GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

  1. Loosen the wheel nuts by approximately 180 degrees (one-half turn).
  2. Raise the vehicle and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting and Jacking in General Information.
  3. Remove the wheel nuts and the wheel from the vehicle.

Difficult to Remove Wheels

Sometimes wheels can be difficult to remove from the vehicle due to foreign material or a tight fit between the wheel center hole and the hub or rotor. These wheels can be removed without damage by using the following procedure:

Caution: Do not allow the penetrating oil to get on the vertical surfaces between the wheel and the drum (or rotor) because penetrating oil in this area could cause the wheel to work loose as the vehicle is driven, resulting in loss of control.

Notice: NEVER use heat to loosen a tight wheel. It can shorten the life of the wheel, wheel nuts and wheel bearings. Excessive force, such as hammering the wheel or tire, can also cause damage and is not recommended. Slight tapping of the tire side wall, such as with one's hand or a rubber mallet, is normally acceptable.

  1. Tighten all of the wheel nuts on the affected wheel, then loosen each wheel nut two turns.
  2. Lower the vehicle.
  3. Rock the vehicle from side to side as hard as possible using one or more person's body weight to loosen the wheel. Rock the vehicle from D (automatic transaxle) or 1 (manual transaxle) to R, allowing the vehicle to move several feet in each direction. Apply quick, hard pumps on the brake pedal to loosen the wheel.
  4. Raise the vehicle and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting and Jacking in General Information.
  5. Important: Penetrating oil has not been found to be effective in removing tight wheels. If penetrating oil is used, apply the oil sparingly to the wheel's center hole area only.

  6. Remove the wheel nuts and the wheel.