For 1990-2009 cars

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 a loss of control and an injury accident.

Notice: Improperly tightened wheel bolts or nuts can lead to brake pulsation and rotor damage. In order to avoid expensive brake repairs, evenly tighten the wheel bolts or nuts to the proper torque specification.

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.

Important: Penetrating oil has not been found to be effective in removing tight wheels. However, if used, you should apply the oil sparingly on the wheel centerhole area only.

Sometimes the wheels can be difficult to remove due to foreign material or a tight fit between the wheel centerhole and the rotor. Excessive force such as hammering the wheel or the tire can cause damage. Slight tapping on the tire sidewall using a large rubber mallet is acceptable.

You can remove the wheel without damage through the following steps:

1. Retighten all the wheel nuts on the affected wheel. Then loosen each nut two turns. Rock the vehicle from side to side. If this is not effective, go to step 2.
2. Rock the vehicle from Drive and Reverse allowing the vehicle to move several feet in each direction. Apply quick, hard pressure on the brake pedal in order to loosen the wheel. If the wheel still does not loosen, then rock the vehicle again from side to side as hard as possible using one or more person's body weight. If the wheel is still tight, repeat the procedure.

### Removal Procedure

1. Raise the vehicle. Support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Remove the wheel nut cap, if equipped.
3. Remove the hub cap or the wheel trim cover.
4. Remove the special security lock nut, if equipped. Use a special security wheel lock key located in the front floor console.
5. Remove the wheel nuts.
6. Mark the location of the tires and the wheels to the hub.
7. Remove the tire and the wheel.

Caution: Before installing the wheels, remove any buildup of corrosion on the wheel mounting surface and brake drum or disc mounting surface by scraping and wire brushing. Installing wheels with poor metal-to-metal contact at the mounting surfaces can cause wheel nuts to loosen. This can cause a wheel to come off when the vehicle is moving, causing loss of control and possibly personal injury.

8. Clean the following components:

• | The wheel nuts

• | The bolts

• | The wheel

• | The brake drum or rotor mounting surfaces