Installation Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Pontiac Vibe. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: Before installing the wheels, remove any buildup of corrosion on the wheel mounting surface and brake drum or disc mounting surface by scraping and wire brushing. Installing wheels with poor metal-to-metal contact at the mounting surfaces can cause wheel nuts to loosen. This can cause a wheel to come off when the vehicle is moving, causing loss of control and possibly personal injury.

Remove any corrosion or foreign material from the wheel and the hub. Use the J 41013 in order to clean the following flat surfaces:
- The wheel mounting surface
- The hub mounting surface
- The brake rotor or the brake drum mounting surface
Use the J 42450-A in order to clean around the base of the studs and the hub.
Clean the threads on the studs and the wheel nuts.
Verify the nuts turn freely on the stud.
Replace any nut that does not turn freely on the stud.
If a new nut does not turn freely on the stud, replace the stud. Refer to Wheel Stud Replacement in Front Suspension or to Wheel Stud Replacement in Rear Suspension.

IMPORTANT: If the vehicle has directional tread tires, verify the directional arrow on the outboard side of the tire is pointing in the direction of forward rotation.

Install the tire and wheel assembly. Align the locating mark on the wheel to the hub.

Fig 1: Identifying Wheel Nut Tightening Sequence

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

CAUTION: 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 fastener tightening specification 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.

NOTE: Improperly tightened wheel nuts can lead to brake pulsation and rotor damage. In order to avoid expensive brake repairs, evenly tighten the wheel nuts to the proper torque specification.

NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.

Install the wheel nuts (1-5).
Tighten: Tighten the wheel nuts in the sequence shown to 52 N.m (38.4 lb ft).
Tighten the wheel nuts.
Tighten: Tighten the wheel nuts in the sequence shown to 103 N.m (76 lb ft).
If the vehicle has wheel covers, install the wheel covers.
If the vehicle has wheel nut caps, install the wheel nut caps.
Tighten: Tighten the wheel nut caps to 3 N.m (27 lb in).
Remove the safety stands and lower the vehicle.