Tires and Wheels Buick LaCrosse II

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/lacrosse/ii-2009-2013/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. Thoroughly clean the wheel mounting surface with a clean shop towel and denatured alcohol, or equivalent.
2. 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 straight edge up and down within the mounting surface.
3. For aluminum flat-mount wheels, repeat the procedure in step 2 on at least 3-4 different positions on the inboard mounting surface. If you can rock the straight edge, the mounting surface is bent and you must replace the wheel.
4. 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.
5. For steel wheels, repeat the procedure in step 2 on at least 3-4 different positions on the inboard mounting surface. The outer mounting ring is designed to be raised slightly above the inner mounting ring. If you can rock the straight edge, the mounting surface is bent and you must replace the wheel.
6. 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.
7. Replace the wheel if the wheel is bent.
8. 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

Radial Tire Lead/Pull Correction

Aluminum Wheel Porosity Repair

1. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/buick/lacrosse/ii-2009-2013/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
2. Inflate the tire to the manufactures specified pressure as stated on the tire.
3. Submerge the tire/wheel into a water bath in order to locate the leak.
4. Inscribe a mark on the wheel in order to indicate the leak areas.
5. Inscribe a mark on the tire at the valve stem in order to Indicate the orientation of the tire to the wheel.
6. Remove the tire from the wheel. Refer to «Tire Dismounting and Mounting»(/buick/lacrosse/ii-2009-2013/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-dismounting-and-mounting) .
7. Use number 80 grit sandpaper to scuff the inside of the rim surface at the leak area.
8. Use general purpose cleaner such as 3M®, P/N 08984 or equivalent, to clean the leak area.
9. Apply 3 mm (0.12 in) thick layer of adhesive/sealant, GM US P/N 12378478, Canada P/N 88900041 or equivalent, to the leak area.
10. Allow for the adhesive/sealant to dry.
11. Align the inscribed mark on the tire with the valve stem on the wheel.
12. Install the tire to the wheel. Refer to «Tire Dismounting and Mounting»(/buick/lacrosse/ii-2009-2013/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-dismounting-and-mounting) .
13. Inflate the tire to the manufactures specified pressure as stated on the tire.
14. Submerge the tire/wheel into a water bath in order ensure the leak is sealed.
15. Balance the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Assembly Balancing - On-Vehicle»(/buick/lacrosse/ii-2009-2013/remont/oem-general-information/#vibration-diagnosis-and-correction__tire-and-wheel-assembly-balancing) .
16. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/buick/lacrosse/ii-2009-2013/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
17. Lower the vehicle.

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/lacrosse/ii-2009-2013/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
2. Remove the wheel center cap, if equipped.
3. Remove the wheel center cap nuts, if equipped.
4. Remove the wheel nuts.
5. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
6. If the tire and wheel assembly is difficult to remove or cannot be removed, perform the following steps: Apply a small amount of penetrating oil to the wheel nuts, and the center hub. Allow a few moments for the penetrating oil to work. Loosen each wheel nut 2 complete turns. Lower the vehicle. Rock the vehicle from side to side. Repeat the procedure if necessary.
7. If the tire and wheel assembly still does not loosen, perform the following: Start the engine. Allow the vehicle to move forward, and quickly apply the brakes. Repeat this procedure in reverse. Repeat this procedure if necessary.
8. With the tire and wheel assembly loose, raise and support the vehicle.
9. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
10. Using a wire brush or wire wheel, clean the rotor to the wheel or brake drum to wheel hub contact area.
11. Where possible, use the CH 41013 kit to clean the contact areas of the wheel to brake rotor or brake drum.
12. Using the CH 42450-A wheel hub resurfacing kit (1), clean the surface around the wheel studs.
13. Clean the threads of the wheel studs. If the threads are damaged, replace the wheel stud. For the front wheel stud replacement, refer to «Wheel Stud Replacement»(/buick/lacrosse/ii-2009-2013/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__wheel-stud-replacement) . For the rear wheel stud replacement, refer to «Wheel Stud Replacement»(/buick/lacrosse/ii-2009-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system__wheel-stud-replacement) .
14. After cleaning all the contact areas, use brake clean or denatured alcohol to remove all the penetrating oil, dirt and debris from the wheel nuts, brake rotor or brake drum.
15. Inspect and clean the contact area of the wheel. Refer to «Wheel Mounting Surface Check»(/buick/lacrosse/ii-2009-2013/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__wheel-mounting-surface-check) .

Installation Procedure

1. Install the tire and wheel assembly.
2. Hand start the wheel nuts.
3. Using the proper size socket and the torque wrench, tighten the wheel nuts in the proper sequence. Refer to «Fastener Tightening Specifications»(/buick/lacrosse/ii-2009-2013/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__fastener-tightening-specifications) .
4. Install the wheel center cap, if required.
5. Install the wheel cap nuts, if required.
6. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.

