OPERATION: REMOVING AND REPLACING WHEELS

 

Among the most common operations that a mechanic does, is the operation of removing and replacing wheels. This operation consists of removing them from their places and replacing them. It is an important one because it is done on a series of jobs, such as the rotation of the tyres, wheel alignment, repairing of the transmission, suspension, brakes and chassis.

 

METHOD OF EXECUTION:

1st step - Place the vehicle in the position in which it is going to be worked on.

2nd step - Take off the hub caps with a lever or a pry bar.

3rd step -Loosen the nuts that fasten the wheels, one turn with a wheel spanner.

4th step - Raise the front part of the vehicle on to the axle-stand (or dumb jack) thus:-

a) Place the wedges against the rear wheels.

b) Put a jack under the centre of the front part of the chassis (figure. 1), and lift the vehicle to a height that allows the axle-stand (or dumb jack) to be fitted under it.

c) Place the axle-stands under suitable parts of the chassis, one on eaoh side.

d) Lower the vehicle slowly until it rests on the axle-stands (or dumb jacks) and remove the jack.

 

REMARKS

 

1) Use a jack that is suited to the weight of the vehicle.

2) Choose axle-stands (or dumb jacks) best suited to the weight of the vehicle and which are tall enough to comfortably and safely work with

 

 

NOTE:

Get aid in lowering the vehicle. This way you may guide the

vehicle on to the axle-stand (or dumb jack) correctly and

ensure ttiat the wheels do not touch the floor.

 

SAFETY MEASURE:

 

ON LOWERING THE VEHICLE RECHECK THE POSITION OF THE WEDGES SO AS TO AVOID SLIPPING OR DROPPING OF THE VEHICLE.

 

5th step - Raise the back part of the vehicle on to the axle-stand thus:-

a) Remove the wedges from the rear wheels.

b) Place a jack under the centre of the axle-housing of the vehicle and raise the vehicle enough to give clearance for the axle-stand (or dumb jack).

c) Place the axle-stand under a suitable part of the chassis or axle-housing, one on each side.

d) Lower the vehicle slowly until it rests on the axle-stand (or dumb jack) (figure.2) and remove the jack.

 

6th step - Remove the nuts with a wheel spanner and remove the wheels.

7th step - Replace the wheels thus:-

a) Place the wheels in their positions and replace the nuts.

b) Turn the nuts manually until they are fixed in their positions.

c) Use a wheel spanner to tighten the nuts.

 

8th step - Remove the vehicle from the front axle-stands (or dumb jacks)

on to the ground thus:-

a) Raise the vehicle with the jack until the axle-stands can be removed.

b) Remove the axle-stands (or dumb jacks).

c) Lower the vehicle slowly and remove the jack.

d) Place wedges under the front wheels.

 

9th step - Lower the vehicle from the rear axle-stands (or dumb jacks) on to the ground by repeating the previous step.

10th step - Tighten the nuts in the order indicated in with a suitable torque wrench.