GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
  1. Do a safety check before proceeding. See Changing a Flat Tire for more information.

  2. Object Number: 1772474  Size: A3

    Remove the center cap by placing the flat end of the wheel wrench in the slot on the wheel and gently pry the center cap out.


    Object Number: 1772462  Size: A3

    Turn the wheel wrench counterclockwise to loosen the wheel nuts. Do not remove them yet.

  3. If your vehicle has locking lug nuts, the key is supplied in the tool bag. Use the key along with the wheel wrench to remove the wheel nuts from the tire.
  4. Now jack up the vehicle.

    Jacking Locations (Overall View)


    Object Number: 1782775  Size: B3

      Front Position - Lower Control Arm

      Rear Position - Lower Axle

  5. Locate the vehicle's jacking positions (A and B).
  6. Assemble the jack and tools as follows:
  7. Front Position


    Object Number: 1753568  Size: B2
  8. Front Tire Flat: If the flat tire is on a front tire of the vehicle, you will need to use the jack handle and both jack handle extensions. Attach the wheel wrench to the jack handle extensions. Attach the jack handle to the jack. From the front of the vehicle position the jack on the front lower control arm along the bar that runs front to back. Turn the wheel wrench clockwise to raise the vehicle. Raise the vehicle far enough off the ground so there is enough room for the spare tire to clear the ground.
  9. Rear Positions


    Object Number: 1753573  Size: B2
  10. Refer to the graphic above to locate the placement of the jack if the flat tire is on the rear of the vehicle.

  11. Object Number: 1561329  Size: B4
  12. Rear Tire Flat: You will need to use the jack handle and both jack handle extensions. Attach the wheel wrench to the jack extensions. Attach the jack handle to the jack. From the rear of the vehicle align the jack under the rear axle. Turn the wheel wrench clockwise to raise the vehicle. Raise the vehicle far enough off the ground so there is enough room for the spare tire to clear the ground.
  13. Turn the wheel wrench clockwise to raise the jack head to the lifting point.
  14. Caution: Getting under a vehicle when it is jacked up is dangerous. If the vehicle slips off the jack, you could be badly injured or killed. Never get under a vehicle when it is supported only by a jack.

    Caution: Raising your vehicle with the jack improperly positioned can damage the vehicle and even make the vehicle fall. To help avoid personal injury and vehicle damage, be sure to fit the jack lift head into the proper location before raising the vehicle.


    Object Number: 864527  Size: A3

    Remove all the wheel nuts and take off the flat tire.

    Caution: Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to which it is fastened, can make wheel nuts become loose after time. The wheel could come off and cause an accident. When changing a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from places where the wheel attaches to the vehicle. In an emergency, use a cloth or a paper towel to do this; but be sure to use a scraper or wire brush later, if needed, to get all the rust or dirt off. See Changing a Flat Tire .


    Object Number: 811105  Size: A2

    Remove any rust or dirt from the wheel bolts, mounting surfaces and spare wheel.

    Caution: Never use oil or grease on bolts or nuts because the nuts might come loose. The vehicle's wheel could fall off, causing a crash.

  15. Put the spare tire on the mounting surface.
  16. Put the wheel nuts back on with the rounded end of the nuts toward the wheel after mounting the spare.
  17. Tighten each wheel nut by hand. Then use the wheel wrench to tighten the nuts until the wheel is held against the hub.
  18. Turn the wheel wrench counterclockwise to lower the vehicle. Lower the jack completely.
  19. Caution: Incorrect or improperly tightened wheel nuts can cause the wheel to come loose and even come off. This could lead to a crash. If you have to replace them, be sure to get new original equipment wheel nuts. Stop somewhere as soon as you can and have the nuts tightened with a torque wrench to the proper torque specification. See Capacities and Specifications for wheel nut torque specification.

    Notice: Improperly tightened wheel nuts can lead to brake pulsation and rotor damage. To avoid expensive brake repairs, evenly tighten the wheel nuts in the proper sequence and to the proper torque specification. See Capacities and Specifications for the wheel nut torque specification.


    Object Number: 808015  Size: A2

    Tighten the nuts firmly in a crisscross sequence as shown by turning the wheel wrench clockwise.

  20. After installing the wheel and tire, you must reinstall the center cap. Place the cap on the wheel and tap it into place until it sits flush with the wheel.