Scheme 3

Wheel Trim Cover Hub Cap Replacement

Tire Dismounting and Mounting

1. Remove the valve core from the valve stem.
2. Deflate the tire completely.
3. Use the tire changer in order to remove the tire from the wheel. Follow steps 4-7 to remove the tire from the wheel.
4. When separating the tire bead from the wheel, position the bead breaking fixture 90, 180 and 270 degrees from the valve stem.
5. Position the wheel and tire so the valve stem is at the 7 o'clock position relative to the head. The tire iron or pry bar can be inserted when prying the outer tire bead up and over the mounting/dismounting head.
6. Position the wheel and tire so the valve stem is again at the 7 o'clock position relative to the head. The tire iron or pry bar can be inserted when prying the inner tire bead up and over the mounting/dismounting head.
7. Remove all residual liquid sealant from the inside of the tire and wheel surfaces. If any tire sealant is noted upon tire dismounting on vehicles equipped with TPM, replace the tire pressure sensor. Refer to «Tire Pressure Indicator Sensor Replacement»(/buick/lacrosse/ii-2009-2013/remont/warning-system/#tire-pressure-monitoring-system) .
8. Use a wire brush or coarse steel wool in order to remove any rubber, light rust or corrosion from the wheel bead seats.
9. Apply mounting lubricant to the tire bead and the wheel rim. Refer to «Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers»(/buick/lacrosse/ii-2009-2013/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__adhesives-fluids-lubricants-and-sealers) .
10. Position the rim so the valve stem (1) is at the 7 o'clock position relative to the head (2). This will protect the sensor when the bottom bead seats.
11. Using the tire machine, rotate the tire/wheel assembly clockwise when transferring the tire bead to the inside of the wheel rim. Ensure that the valve stem (1) is at the 7 o'clock position.
12. After the bottom bead is on the wheel, reposition the wheel and tire so that the valve stem (1) is at the 7 o'clock position relative to the head. This will protect the sensor while mounting the tire bead to the outside of the wheel.
13. Use the tire changer in order to install the tire to the wheel.
14. Inflate the tire until it passes the bead humps. Be sure that the valve core is not installed at this time.
15. Install the valve core to the valve core stem.
16. Inflate the tire to the proper air pressure.
17. 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.

All Seasons Tires Description

Steel belted all-season radial 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.

General Description

This vehicle has been engineered to operate up to the stated load capacity with wheel and tire assemblies of the type, size, construction, and configuration as originally installed. Maintenance of the tire inflation pressures is critical to the continued satisfactory performance, handling, and operating economy of the vehicle. Operation with incorrectly or improperly inflated tires can adversely affect vehicle performance and may contribute to the following

1. Reduced fuel economy
2. Tire overloading
3. Shortened tire life
4. Excessive tire wear
5. Uneven tire wear
6. Vehicle handling concerns

Inspect the tire pressures when the vehicle has not been driven for at least 3 hours or not more than 1.6 km (1 mi) and when the tires are cool to the touch.

Tire inflation pressures should be inspected monthly and before an extended trip and adjusted to meet the specifications listed for the particular vehicle. Replace any missing or damaged tire valve stem extensions and/or caps to prevent the intrusion of water and contaminates.

One pound per square inch (psi) equals 6.9 kilopascals (kPa). The following table illustrates the conversion of kilopascals to pounds per square inch

Inflation Pressure Conversion (Kilopascals to PSI)

For the correct inflation pressures refer to the vehicle Tire Placard.

Tires inflated to a higher than recommended pressure can contribute to the following conditions

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

Tires inflated to a lower than recommended pressure can contribute to the following conditions

1. Tire squeal on turns
2. Hard steering
3. Rapid and/or uneven wear on the outer edges of the tread
4. Tire rim bruises and tire rim rupture
5. Tire cord breakage
6. High tire temperatures
7. Sluggish vehicle handling
8. Higher fuel consumption

Unequal pressure on the same axle can cause the following conditions

1. Uneven braking action
2. Steering lead
3. Imprecise vehicle handling

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

Tire Designation

The dimensions of a P-metric sized tire are described in its designation as per the following table.

Example: 205/65 R 15 94V

Scheme 4

Construction Type

Load Index

Speed Rating

The marking of the tire in the example means

1. 205 - Tire width is 205 mm
2. 65 - Aspect Ratio is 65% (height is 65% of width)
3. 205 - Tire width is 205 mm
4. 16 - The tire is for 16 inch rim
5. 94 - Max load is 670 kg (1, 474 lb)
6. V - Max speed is 240 km/h (149 mph)

There may sometimes be an added marking showing that the tire can handle more load

1. RF - Reinforced
2. XL - Extra Load

Winter tires have an extra marking M+S.

Week of Manufacture

The week and year of manufacture is indicated on the tire.

Scheme 5

The 2 first digits states the production week and the 2 last digits states the year. The symbol "<" points to the year. The code 0200< means that the tire is manufactured week 02 year 2000.

Replacing Tires

When replacing wheels/tires/rims using other dimensions always use the diagnostic tool to program the new values to avoid inaccuracy for e.g. speedometer, odometer and TPMS.

Most P-metric tire sizes do not have exact corresponding alphanumeric tire sizes. Replacement tires should be of the same tire performance criteria TPC specification number including 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 corroded.
5. 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.

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

When replacing wheels/tires/rims using other dimensions always use the diagnostic tool to program the new values to avoid inaccuracy for e.g. speedometer, odometer and TPMS.

Tire Inflation 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

Scheme 6

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).

Illustration Tool Number/Description CH 41013 J 41013 Rotor Resurfacing kit Not used in Europe CH 42450-A J 42450-A Wheel Hub Resurfacing Kit Not used in Europe

Scheme 7

Scheme 8

See also:
• Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle
• Vehicle Leads/Pulls
• Wheel Alignment Measurement
• Tire and Wheel Assembly Balancing - On-Vehicle
• Wheel Stud Replacement
• Wheel Stud Replacement
• Tire Pressure Indicator Sensor Replacement
• Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation
• Tire Dismounting and Mounting
• Wheel Mounting Surface Check
• Fastener Tightening Specifications
• Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers