Wheel And Tire: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Mercury Sable and 2003 Ford Taurus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: Do not use heat to loosen a seized wheel nut (1012). Heat can damage the wheel and wheel bearings.

NOTE: To avoid damage or scratching to the center cap, place facing up when removed.

Fig 1: Identifying Center Cap Or Wheel Cover

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Loosen the wheel nuts.
1. Remove the center cap or wheel cover.
  - Loosen the wheel cover retaining nuts.
2. With the weight of the vehicle on the wheels, loosen the wheel nuts.
Raise and support the vehicle.
Remove the wheel nuts and the wheel and tire assembly.

Fig 2: Identifying Wheel Nuts And Wheel And Tire Assembly
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Corrosion build-up can result in wheels sticking to the front brake disc flange/rear hub flange after extensive service.

Use the following procedure to prevent the sticking condition from recurring once the wheels are removed.
- Clean the brake disc flange/hub flange and wheel bore of corrosion with a wire brush, steel wool or any other suitable material.
- Coat the wheel bore with Silicone Brake Caliper Grease and Dielectric Compound D7AZ-19A331-A or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESE-M1C171-A. Do not apply grease to wheel hub bolt nut seats or the wheel stud.