Prevent the vehicle from rolling away
by blocking wheels with wheel chocks
(not included) or other sizable objects.
When changing wheel on a level surface:

Place one chock in front of and one be-
hind the wheel that is diagonally oppo-
site to the wheel being changed.
When changing wheel on a hill:

Place chocks on the downhill side
blocking both wheels of the other axle.
Wheel wrench
On wheel to be changed, loosen but do
not yet remove the wheel bolts (ap-
proximately one full turn with wrench).
Warning!
G
The jack is designed exclusively for jacking
up the vehicle under the axle housing. To
help avoid personal injury, use the jack only
to lift the vehicle during a wheel change.
Never get beneath the vehicle while it is sup-
ported by the jack. Keep hands and feet
away from the area under the lifted vehicle.
Always firmly set parking brake and block
wheels before raising vehicle with jack.
Do not disengage parking brake while the
vehicle is raised. Be certain that the jack is
always vertical (plumb line) when in use, es-
pecially on hills. Always try to use the jack
on level surface. Make sure that the jack is
positioned correctly under the axle housing.
Always lower the vehicle onto sufficient ca-
pacity jackstands before working under the
vehicle.
If the vehicle is not raised as described, it
could slip off the jack as a result of vibra-
tions (e.g. opening or closing a door or the
tailgate).

293 Practical hints
Flat tire
Removing the wheel
Remove the wheel bolts.

Remove the wheel.Mounting the new wheel

Clean contact surfaces of wheel and
wheel hub.

Push the wheel onto the wheel hub and
press firmly.

Insert wheel bolts and tighten them
slightly.
!Do not place wheel bolts in sand or dirt.
This could result in damage to the bolt
and wheel hub threads.Warning!
G
Make sure that no one is injured when re-
moving the wheel.
Grip wheel from the sides.
Keep hands from beneath the wheel.
Warning!
G
Always replace wheel bolts that are dam-
aged or rusted.
Never apply oil or grease to wheel bolts.
Damaged wheel hub threads should be re-
paired immediately. Do not continue to drive
under these circumstances! Contact an au-
thorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center
or call Roadside Assistance.
Incorrect mounting bolts or improperly
tightened mounting bolts can cause the
wheel to come off. This could cause an acci-
dent. Be sure to use the correct mounting
bolts.
Warning!
G
Use only genuine equipment
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts. They are identi-
fied by the Mercedes star. Other wheel bolts
may come loose.
Do not tighten the wheel bolts when the ve-
hicle is raised. Otherwise the vehicle could
tip over.

294 Practical hintsFlat tireLowering the vehicle
Using the pump lever, open the lower-
ing screw on the jack approximately
one turn (
page 292).
The vehicle is resting fully on its own
weight.

Remove the jack.
After use, disassemble pump handle
(page 292) and store jack in the des-
ignated storage compartment
(page 269).
1-5 Wheel bolts

Tighten the five wheel bolts evenly, fol-
lowing the diagonal sequence illustrat-
ed (1 to 5), until all bolts are tight.
Observe a tightening torque of 97 ft lb
(130 Nm).

Press the jack piston in again and close
the lowering screw. Store the jack
(page 269) and the other vehicle
tools (
page 268).

After changing the wheel, secure the
faulty wheel on the spare wheel mount-
ing bracket (
page 271). Make sure
that the wheel cannot come loose.

Check the tire inflation pressure and
correct it if necessary.
A table with the tire pressure values for
your vehicle is located on the fuel filler
flap.
Warning!
G
Have the tightening torque checked after
changing a wheel as soon as possible. The
wheels could come loose if they are not
tightened to a torque of 97 ft lb (130 Nm).

301 Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
Transporting the vehicle
When transporting the vehicle, you can use
the towing eyes for pulling the vehicle onto
a trailer or transporter. 
Move the gear selector lever to posi-
tion N.

Shift the transfer case to neutral posi-
tion N.

To avoid damaging the vehicle, it
should only be tied down on the
wheels / wheel rims, not on chassis
components such as the transverse
link or trailing arm.
Towing the vehicle with various faults
Comply with all towing information
(page 299).
I n c a s e o f e n g i n e d a m a g e , t r a n s m i s s i o n
damage or malfunctions in electrical
equipment

Move the gear selector lever to posi-
tion N.

