Caution: 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 loss of control and an injury accident.

Notice: 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 specified torque to avoid bending the wheel or rotor.

Penetrating oil effectively removes tight wheels. Apply the oil sparingly to the hub surface, if you use oil. Removing wheels can be difficult, because of foreign material or a tight fit between the wheel center hole and the hub or the rotor. Excessive force, such as hammering on the wheel or the tire, can cause damage. Slightly tapping the tire side wall with a rubber mallet is acceptable. Wheel removal should be done in the following way:

1. Tighten all wheel nuts on the affected wheel. Do not torque the wheel nuts.
2. Loosen each wheel nut two turns.
3. Apply quick, hard jabs to the brake pedal in order to loosen the wheel. If this does not loosen the wheel, rock the vehicle from side to side, using the body weight of 1 or more persons.
4. Repeat this procedure if the wheel is still tight.

1. Raise and support the vehicle with safety stands. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Remove the wheel hub cap, if equipped.
3. Remove the wheel nuts. Mark the location of the tire and wheel assembly to the hub assembly.
4. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
5. Clean the wheel nuts, studs, and the wheel and rotor mounting surfaces.