Inspection And Verification: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mazda Tribute, 2003 Mazda Tribute, and 2002 Mazda Tribute. 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. Heat can damage the wheel and wheel bearings.

Loosen the wheel nuts.
- If necessary, remove the center cap (1).
  
  Fig 1: Identifying Center Cap & Wheel Nuts
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
- With the weight of the vehicle on the wheels, loosen the wheel nuts (2).
Raise and support the vehicle.
Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
- Remove the wheel nuts (1).
  
  Fig 2: Removing Wheel & Tire Assembly
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
- Remove the wheel and tire assembly (2), using a side-to-side rocking motion.