GMC Sierra Owners Manual
Tire ChangingVehicle Care / Wheels and Tires / Tire Changing
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
A. Wing Nut Retaining Tool Kit
B. Tool Kit
C. Wheel Blocks
D. Jack
E. Jack Knob
F. Wing Nut Retaining Wheel Blocks
A. Wing Nut Retaining Tool Kit
B. Tool Kit
C. Wheel Blocks
D. Jack
E. Jack Knob
F. Wing Nut Retaining Wheel Blocks
A. Wing Nut Retaining Tool Kit
B. Tool Kit
C. Wheel Blocks
D. Jack
E. Jack Knob
For regular cab models, the equipment you will need is behind the passenger seat. For extended and crew cab models, the equipment is on the shelf behind the passenger side second row seat.
1. Turn the knob on the jack counterclockwise to lower the jack head to release the jack from its holder.
2. Turn the wing nut counterclockwise to remove the wheel blocks and the wheel block retainer.
3. Turn the wing nut used to retain the storage bag and tools counterclockwise to remove it.
Use the jack handle extensions and the wheel wrench to remove the underbody-mounted spare tire.
A. Spare Tire (Valve Stem Pointed Down)
B. Hoist Assembly
C. Hoist Cable
D. Tire/Wheel Retainer
E. Hoist Shaft
F. Hoist End of Extension Tool
G. Hoist Shaft Access Hole
H. Wheel Wrench
I. Jack Handle Extensions
J. Spare Tire Lock (If equipped)
1. Open the spare tire lock cover on the bumper and use the ignition key to remove the spare tire lock (J). To remove the spare tire lock, insert the ignition key turn and pull straight out.
2. Assemble the wheel wrench (H) and the two jack handle extensions (I), as shown.
3. Insert the hoist end (open end) (F) of the extension through the hole (G) in the rear bumper.
Do not use the chiseled end of the wheel wrench.
Be sure the hoist end of the extension (F) connects to the hoist shaft. The ribbed square end of the extension is used to lower the spare tire.
4. Turn the wheel wrench counterclockwise to lower the spare tire to the ground.
Continue to turn the wheel wrench until the spare tire can be pulled out from under the vehicle.
5. Pull the spare tire out from under the vehicle.
6. Tilt the tire toward the vehicle with some slack in the cable to access the tire/wheel retainer.
Tilt the retainer and pull it through the center of the wheel along with the cable and spring.
7. Put the spare tire near the flat tire.
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire
Use the following pictures and instructions to remove the flat tire and raise the vehicle.
A. Jack
B. Wheel Blocks
C. Jack Handle
D. Jack Handle Extension
E. Wheel Wrench
The tools you will be using include the jack (A), the wheel blocks (B), the jack handle (C), the jack handle extensions (D), and the wheel wrench (E).
1. Do a safety check before proceeding. See If a Tire Goes Flat on page 10‑78 for more information.
2. If the vehicle has wheel nut caps, loosen them by turning the wheel wrench counterclockwise.
If the vehicle has a center cap with wheel nut caps, the wheel nut caps are designed to stay with the center cap after they are loosened. Remove the entire center cap.
If the wheel has a smooth center cap, place the chisel end of the wheel wrench in the slot on the wheel, and gently pry it out.
3. Use the wheel wrench and turn it counterclockwise to loosen the wheel nuts. Do not remove the wheel nuts yet.
4. Position the jack under the vehicle, as shown. If the flat tire is on the front of the vehicle (1500 Model vehicles), position the jack under the bracket attached to the vehicle's frame, behind the flat tire.
Position the jack under the vehicle, as shown. If the flat tire is on the front of the vehicle (all other models), position the jack on the frame behind the flat tire.
5. If the flat tire is on the rear, for 1500 models position the jack under the rear axle about 5 cm (2 in) inboard of the shock absorber bracket.
For all other models, position the jack under the rear axle between the spring anchor and the shock absorber bracket.
If a snow plow has been added to the front of the vehicle, lower the snow plow fully before raising the vehicle.
Make sure that the jack head is positioned so that the rear axle is resting securely between the grooves that are on the jack head.
WARNING
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.
WARNING
Raising the 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.
6. 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 fit under the wheel well.
7. Remove all the wheel nuts and take off the flat tire.
WARNING
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, a cloth or a paper towel can be used; however, use a scraper or wire brush later to remove all rust or dirt.
8. Remove any rust or dirt from the wheel bolts, mounting surfaces, and spare wheel.
9. Install the spare tire.
WARNING
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.
10. Put the wheel nuts back on with the rounded end of the nuts toward the wheel.
11. Tighten each wheel nut by hand. Then use the wheel wrench to tighten the nuts until the wheel is held against the hub.
