2008 CHEVROLET EXPRESS CARGO VAN Owners Manual

8. Remove any rust or dirt
from the wheel bolts,
mounting surfaces
and spare wheel.
{CAUTION:
Never use oil or grease on studs or nuts.
Because the nuts might come loose. The
vehicle’s wheel could fall off, causing a crash.9. Put the wheel nuts
back on with the
rounded end of the
nuts toward the wheel.
Tighten each wheel
nut by hand until
the wheel is held
against the hub.
10. Lower the vehicle by turning the jack handle
counterclockwise. Lower the jack completely.
{CAUTION:
Wheel nuts that are not tight can work loose. If
all the nuts on a wheel come off, the wheel can
come off the vehicle, causing a crash. All
wheel nuts must be properly tightened. Follow
the rules in this section to be sure they are.
5-91

{CAUTION:
If wheel studs are damaged, they can break. If
all the studs on a wheel broke, the wheel could
come off and cause a crash. If any stud is
damaged because of a loose-running wheel, it
could be that all of the studs are damaged. To
be sure, replace all studs on the wheel. If the
stud holes in a wheel have become larger, the
wheel could collapse in operation. Replace any
wheel if its stud holes have become larger or
distorted in any way. Inspect hubs and
hub-piloted wheels for damage. Because of
loose running wheels, piloting pad damage may
occur and require replacement of the entire hub,
for proper centering of the wheels. When
replacing studs, hubs, wheel nuts or wheels, be
sure to use GM original equipment parts.
{CAUTION:
Incorrect or improperly tightened wheel nuts
can cause the wheel to come loose and even
come off. This could lead to a crash. If you
have to replace them, be sure to get new
original equipment wheel nuts. Stop
somewhere as soon as you can and have the
nuts tightened with a torque wrench to the
proper torque specication. SeeCapacities
and Specifications on page 5-116for wheel nut
torque specication.
Notice:Improperly tightened wheel nuts can lead
to brake pulsation and rotor damage. To avoid
expensive brake repairs, evenly tighten the wheel
nuts in the proper sequence and to the proper
torque specication. SeeCapacities and
Specifications on page 5-116for the wheel nut
torque specication.
5-92

11. Use the wheel wrench to tighten the nuts firmly.
Turn the wheel wrench clockwise and in a
crisscross sequence as shown.
12. Put the wheel cover or the center cap and plastic
wheel nut caps back on. Remove any wheel blocks.
Have a technician check the wheel nut tightness of
all wheels with a torque wrench after the first
100 miles (160 km) and then 1,000 miles (1600 km)
after that. Repeat this service whenever you have
a tire removed or serviced. SeeCapacities and
Specifications on page 5-116for more information.
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 the vehicle if the cable holding the spare tire is
damaged. For the secondary latch to work, the tire must
be stowed with the valve stem pointing down.
SeeStoring a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools on page 5-97
for instructions on storing the spare 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.
5-93

To release the spare tire from the secondary latch:
{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 under spare.
1. Check under the vehicle to see if the cable end is
visible.
If the cable is not visible,
start this procedure at
Step 6.2. Turn the wrench counterclockwise until
approximately 6 inches (15 cm) of cable is exposed.
3. Connect the jack handle (A) and jack handle
extension (B) together and press the retention
clip (arrow) so it engages.
5-94

4. Attach the jack handle/jack handle extension to the
jack. With the UP mark facing you, slide the ratchet
onto the end of the jack handle extension.
5. Place the jack under the vehicle, ahead of the rear
bumper. Position the center lift point of the jack
under the center of the spare tire and turn the
handle clockwise to raise the jack until it lifts the
secondary latch spring.
5-95

6. Keep raising the jack until the spare tire stops
moving upward and is held firmly in place. This
lets you know that the secondary latch has
released. The spare tire is now balancing on
the jack.
7. Lower the jack by turning the ratchet
counterclockwise. Keep lowering the jack until the
spare tire slides off the jack or is hanging by
the cable.
8. Disconnect the jack handle from the jack and
carefully remove the jack. Use one hand to
push against the spare while firmly pulling the
jack out from under the spare tire with the
other hand.
If the spare tire is hanging from the cable, slide the
ratchet onto the wheel wrench and insert the
wheel wrench into the hoist shaft hole above the
bumper. Turn the wheel wrench counterclockwise to
lower the spare the rest of the way. Be sure the
DOWN mark on the ratchet is facing you.9. Tilt the retainer at the end of the cable and pull it
through the wheel opening. 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.
10. If the cable is hanging under the vehicle, turn the
wheel wrench in the hoist shaft hole in the bumper
clockwise to raise the cable back up.
Have the hoist assembly inspected as soon as you
can. You will not be able to store a spare or flat
tire using the hoist assembly until it has been repaired
or replaced.
To continue changing the flat tire, return to Step 4 of
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire on
page 5-86.
5-96

Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and
Tools
{CAUTION:
Storing a jack, a tire, or other equipment in the
passenger compartment of the vehicle could
cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision,
loose equipment could strike someone. Store
all these in the proper place.
1. Put the tire on the ground at the rear of the vehicle
with the valve stem pointed down.2. Pull the retaining bar through the center of the
wheel, making sure it is properly attached.
5-97

3. Pull the wheel toward the rear of the vehicle,
keeping the cable tight.
4. With the UP side facing you, attach the ratchet to
the wheel wrench.
5. Put the flat end of the wheel wrench on an angle
through the hole in the rear door frame, above the
bumper.
6. Raise the tire fully against the underside of the
vehicle. Continue turning the ratchet until the tire
is secure and the cable is tight. The spare tire hoist
cannot be overtightened.
7. Make sure the tire is stored securely. Push, pull (A),
and then try to turn (B) the tire. If the tire moves,
use the ratchet to tighten the cable.
You will hear two clicks when the tire is up all
the way.
8. Return the jacking equipment to the proper location.
Secure the items and replace the jack cover.
5-98