2008 CHEVROLET EXPRESS spare wheel

1. Assemble the wheel wrench (G) to one or two of
the jack handle extensions and the hoist extension.
Insert the hoist extension end through the hole
in the rear bumper.
2. Be sure the hoist extension end connects to the
hoist shaft (E). The chiseled end of the extension
is used to lower the spare tire.
3. Turn the wheel wrench counterclockwise to lower
the spare tire to the ground. Continue to turn 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 6-97.4. When the tire has been lowered, pull the tire toward
you so you can reach the tire retainer and pull it up
through the wheel opening.
If you have a vehicle which was completed from
a cab and chassis, refer to the information
from body supplier/installer.
The spare tire is a full-size tire, like the other tires
on the vehicle.
5. Put the spare tire near the flat tire.
6-89

Removing the Flat Tire and
Installing the Spare Tire
If your vehicle has plastic wheel nut caps, loosen
them by turning the wheel wrench counterclockwise.
The wheel nut caps are designed to remain with
the center cap. Remove the center cap.
If the wheel has a smooth center piece, place the chisel
end of the wheel wrench in the slot on the wheel and
gently pry it out.
1. Do a safety check before proceeding. SeeChanging
a Flat Tire on page 6-86for more information.
2. Loosen all the wheel nuts with the wheel wrench.
Do not remove them yet.3. Assemble the jack and tools:
Front Flat:Assemble the jack (A) together with the
jack handle (B), 1 or 2 jack handle extensions (D)
and the wheel wrench (E).
Rear Flat:Assemble the jack (A) together with the
jack handle (B), 2 jack handle extensions (D),
and the wheel wrench (E).
6-90

{WARNING:
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.
{WARNING:
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 fit the jack lift head into
the proper location before raising the vehicle.5. Raise the vehicle by turning the wheel wrench
clockwise. Raise the vehicle far enough off the
ground so there is enough room for the spare
tire to fit.
6. Remove all the
wheel nuts.
7. Take flat tire off of the mounting surface.
6-93

{WARNING:
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to which it is
fastened, can make wheel nuts become loose after
time. The wheel could come off and cause an
accident. When changing a wheel, remove any rust
or dirt from places where the wheel attaches to the
vehicle. In an emergency, 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.
SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 6-86.8. Remove any rust or dirt
from the wheel bolts,
mounting surfaces
and spare wheel.
{WARNING:
Never use oil or grease on bolts or nuts because
the nuts might come loose. The vehicle’s wheel
could fall off, causing a crash.
6-94

3. Attach the jack handle/jack handle extension and
wheel wrench to the jack.4. 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. 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.
6-98

6. Lower the jack by turning the wheel wrench
counterclockwise. Keep lowering the jack until
the spare tire slides off the jack or is hanging
by the cable.
7. 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, assembly
the wheel wrench onto the hoist extension and insert
the chisel end of the hoist extension into the hoist
shaft hole above the bumper. Turn the wheel wrench
counterclockwise to lower the spare the rest of
the way.8. 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.
9. 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 6-90.
6-99

Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and
Tools
{WARNING:
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.
3. Pull the wheel toward the rear of the vehicle,
keeping the cable tight.
4. Put the chisel end of the hoist extension on an
angle through the hole in the rear door frame,
above the bumper.
5. Raise the tire fully against the underside of the
vehicle. Continue turning the wheel wrench until
the tire is secure and the cable is tight. The spare
tire hoist cannot be overtightened.
6-100

6. Make sure the tire is stored securely. Push, pull (A),
and then try to turn (B) the tire. If the tire moves,
use the wheel wrench to tighten the cable.
You will hear two clicks when the tire is up all
the way.
7. Return the jacking equipment to the proper location.
Secure the items and replace the jack cover.
Spare Tire
This vehicle, when new, may have had a fully-inflated
spare tire. A spare tire may lose air over time, so check its
inflation pressure regularly. SeeInation - Tire Pressure
on page 6-68andLoading the Vehicle on page 5-19for
information regarding proper tire inflation and loading the
vehicle. For instruction on how to remove, install or store
a spare tire, seeRemoving the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire on page 6-90andStoring a Flat or Spare Tire
and Tools on page 6-100.
After installing the spare tire on the vehicle, you should
stop as soon as possible and make sure the spare is
correctly inflated. The spare tire is made to perform well
at speeds up to 70 mph (112 km/h) at the recommended
inflation pressure, so you can finish your trip.
Have the damaged or flat road tire repaired or replaced
as soon as you can and installed back onto the vehicle.
This way, a spare tire will be available in case you need
it again. Do not mix tires and wheels of different sizes,
because they will not fit. Keep the spare tire and its
wheel together.
6-101