GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

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.

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.
  2. Loosen each wheel nut two turns.
  3. Rock the vehicle from side to side in order to loosen the wheel, using the body weight of one or more persons.
  4. Repeat this procedure if the wheel is still tight.