Grand AM L4-144 2.4L DOHC VIN T SFI (1997)
Wheels: Service and Repair
On-Vehicle Service
Wheel Removal
GENERAL PROCEDURE
Penetrating oil has not been found to be effective in removing tight wheels. However, if it is used, it should be applied sparingly to the wheel center
hole area only.
WARNING: If penetrating oil gets on the vertical surfaces between the wheel and the rotor or drum, it could cause the wheel to work loose
as the vehicle is driven, resulting in a loss of control and an injury accident. Never use heat to loosen a tight wheel. It can shorten the life of
the wheel, studs or hub and bearing assemblies. Wheel nuts must be tightened in sequence and to the proper torque to avoid bending the
wheel or rotor.
Sometimes wheels can be difficult to remove due to foreign material or a tight fit between the wheel center hole and the rotor. Excessive force such as
hammering the wheel or tire can cause damage and is not recommended. Slight tapping on the tire sidewall using a large rubber mallet is acceptable.
The wheel can be removed without damage as follows:
1. Tighten all wheel nuts on the affected wheel. Then loosen each nut two turns. Rock the vehicle side to side. If this is not effective, go to step 2.
2. Rock the vehicle from "DRIVE" to "REVERSE" allowing the vehicle to move several feet in each direction. Apply quick, hard jabs on the brake
pedal to loosen the wheel. If the wheel still does not free up, then rock the vehicle again from side to side as hard as possible using one or more
persons' body weight. If the wheel is still tight, repeat the procedure.
REMOVAL
Remove or disconnect the following:
1. Raise vehicle and suitably support.
2. Wheel cover, if equipped.
3. Wheel nuts.
^
Mark location of tire and wheel assembly to hub assembly.
4. Wheel nuts, studs and the wheel and brake drum or rotor mounting surfaces.
WARNING: Before installing a wheel, remove any buildup of corrosion on the wheel mounting surface and brake drum or rotor by scraping
and wire brushing. Installing wheels without good metal-to-metal contact at the mounting surfaces can cause wheel nuts to loosen, which may
later allow the wheel to come off while the vehicle is in motion.
Wheel Installation
WARNING: Never use oil or grease on studs or nuts. Tighten the wheel nuts with your fingers until they are snug. Then, tighten the nuts (in
the sequence shown) to the torque shown in "Specifications" in this section. Improperly tightened wheel nuts could eventually allow the wheel
to come off while the vehicle is moving, possibly causing loss of control, personal injury and property damage.
INSTALLATION
Install or connect the following:
1. Hub cap on aluminum wheel, if removed.
2. Tire and wheel assembly.
^
Align locating mark of tire and wheel to hub assembly.
3. Wheel nuts.
Tighten wheel nuts in sequence to 140 Nm (100 ft. lbs.).
4. Wheel cover, if equipped.
^
Lower vehicle.
