Important information regarding wheel bolts
The design of rims and wheel bolts is matched to the factory-installed wheels. If different wheels are installed, wheel bolts with the right length and bolt head shape must be used. The attachment of the wheels and function of the brake system depend on this.
It may not be possible to use wheel bolts from different vehicles of the same model.
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. 180 Lift points for the jack.
The subwoofer, if equipped, is located under the luggage compartment floor and must be removed to access the spare wheel.
Removing the subwoofer
Follow these steps in the order listed:
1. Raise and secure the luggage compartment floor ⇒ Storage.
2. Unscrew the handwheel ⇒ fig. 182 (1) in a counterclockwise direction (arrow).
3. To release the connector, press and hold the center tab down with one hand (2).
4. With the other hand, grasp the connector on both sides, and carefully pull the connector out of the socket in the direction of the arrow (magnified view). Put the electric cable aside.
5. Remove the subwoofer carefully and place in a clean storage location.
Reinstalling the subwoofer
1. Reinstall the subwoofer carefully back into the recess. The tip of the arrow symbol “FRONT” on the subwoofer (3) must point toward the front of the vehicle
2. Insert the connector (2) into the socket until it clicks into place.
3. Turn the handwheel (1) clockwise to secure the subwoofer.
4. Carefully lower the luggage compartment floor back into place.
Changing a wheel
Fig. 183 Changing a wheel: Remove previously loosened wheel bolts using the screwdriver handle.