How to Replace One Tire on a Chevrolet Tahoe
by Teri Olcott
A flat or damaged tire on a Chevy Tahoe should be removed and changed immediately. The Tahoe is a top-heavy SUV and driving on a flat or soft tire can result in injury to the driver and passengers. Although Tahoe tires are heavy (around 45 lbs.) and large (anywhere from 16 - 20" rims), it is not difficult to change a tire.
Jack Kit and Spare Tire
Step 1
Read the owner's manual to locate the jack kit. The Tahoe's jack kit will be in a compartment in the back of the vehicle. Locate the access hole to the spare tire hoist. Most access holes are in the rear bumper.
Step 2
If the spare tire is mounted on the back of the tailgate, remove the tire, and proceed to the section on replacing the tire.
Step 3
Insert the open end of the jack extension handle from the jack kit into the hoist access hole until it connects with the hoist shaft. Turn the extension handle counterclockwise to lower the spare tire to the ground.
Step 4
Pull up on the retaining clip in the center of the spare tire to remove it from the hoist cable.
Step 5
Turn the extension handle clockwise to wind the hoist cable back up into the vehicle.
Replacing the Tire
Step 1
Make sure the vehicle is in gear, or in "park," if the transmission is an automatic. Set the emergency brake.
Step 2
Use the flat end of the tire iron to remove the center lug nut cover or hub cap.
Step 3
Place the socket end of the tire iron on a lug nut, and turn counterclockwise to loosen the lug nut one or two turns. Loosen the remaining lug nuts, but do not remove them.
Step 4
Position the jack under the frame of the vehicle. If you are changing a front tire, the jacking point is located behind the wheel well, where the frame overlaps. For a rear tire, the jacking point is located directly behind the wheel well. If you cannot locate the jacking points, refer to the owner's manual.
Step 5
Use the jack and the extension handles to raise the vehicle until the tire is at least 2" off the ground.
Step 6
Use the tire iron to completely remove the lug nuts. Place the lug nuts in a secure location.
Step 7
Pull off the damaged tire, and roll it to the side.
Step 8
Position the spare tire over the wheel studs. Push the tire against the wheel hub, and screw the lug nuts onto the wheel studs by hand. Do not cross-thread the lugs nuts. They should turn easily.
Step 9
Use the jack to slowly lower the vehicle to the ground.
Step 10
Use the tire iron to tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross order until all lug nuts are tight.
Step 11
Return the jack kit to the vehicle, and place the damaged tire in the back of the vehicle. It's possible the tire can be repaired, if the damage is to the tread area.
References
Tips
- If the lug nuts will not loosen, use your foot to push down or stand on the tire iron. You can also use your foot to tighten the lug nuts.
Things You'll Need
- Jack kit
- Spare tire
Warnings
- Make sure the vehicle is parked on a level surface. If parked on the side of the road, turn on the four-way emergency flashers.
- Do not crawl under the vehicle while it is raised with the jack. A tire jack is not meant to be a jack stand.
Writer Bio
Residing in the Endless Mountains of Pennsylvania, Teri Olcott began her writing career in 1992 as a small-town newspaper reporter. In 1998, Olcott entered the technical writing field. Her articles have appeared in “Radiant Press” magazine and “Epoch” magazine. Olcott holds an Associate of Science in radiologic technology from SUNY Binghamton.
