Tires and Wheels Buick Encore I

Fastener Tightening Specifications

Fastener Tightening Specifications

Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers

Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers

Scheme 1

Inspection Procedure

1. Inspect the front tire wear.
2. Inspect the rear tire wear.
3. Rotate the tires if any of the following conditions exist: The amount of time or mileage since the last tire rotation matches the maintenance schedule. The outer tread blocks are worn more than the middle tread blocks (1). The outer tread blocks are worn more than the inner tread blocks (2). The middle tread blocks are worn more than the outer tread blocks (4).
4. Measure the wheel alignment if any of the following conditions exist: The tread blocks have feathered edges (3). The outer tread blocks are worn more than the inner tread blocks (2). The inner tread blocks are worn more than the outer tread blocks (2).
5. Inspect the struts or the shock absorbers if the tire tread exhibits a cupped appearance (3).

Scheme 2

Tire waddle is a side to side movement at the front of the vehicle and/or the rear of the vehicle. Tire waddle can be caused by the following conditions

1. A steel belt not being straight within the tire
2. Excessive lateral runout of the tire
3. Excessive lateral runout of the wheel

The tire waddle is most noticeable at a low speed of about 8-48 km/h (5-30 mph). Tire waddle may appear as ride roughness at 80-113 km/h (50-70 mph). Tire waddle may appear as a vibration at 80-113 km/h (50-70 mph).

1. Raise and support the vehicle with safety stands. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
2. Perform the following preliminary inspection: Mark the tire with a crayon in order to note the start and the stop position. Rotate each tire and wheel by hand. Inspect the tire for bulges or bent wheels. Replace as necessary.
3. Use tire substitution in order to identify the faulty tire. Perform the following steps for a tire substitution check: Use a comparable tire in order to replace each tire, one at a time. Test drive the vehicle. If the problem is tire or wheel related, you will eliminate the problem when you remove the faulty tire from the vehicle.

Wheel Mounting Surface Check

Replace any wheels that are bent or dented, or have excessive lateral or radial runout. Wheels with runout greater than specified may cause objectionable vibrations.

1. Use a straight edge 203-229 mm (8-9 in) long. Place the straight edge on the wheel inboard mounting surface. Try to rock the straightedge up and down within the mounting surface.
2. Repeat this procedure on at least 3-4 different positions on the inboard mounting surface. The outer ring of the mounting surface normally is raised above everything inside the mounting surface. The mounting surface will be raised above the outer ring if the wheel mounting surface has been bent on a tire changer. If you can rock the straight edge, the mounting surface is bent and you must replace the wheel.
3. Inspect the mounting wheel/nut holes for damage caused from over-torquing the wheel/nuts. Inspect for collapsed wheel/nut bosses. Inspect for cracked wheel bosses.
4. Replace the wheel if the wheel is bent.
5. Replace the wheel if the wheel/nut boss area is cracked.

Identify steel wheels with a 2 or 3-letter code stamped into the rim near the valve stem. Aluminum wheels have the code, the part number, and the manufacturer identification cast into the back side of the wheel.

Radial Tire Lead/Pull Correction

Lead/pull is the deviation of the vehicle from a straight path on a level road with no pressure on the steering wheel. Lead is usually caused by

1. Incorrect alignment
2. Uneven brake adjustment
3. Tire construction

The way in which a tire is built can produce lead/pull in the vehicle. Off-center belts on radial tires can cause the tire to develop a side force while the vehicle rolls straight down the road. If one side of the tire has even a little larger diameter than the diameter of the other side, the tire will tend to roll to one side. Unequal diameters will cause the tire to develop a side force which can produce vehicle lead/pull.

The radial lead/pull diagnosis chart should be used to determine whether the problem originates from an alignment problem or from the tires. Part of the lead diagnosis procedure calls for tire rotation that is different from the proper tire rotation pattern. If a medium-mileage to high-mileage tire is moved to the other side of the vehicle, be sure to check for ride roughness. Rear tires will not cause lead/pull.

Radial Tire Lead/Pull Correction

Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation

Special Tools

1. CH-41013 Rotor Resurfacing Kit
2. CH-42450-A Wheel Hub Resurfacing Kit

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools .

Removal Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
2. Remove the wheel cover, if equipped.
3. Remove the wheel nut caps (1), if equipped.
4. Remove the wheel nuts (1).
5. Remove the tire and wheel assembly (1).
6. If the tire and wheel assembly is difficult to remove or cannot be removed, perform the following steps: Hand install the wheel nuts. Loosen the wheel nuts 2 complete turns. Lower the vehicle. Rock the vehicle from side to side. Repeat the procedure if necessary.
7. When the tire and wheel assembly loosens, raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
8. Remove the wheel nuts.
9. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
10. If necessary and equipped , remove the center cap.