Shift the transfer case to neutral posi-
tion N.In case of transfer case damage or for
towing vehicle distances exceeding
30 miles (50 km)
The propeller shafts to the drive axles must
be removed.
In case of front axle damage
Raise the front axle when towing. The pro-
peller shaft between the rear axle and the
transfer case must be removed.
In case of rear axle damage
When the rear axle is raised, the vehicle
can only be towed with a wheel lift or a dol-
ly placed under its front wheels.!When removing drive shaft, place M10
nuts on bolts as distance sleeves and
tighten using M8 nuts.
Always install new self-locking nuts
when reinstalling the drive shaft.

328 Technical termsRemote Vehicle Diagnostics
Transmission of vehicle data and cur-
rent location to the Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Center for sub-
scribers to Tele Aid service.
REST
(Residual engine heat utilization)
Feature that uses the engine heat
stored in the coolant to heat the vehi-
cle interior for a short time after the en-
gine has been turned off.
Restraint system
Seat belts, belt tensioner, airbags and
child seat restraint systems. As inde-
pendent systems, their protective func-
tions complement one another.RON
(R
esearch O
ctane N
umber)
The Research Octane Number for gaso-
line as determined by a standardized
method. It is an indication of a gaso-
line's ability to resist undesired detona-
tion (knocking). The average of both
the ->MON (Motor Octane Number)
and RON (Research Octane Number) is
posted at the pump, also known as
ANTI-KNOCK INDEX.
Shift lock
When the vehicle is parked, this lock
prevents the transmission selector le-
ver from being moved out of positionP
without key turned and brake pedal de-
pressed.
SRS
(S
upplemental R
estraint S
ystem)
Seat belts, emergency tensioning de-
vice and airbags. Though independent
systems, they are closely interfaced to
provide effective occupant protection.Tele Aid System
(T
elematic A
larm I
dentification on
D
emand)
The Tele Aid system consists of three
types of response: automatic and man-
ual emergency, roadside assistance
and information. Tele Aid is initially ac-
tivated by completing a subscriber
agreement and placing an acquain-
tance call.
The Tele Aid system is operational pro-
viding that the vehicle’s battery is
charged, properly connected, not dam-
aged and cellular and GPS coverage is
available.
Telematics*
A combination of the terms “telecom-
munications” and “informatics”.
Tightening torque
Force times lever arm (e.g. a lug
wrench) with which threaded fasteners
such as wheel bolts are tightened.

349 Index
Rear axle differential lock 146
Rear fog lamp 103
Seat heating 95
Seat heating, rear 96
Transfer case differential lock 145
Windshield wipers 47
Synchronizing
Head restraints 93
Seat adjustment 93
T
Tachometer 25, 109
Displaying gear range 137
Overspeed range 109
Tail lamps 286
Cleaning 234
Replacing bulbs 280
Tailgate
Closing 88
Message in display 266
Opening 87, 88
Tailgate lock 269
Tar stains 233
Technical data 317
Brake fluid 318
Coolant 316
Coolants 319Electrical system 314
Engine 312
Engine oil 317
Engine oil additives 317
Fuel requirements 318
Fuels 316
Gasoline additives 319
Lubricants 316
Main dimensions 315
Premium unleaded gasoline 318
Rims and tires 313
Weights and ratings 315
Windshield and headlamp washer
system 317, 321
Tele Aid 183
Emergency calls 185
Information 188
Initiating an emergency call
manually 186
Messages in display 266
Remote door unlock 190
Roadside assistance 187
SOS button 186
Stolen vehicle tracking services 191
System self-check 184
Tele Aid System 183Upgrade signals 189
Tele Aid System 328
Telematics* 328
Telephone
Answering a call 133
Dialing a number from the
phone book 133
Ending a call 133
Loading phone book 133
Operating 132
Redialing 134
Telephone* 26, 182
Ending a call 133
Messages in display 258
Signal strength 132
Temperature
Display mode 122
Grades of tires 323
Outside temperature indicator 110
Setting interior temperature 152
Setting units in display 122
Tires 226
Tie-down rings (Cargo compartment) 175
Tightening torque 328
Tightening torque (Wheel bolts) 294