2007 BUICK RAINIER spare tire

Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
The jacking equipment you will need is stored
under the rear seat on the passenger’s side of the
vehicle. SeeRear Seat Operation on page 16
for more information.
To release the jack from its holder, turn the
knob on the jack counterclockwise to lower the
jack head.The tools you will be using include the wheel
wrench (A), wheel blocks (B), extension(s), (socket
end) (C), handle (jack end) (D), and jack (E).
A. Wheel Wrench
B. Hoist Shaft
C. Extension
D. Retainer
E. Spare or Flat Tire
(Valve Stem
Pointed Up)
438

The following instructions explain how to remove
the underbody-mounted spare located underneath
your vehicle.
Notice:If you remove or restow a tire from/to
the storage position under the vehicle when
it is supported by a jack, you could damage the
tire and/or your vehicle. Always remove or
restow a tire when the vehicle is on the ground.
1. Open the liftgate. SeeLiftgate/Liftglass on
page 102for more information.
2. Attach the wheel wrench (A) to the
extension (C).
3. It is exposed when the rear gate is open and
is just above the rear bumper.
Be sure the socket end of the extension (C)
connects to the hoist shaft (B).4. Turn the wheel wrench counterclockwise to
lower the spare tire. Keep turning the wheel
wrench until the spare tire can be pulled
out from under the vehicle.
If the spare tire does not lower to the ground,
the secondary latch is engaged causing
the tire not to lower. SeeSecondary Latch
System on page 446for more information.
439

5. Tilt the retainer at the end of the cable when
the tire has been completely lowered, and pull
it through the wheel opening.
6. Pull the tire out from under the vehicle.
Notice:If you drive away before the spare tire
or secondary latch system cable has been
reinstalled, you could damage your vehicle.
Always reinstall this cable before driving your
vehicle.
7. Put the spare tire near the at tire.
Removing the Flat Tire and
Installing the Spare Tire
1. If your vehicle has a wheel cap that covers
the wheel nuts, position the chisel end of the
wheel wrench in the notch and pry it off.
440

5. Place the jack in the appropriate position
nearest the at tire.
{CAUTION:
Getting under a vehicle when it is jacked
up is dangerous. If the vehicle slips off
the jack you could be badly injured or
killed. Never get under a vehicle when it is
supported only by a jack.
{CAUTION:
Raising your vehicle with the jack
improperly positioned can damage the
vehicle and even make the vehicle fall. To
help avoid personal injury and vehicle
damage, be sure to t the jack lift head
into the proper location before raising the
vehicle.6. Raise the vehicle by turning the jack handle
clockwise. Raise the vehicle far enough off
the ground so there is enough room for
the spare tire to t.
442

7. Remove all the
wheel nuts and take
off the at tire.
{CAUTION:
Rust or dirt on the wheel, or on the parts
to which it is fastened, can make the
wheel nuts become loose after time.
The wheel could come off and cause an
accident. When you change a wheel,
remove any rust or dirt from the places
where the wheel attaches to the vehicle.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
In an emergency, you can use a cloth or a
paper towel to do this; but be sure to use
a scraper or wire brush later, if needed, to
get all the rust or dirt off.
8. Remove any rust or
dirt from the wheel
bolts, mounting
surfaces, and spare
wheel.
443

9. Place the spare tire on the wheel-mounting
surface.
{CAUTION:
Never use oil or grease on studs or nuts.
If you do, the nuts might come loose.
Your wheel could fall off, causing a
serious accident.
10. Put the nuts on by hand. Make sure the
rounded end is toward the wheel.
11. Tighten each nut by hand until the wheel is
held against the hub. If a nut cannot be
turned by hand, use the wheel wrench and
see your dealer as soon as possible.12. Lower the vehicle by turning the jack handle
counterclockwise. Lower the jack completely.
444

Secondary Latch System
Your vehicle has an underbody-mounted tire hoist
assembly equipped with a secondary latch
system. It is designed to stop the spare tire from
suddenly falling off your vehicle if the cable holding
the spare tire is damaged. For the secondary
latch to work, the tire must be stored with the valve
stem pointing up. SeeStoring a Flat or Spare
Tire and Tools on page 450for instructions
on storing the spare or at tire correctly.
{CAUTION:
Before beginning this procedure read all
the instructions. Failure to read and follow
the instructions could damage the hoist
assembly and you and others could get
hurt. Read and follow the instructions
listed next.
{CAUTION:
Someone standing too close during the
procedure could be injured by the jack. If
the spare tire does not slide off the jack
completely, make sure no one is behind
you or on either side of you as you pull
the jack out from the spare.
446

To release the spare tire from the secondary latch,
do the following:
1. Check under the
vehicle to see if the
cable is visible. If
it is not visible,
proceed to Step 6.2. If visible, rst try to tighten the cable by
turning the wheel wrench clockwise until
you hear two clicks or feel it skip twice. You
cannot overtighten the cable.
3. Loosen the cable by turning the wheel wrench
counterclockwise three or four turns.
4. Repeat this procedure at least two times.
If the spare tire lowers to the ground,
continue with Step 2 ofRemoving the Spare
Tire and Tools on page 438.
5. Turn the wrench counterclockwise until
approximately 6 inches (15 cm) of cable
is exposed.
447