Installation Procedure

1. Using a wire brush or wire wheel, clean the wheel to brake rotor or drum mating surface.
2. Using the CH-41013 Rotor Resurfacing Kit , clean the rotor or drum to wheel contact area.
3. Using the CH-42450-A Wheel Hub Resurfacing Kit , clean the surfaces around the wheel studs.
4. Clean the threads of the wheel studs.
5. If the threads of the wheel stud are damaged, replace the wheel stud. Refer to «Wheel Stud Replacement»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__wheel-stud-replacement) , or «Wheel Stud Replacement»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system__wheel-stud-replacement) .
6. After cleaning all of the wheel and brake rotor or drum contact areas, use brake cleaner or denatured alcohol to remove any dirt and debris from the wheel nuts and the brake rotor or drum.
7. Inspect and clean the contact areas of the wheel. Refer to «Wheel Mounting Surface Check»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__wheel-mounting-surface-check) .
8. Apply a small amount of lubricant to the inner diameter of the wheel hub pilot hole (1) where it contacts the wheel hub flange. Refer to «Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__adhesives-fluids-lubricants-and-sealers) .
9. Install the tire and wheel assembly (1).
10. Hand install the wheel nuts (1).
11. Using a torque wrench and the appropriate socket, alternately and evenly tighten the wheel nuts to 140 (103 lb ft) in the sequence illustrated.
12. Install the wheel nut caps (1), if equipped.
13. Install the wheel center cap or wheel cover, if equipped.

Tire Dismounting and Mounting

1. Deflate the tire completely.
2. Use the tire changer in order to remove the tire from the wheel.
3. Use a wire brush or coarse steel wool in order to remove any rubber, light rust or corrosion from the wheel bead seats.
4. Apply an approved Lubricant to the tire bead and the wheel rim.
5. Use the tire changer in order to install the tire to the wheel.
6. Inflate the tire to the proper air pressure.
7. Ensure that the locating rings are visible on both sides of the tire in order to verify that the tire bead is fully seated on the wheel.

Tire Rotation

In order to equalize wear, rotate the tires at the specified intervals. Also, rotate the tire and wheel assembly whenever you notice uneven tire wear.

Radial tires tend to wear faster in the shoulder area, particularly in front positions, due to design. Radial tires in non-drive locations may develop an irregular wear pattern that can generate tire noise. This especially makes regular tire rotation necessary.

1. Remove the tires and wheels. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-and-wheel-removal-and-installation) .
2. For vehicles with single rear wheels (4 tires), rotate the tires as shown.
3. For vehicles with single rear wheels (5 tires), rotate the tires as shown.

Scheme 3

Most GM vehicles are equipped with steel belted all-season radial tires as standard equipment. These tires qualify as snow tires, with a higher than average rating for snow traction than the non-all season radial tires previously used. Other performance areas, such as wet traction, rolling resistance, tread life, and air retention, are also improved. This is done by improvements in both tread design and tread compounds. These tires are identified by an M + S molded in the tire side wall after the tire size. The suffix MS is also molded in the tire side wall after the TPC specification number.

The optional handling tires used on some vehicles now also have the MS marking after the tire size and the TPC specification number.

General Description

The factory installed tires are designed to operate satisfactorily with loads up to and including the full rated load capacity when these tires are inflated to the recommended pressures.

The following factors have an important influence on tire life

1. Correct tire pressures
2. Correct wheel alignment
3. Proper driving techniques
4. Tire rotation

The following factors increase tire wear

1. Heavy cornering
2. Excessively rapid acceleration
3. Heavy braking

Metric Wheel Nuts and Bolts Description

Metric wheel/nuts and bolts are identified in the following way

1. The wheel/nut has the word Metric stamped on the face.
2. The letter M is stamped on the end of the wheel bolt.

The thread sizes of metric wheel/nuts and the bolts are indicated by the following example: M12 x 1.5.

1. M = Metric
2. 12 = Diameter in millimeters
3. 1.5 = Millimeters gap per thread

Scheme 4

Replacement tires should be of the same tire performance criteria (TPC) specification number. This will ensure the same size, the same load range, and the same construction as those originally installed on the vehicle.

Replacement Wheels Description

Replace the wheel if any of the following conditions exist

1. The wheel exhibits excessive runout.
2. The wheel is bent.
3. The wheel is cracked.
4. The wheel is severely rusted.
5. The wheel is severely corroded.
6. The wheel leaks air.

Replace the wheel, the wheel studs and the wheel/nuts, or the wheel bolts if applicable, if any of the following conditions exist

1. The wheel has elongated bolt holes.
2. The wheel/nuts, or bolts if applicable, loosen repeatedly.

Steel wheel identification is stamped into the wheel near the valve stem.

Aluminum wheel identification is cast into the inboard side of the wheel.

Steel Wheel Repair Description

You can repair porosity in aluminum wheels. If leaks are found in a steel wheel, replace the wheel with a wheel of original equipment quality.

Tire Inflation Description

When you inflate the tires to the recommended inflation pressures, the factory-installed wheels and tires are designed in order to handle loads to the tire's rated load capacity. Incorrect tire pressures, or under-inflated tires, can cause the following conditions

1. Vehicle handling concerns
2. Poor fuel economy
3. Shortened tire life
4. Tire overloading

Inspect the tire pressure when the following conditions apply

1. The vehicle has been sitting at least 3 hours.
2. The vehicle has not been driven for more than 1.6 km (1 mi).
3. The tires are cool.