12. Turn the wheel wrench counterclockwise to lower the vehicle. Lower the jack completely.
WARNING
If wheel studs are damaged, they can break. If all the studs on a wheel broke, the wheel could come off and cause a crash.
If any stud is damaged because of a loose-running wheel, it could be that all of the studs are damaged. To be sure, replace all studs on the wheel. If the stud holes in a wheel have become larger, the wheel could collapse in operation. Replace any wheel if its stud holes have become larger or distorted in any way. Inspect hubs and hub-piloted wheels for damage. Because of loose running wheels, piloting pad damage may occur and require replacement of the entire hub, for proper centering of the wheels.
When replacing studs, hubs, wheel nuts or wheels, be sure to use GM original equipment parts.
WARNING
Wheel nuts that are improperly or incorrectly tightened can cause the wheels to become loose or come off. The wheel nuts should be tightened with a torque wrench to the proper torque specification after replacing. Follow the torque specification supplied by the aftermarket manufacturer when using accessory locking wheel nuts. See Capacities and Specifications on page 12‑2 for original equipment wheel nut torque specifications.
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 on page 12‑2 for the wheel nut torque specification.
13. Tighten the nuts firmly in a crisscross sequence, as shown, by turning the wheel wrench clockwise.
For vehicles with dual wheels, have a technician check the wheel nut tightness of all wheels with a torque wrench after the first 160 km (100 mi) and then 1600 km (1,000 mi) after that. Repeat this service whenever you have a tire removed or serviced. See Capacities and Specifications on page 12‑2 for more information.
When reinstalling the regular wheel and tire, also reinstall either the center cap, or bolt-on hub cap, depending on what the vehicle is equipped with. For center caps, place the cap on the wheel and tap it into place until it seats flush with the wheel. The cap only goes on one way. Be sure to line up the tab on the center cap with the indentation on the wheel. For bolt-on hub caps, align the plastic nut caps with the wheel nuts and then tighten by hand. Then use the wheel wrench to tighten.
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools
WARNING
Storing a jack, a tire, or other equipment in the passenger compartment of the vehicle could cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision, loose equipment could strike someone. Store all these in the proper place.
Notice: Storing an aluminum wheel with a flat tire under your vehicle for an extended period of time or with the valve stem pointing up can damage the wheel. Always stow the wheel with the valve stem pointing down and have the wheel/tire repaired as soon as possible.
Store the tire under the rear of the vehicle in the spare tire carrier.
A. Flat or Spare Tire (Valve Stem Pointed Down)
B. Hoist Assembly
C. Hoist Cable
D. Tire/Wheel Retainer
E. Hoist Shaft
F. Hoist End of Extension Tool
G. Hoist Shaft Access Hole
H. Wheel Wrench
I. Jack Handle Extensions
J. Spare Tire Lock (If Equipped)
1. Put the tire on the ground at the rear of the vehicle with the valve stem pointed down, and to the rear.
2. Pull the cable and spring through the center of the wheel.
Tilt the wheel retainer plate down and through the center wheel.
Make sure the retainer is fully seated across the underside of the wheel.
3. Attach the wheel wrench (H) and extensions (I) together, as shown.
4. Insert the hoist end (F) through the hole (G) in the rear bumper and onto the hoist shaft.
Do not use the chiseled end of the wheel wrench.
5. Raise the tire part way upward.
Make sure the retainer is seated in the wheel opening.
6. Raise the tire fully against the underside of the vehicle by turning the wheel wrench clockwise until you hear two clicks or feel it skip twice. You cannot overtighten the cable.
7. Make sure the tire is stored securely. Push, pull (A), and then try to turn (B) the tire. If the tire moves, use the wheel wrench to tighten the cable.
8. Reinstall the spare tire lock, if the vehicle has one.
To store the jack and jack tools:
A. Wing Nut Retaining Wheel Blocks
B. Wheel Blocks
C. Wing Nut Retaining Tool Kit
D. Wheel Wrench and Extensions
E. Tool Bag
F. Jack Mounting Bracket
G. Jack
H. Bolt Retaining Wheel Blocks
1. Put the tools (D) in the tool bag (E) and place them in the retaining bracket (C).
2. Tighten down the wing nut (C).
3. Assemble the wheel blocks (B) and jack (G) together with the wing nut (A) and retaining bolt (H).
4. Position the jack (G) in the mounting bracket (F). Position the holes in the base of the jack (G) onto the pin in the mounting bracket (F).
5. Return them to their original location in the vehicle. For more information, refer to “Removing the Spare Tire and Tools” for more information.
