GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
386 Vehicle Care
8. Remove any rust or dirt from the wheelbolts, mounting surfaces, and spare
wheel.
9. Install the spare tire.
{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.
10. Put the wheel nuts back on with the rounded end of the nuts toward the
wheel. 11. Tighten each wheel nut by hand. Then
use the wheel wrench to tighten the
nuts until the wheel is held against
the hub.
12. Turn the wheel wrench counterclockwise to lower the vehicle. Lower the jack
completely.
{Warning
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.
{Warning
Wheel nuts that are improperly or
incorrectly tightened can cause the
wheels to become loose or come off. The
wheel nuts should be tightened with a
torque wrench to the proper torque
specification after replacing. Follow the
torque specification supplied by the
aftermarket manufacturer when using
accessory locking wheel nuts. See
Capacities and Specifications 0424 for
original equipment wheel nut torque
specifications.
Caution
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
specification. See Capacities and
Specifications 0424 for the wheel nut
torque specification.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
402 Vehicle Care
Caution (Continued)
tire dressing, always wipe off any
overspray from all painted surfaces on
the vehicle.
Wheels and Wheel Trim
Use a soft, clean cloth with mild soap and
water to clean the wheels. After rinsing
thoroughly with clean water, dry with a
soft, clean towel. A wax may then be
applied.
Caution
Chrome wheels and chrome wheel trim
may be damaged if the vehicle is not
washed after driving on roads that have
been sprayed with magnesium chloride or
calcium chloride. These are used on roads
for conditions such as dust and ice.
Always wash the chrome with soap and
water after exposure.
Caution
To avoid surface damage on wheels and
wheel trim, do not use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes, cleaners,
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
or brushes. Use only GM approved
cleaners. Do not drive the vehicle through
an automatic car wash that uses silicon
carbide tire/wheel cleaning brushes.
Damage could occur and the repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Brake System
Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for
proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear
and rotors for surface condition. Inspect
drum brake linings/shoes for wear or cracks.
Inspect all other brake parts.
Steering, Suspension, and Chassis
Components
Visually inspect steering, suspension, and
chassis components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of wear at least
once a year.
Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding, cracks,
chafing, etc.Visually check constant velocity joint boots
and axle seals for leaks.
Caution
Lubrication of applicable suspension
points should not be done unless the
temperature is
−12 °C (10 °F) or higher,
or damage could result.
Body Component Lubrication
Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood hinges,
liftgate hinges, and the steel fuel door hinge
unless the components are plastic. Applying
silicone grease on weatherstrips with a clean
cloth will make them last longer, seal better,
and not stick or squeak.
Underbody Maintenance
At least twice a year, spring and fall, use
plain water to flush any corrosive materials
from the underbody. Take care to
thoroughly clean any areas where mud and
other debris can collect. If equipped with
power assist steps, extend them and then
use a high pressure wash to clean all joints
and gaps.
Do not directly power wash the transfer
case and/or front/rear axle output seals.
High pressure water can overcome the seals