Inspect the tires monthly or before any extended trip. Adjust the tire pressure to the specifications on the tire label. Install the valve caps or the extensions on the valves. The caps or the extensions keep out dust and water.

The kilopascal (kPa) is the metric term for pressure. The tire pressure may be printed in both kilopascal (kPa) and psi. One psi equals 6.9 kPa.

Inflation Pressure Conversion (Kilopascals to PSI)

Tires with a higher than recommended pressure can cause the following conditions

1. A hard ride
2. Tire bruising
3. Rapid tread wear at the center of the tire

Tires with a lower than recommended pressure can cause the following conditions

1. A tire squeal on turns
2. Hard steering
3. Rapid wear and uneven wear on the edge of the tread
4. Tire rim bruises and tire rim rupture
5. Tire cord breakage
6. High tire temperatures
7. Reduced vehicle handling
8. High fuel consumption
9. Soft riding

Unequal pressure on the same axle can cause the following conditions

1. Uneven braking
2. Steering lead
3. Reduced vehicle handling

Refer to the Tire Placard for specific tire and wheel applications and tire pressures.

Balancing Tires

There are two types of tire and wheel balancing: static and dynamic.

Static balance is the equal distribution of weight around the wheel. Assemblies that are statically unbalanced cause a bouncing action called wheel tramp. This condition may eventually cause uneven tire wear.

Scheme 5

Dynamic balance is the equal distribution of weight on each side of the centerline so that when the assembly spins there is no tendency for it to move from side to side. Assemblies that are dynamically unbalanced may cause wheel shimmy.

Scheme 6

General Balance Precautions

Remove all deposits of foreign material from the inside of the wheel.

Inspect the tire for any damage. Balance the tire according to the equipment manufacturer's recommendations.

Wheel Weights

If more than 85 grams (3.0 ounces) are needed to static balance the wheel, split the wheel weights as equally as possible between the inboard and the outboard flanges.

Balancing the assemblies with factory alloy wheels requires the use of special nylon-coated, clip-on wheel weights. These weights are designed to fit over the thicker rim flange of the alloy wheel. Install these weights with a plastic-tipped hammer.

Adhesive wheel weights are also available. Use the following procedure to install adhesive wheel weights

Scheme 7

Adhesive Wheel Weight Installation

1. Clean the wheel by sanding it to bare alloy where the wheel weight will be installed.
2. Use a clean cloth or paper towel saturated with a mixture of half isopropyl alcohol and half water to wipe the place where the wheel weight will be installed.
3. Dry the area with hot air. The surface of the wheel should be warm to the touch.
4. Warm the adhesive backing on the wheel weights to room temperature.
5. Remove the tape from the back of the weights. Do not touch the adhesive surface.
6. Apply the wheel weight and press it on with hand pressure
7. Secure the wheel weight with a 70-110 N (16-25 lb) force applied with a roller.

Tire Chain Usage

Due to limited tire-to-body clearance on certain vehicles, recommendations for tire chain use are published in the Owner's Manual. When tire chains need to be used, most current General Motors vehicles require SAE Class "S" tire chains. These may also be designated as 1100 Series, type PL tire chains. These chains are specifically designed to limit the "fly off" effect which occurs when the wheel rotates.

Be sure that only fine-link chains are used which do not add more than 15 mm (0.590 in), including the lock, to the tread surface and the inner sides of the tires. Manufacturers of tire chains have a specific chain size for each tire size to ensure a proper fit when the chain is installed. Be sure to purchase the correct chains for the tires on which they are to be used. Use rubber adjusters to take up any slack or clearance in loose chains.

Use of chains may adversely affect vehicle handling. When tire chains are installed, follow these precautions

1. Adjust speed to road conditions
2. Avoid sharp turns
3. Avoid locked-wheel braking

To prevent chain damage to the vehicle, install the chains on the front tires as tightly as possible. Tighten them again after driving 0.4-0.8 kilometer (0.3-0.5 mile). The use of chains on the rear tires is not recommended because they may contact the vehicle and possibly damage it. If chains must be used on the rear tires, be sure there is sufficient clearance between the chains and the body. Do not exceed 70 km/h (45 mph) or the chain manufacturer's speed limit, if lower. Avoid large bumps, potholes, severe turns and any other maneuvers which could cause the tires to bounce. Follow any other instructions of the chain manufacturer which do not disagree with the above instructions.

Scheme 8

The original equipment tires have tread wear indicators that show when you should replace the tires.

The location of these indicators are at 60 degree intervals around the outer diameter of the tire. The indicators appear as a 6 mm (0.25 in) wide band when the tire tread depth becomes 1.6 mm (2/32 in).

Special Tools

Illustration Tool Number/ Description CH 41013 J 41013 Rotor Resurfacing kit CH 42450-A J 42450-A Wheel Hub Resurfacing Kit

Scheme 9

Scheme 10

See also:
• Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle
• Wheel Stud Replacement
• Wheel Stud Replacement
• Fastener Caution
• Special Tools
• Wheel Mounting Surface Check
• Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers
• Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation