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Wheel bolt tightening torque
Correctly tightened bolts for steel and alloy wheel rims should have a torque of 88 ft-lbs (120 Nm). After changing a wheel, have the wheel bolt tightening torque checked right away with an accurate torque wrench.
Before you check the tightening torque, replace corroded and difficult-to-turn wheel bolts and clean the threads in the wheel hub.
Never grease or oil the wheel bolts and the threads in the wheel hubs. The bolts can come loose while driving if greased or oiled, even if tightened to the required torque.
WARNING
Improperly tightened wheel bolts can come loose while driving and cause you to lose control over the vehicle, resulting in accidents and serious injuries.
x Only use wheel bolts that belong your vehicle and to the wheel being installed.
x Never use different wheel bolts.
x Wheel bolts and wheel hub threads must always be clean, easy-to-turn and free of oil and grease.
x Only use the lug wrench that is supplied with the vehicle to loosen the wheel bolts.
x Loosen the wheel bolts only about 1 turn before lifting the vehicle with the jack.
x Never grease or oil the wheel bolts and the threads in the wheel hubs. The bolts can come loose while driving if greased or oiled, even if tightened to the required torque.
x Never loosen bolted connections on wheel rims with bolted rim rings.
x If the wheel bolts are not tightened to the proper torque, the wheel can come off the vehicle when it is moving. Extremely high torque can damage the wheel bolts and/or their threads.
Lifting the vehicle with the vehicle jack
Fig. 165 Lift points for the jack.
Removing the wheel
x Review the checklist, Preparations for changing a wheel.
x Loosen the wheel bolts, Wheel bolts.
x Lift the vehicle, Lifting the vehicle with the vehicle jack.
x Completely unscrew and remove the previously loosened wheel bolts using the hexagonal socket
in the screwdriver handle ⇒ fig. 167. Place the wheel bolts on a clean surface.
x Remove the wheel.
Mounting a spare or compact spare wheel
If the tire is a unidirectional tire, be sure to install it in the proper rolling direction , Tires and wheels.
x Place the spare wheel or compact spare wheel on the axle.
x Screw in the wheel bolts clockwise and tighten them slightly using the hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle.
x Lower the vehicle with the jack.
x Use the lug wrench to firmly tighten all wheel bolts (turn clockwise) ⇒ . Do not tighten them in sequence! Tighten any wheel bolt to begin, then tighten the wheel bolt diagonally opposite the first bolt, and so forth.
x Install the wheel bolt caps, center wheel hubcap, or wheel cover, if any, Wheel trim.
WARNING
Wheel bolts that are tightened or installed improperly can come loose, causing loss of vehicle control, a crash, and serious personal injury.
x Always keep wheel bolts and threads in the wheel hub clean and free of oil and grease. The wheel bolts must turn easily and must be tightened with the right torque.
x Use the hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle only to turn the wheel bolts when they are loose, never to loosen them or tighten them firmly.
WARNING
Improper use of a compact spare wheel can cause loss of vehicle control, a crash or other accident, and serious personal injury.
x Never use a compact spare wheel if it is damaged or worn down to the wear indicators.
x Never drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h) with a compact spare wheel. Avoid full-throttle acceleration, heavy braking, and fast cornering!
x Never drive more than 125 miles (200 km) with a compact spare wheel that is installed on the front axle (drive axle).
x Replace the compact spare with a normal wheel and tire as soon as possible. Compact spare tires are designed for brief use only.
After changing a wheel
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When not to tow your vehicle
In the following situations, the vehicle cannot be towed and must be transported on a flatbed truck or trailer:
x If transmission fluid has leaked out of the transmission.
x If there is little or no oil in the transmission because of damage to your vehicle, it must be moved with the drive wheels off the ground.
x If the front and rear wheels cannot turn.
x When the vehicle battery is dead, because the steering may remain disabled and it may not be possible to release the electronic steering column lock.
x If you have to tow an automatic transmission vehicle more than 30 miles (50 km).
Towing other vehicles
x Obey all legal requirements
x Read and heed all towing information in the owner's manual for the other vehicle.
A vehicle can be towed only if the electronic steering column lock is released. In case of a power loss or malfunctions of the electrical system, the engine may have to be jump-started in order to release the electronic steering column lock.
Installing the front towing eye
Fig. 181 In the right front bumper: Removing the cover.
