Changing wheels

If you need to change a wheel, it's important to follow the recommended procedure.

 Warning

Raising the vehicle to change a wheel

Changing a wheel requires that you raise the wheel off the ground. Carefully follow the separate instructions for raising the vehicle safely.

  • If you are changing the wheel in or close to traffic, make sure you and the vehicle are clearly visible to others. Activate the hazard warning lights and put out a warning triangle in a visible but safe place.
  • Designate a safe space for passengers to wait, away from both the vehicle and traffic.
  • You are responsible for safety around the vehicle while it is raised. Do not allow people inside or close to the vehicle.
  • Never get under the vehicle or let anyone reach under it with any part of their body while it is raised with a jack.

Before removing the wheel

The wheels on your vehicle are fastened with wheel bolts. For extra security, you can use lockable bolts.

 Important

  • Make sure that the dimensions of the replacement wheel are approved for your vehicle.1
  • Make sure you read through all the instructions before you start. Get all the tools you need before the vehicle is raised.2

Removing the wheel

Remove the wheel fastener cap.
While your vehicle is still on the ground, use the wheel wrench to loosen the wheel fasteners approximately 0.5-1 turn. Press the wrench downwards while the wrench is extended to the left to avoid personal injury. The counterclockwise rotation loosens the fastener. If you have fasteners that are lockable bolts, start with them.
Follow the instructions on how to safely raise the vehicle.
Raise the vehicle high enough so that the wheel you want to remove is off the ground. Remove the fasteners and lift off the wheel.

 Tip

When switching wheels between winter and summer, mark which side they were mounted on, for example L for left and R for right.

Mounting the wheel

Clean the surfaces between the wheel and hub.
Mount the wheel. Make sure you tighten the fasteners. However, the final tightening to the specified torque is done when the wheel is back on the ground and unable to rotate while you do it.

 Warning

  • Make sure that you put the wheels on the correct axle. Incorrectly mounted wheels can affect the vehicle's handling.
  • Never use lubricant on the wheel fastener threads. This could cause the wheel fasteners to loosen after tightening.
Lower the vehicle back to the ground.
When on the ground, the wheel can't rotate, making final tightening easier.

Fasten the fasteners crosswise. If the vehicle is equipped with lockable bolts, finish with those. It’s very important that the fasteners are properly secured. Tighten to 140 Nm (103 lb-ft). Check the tightening torque with a torque wrench. Over-tightened or loosely tightened fasteners may damage the fastening threads or the wheel itself.

Wheel fasteners tightened crosswise.
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2
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Tighten the wheel fasteners crosswise.
Place the wheel fastener cover back over the fasteners, using the guide markers to position it correctly, then press it into place. Ensure that it's securely fastened.

 Warning

Check the wheel fasteners

The wheel fasteners may need to be re-tightened a few days after the wheel has been changed. Temperature differences and vibrations may cause them to loosen.

Wheel properties after a wheel change

Be attentive to signs of incorrectly mounted wheels. This could affect the vehicle's braking characteristics and the ability to deflect rain and slush.

When you have changed the type or size of the wheels, you should drive carefully at first. The dynamics and driving characteristics of the wheels may have changed.

  1. 1 Some spare wheels have different dimensions. If your vehicle is approved for the spare wheel you intend to use, the difference in dimensions is okay.
  2. 2 Use tools that are designed for your vehicle model.