Tires and Wheels Buick Rendezvous I

Fastener Tightening Specifications

Fastener Tightening Specifications

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/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) in General Information.
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

Radial Tire Lead/Pull Correction

Aluminum Wheel Porosity Repair

1. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/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 Mounting and Dismounting»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-mounting-and-dismounting) .
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 P/N 12378478 (Canadian 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 Mounting and Dismounting»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-mounting-and-dismounting) .
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 - Off-Vehicle»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/oem-general-information/#vibration-symptoms-diagnosis-and-correction__tire-and-wheel-assembly-balancing) in Vibration Diagnosis and Correction.
16. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
17. Lower the vehicle.

Finish Damage Evaluation Procedure

1. Inspect the wheels for damage from uncoated wheel balance weights or from automatic car wash facilities.
2. Inspect the wheels for the following conditions: Corrosion Scrapes Gouges
3. Verify the damage is not deeper than what sanding can remove.
4. Inspect the wheels for cracks. If a wheel has cracks, discard the wheel.
5. Inspect the wheels for bent rim flanges. If a rim flange is bent, discard the wheel.

Refinishing Procedure

1. Remove the tire and wheel assembly from the vehicle. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
2. Remove the balance weights from the wheel.
3. Remove the tire from the wheel. Refer to «Tire Mounting and Dismounting»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-mounting-and-dismounting) .
4. Use a suitable cleaner in order to remove the following contaminants from the wheel: Lubricants Wax Dirt
5. Use plastic media blasting in order to remove the paint from the wheel.
6. If the wheel had a machined aluminum finish, spin the wheel and use sand paper in order to restore the circular machined appearance.
7. Mask the wheel mounting surface and the wheel nut contact surface.
8. Follow the paint manufacturer's instructions for painting the wheel.
9. Unmask the wheel.
10. Install a new valve stem.
11. Install the tire to the wheel. Refer to «Tire Mounting and Dismounting»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-mounting-and-dismounting) .
12. Use a suitable cleaner in order to remove the following contaminants from the wheel mounting surface: Corrosion Overspray Dirt
13. Install the tire and wheel assembly to the vehicle. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .

Tools Required

J 39544-KIT Complete Torque Socket Set

Removal Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) in General Information.
2. Remove the wheel cover, the wheel hub cap or the wheel nut caps as necessary.
3. Remove the wheel nuts.
4. Mark the relationship of the wheel to the hub.
5. Remove the tire and wheel. If the tire and wheel cannot be removed, perform the following steps: Install the wheel nuts. Then loosen each wheel nut two full revolutions. Lower the vehicle. Rock the vehicle from side to side firmly. Start the engine. Apply the regular brake. Place the transmission into Drive. Allow the vehicle to roll forward slightly. Apply the regular brake firmly and quickly. Place the transmission into Reverse. Allow the vehicle to roll backward slightly. Apply the regular brake firmly and quickly. Repeat Steps 5.4 through 5.12 until the wheel can be removed from the vehicle.
6. Clean the following components in order to remove any corrosion or foreign material accumulation: The wheel mounting surface The brake rotor/brake drum mounting surface

Installation Procedure

1. Align the marks on the wheel and the hub as indicated in the Removal Procedure.
2. Install the tire and wheel.
3. Install the wheel nuts. Tighten: Use J 39544-15A or a torque wrench in order to tighten the nuts to 140 N.m (100 lb ft) in the proper sequence.
4. Install the wheel cover, the wheel hub cap or the wheel nut caps as necessary. Tighten: Tighten the wheel nut caps to 3 N.m (27 lb in).
5. Lower the vehicle.

Tire Repair

Many different materials and techniques are available on the market in order to repair tires. Not all of the materials and techniques work on some types of tires. Tire manufacturers have published detailed instructions on how and when to repair tires. Obtain the instructions from the manufacturer. If the vehicle is equipped with a compact spare tire, do not repair the compact spare.

Compact Spare Tire Replacement

Note. The compact spare wheel should not be used with standard tires, snow tires, wheel covers or trim rings. If such use is attempted, damage to these items or other parts of the vehicle may occur. The compact spare should be used only on vehicles that offer it as original equipment.

Note. Do not take the vehicle through an automatic car wash with the compact spare installed. The vehicle may get caught, which could result in property damage.

Measure the compact spare inflation pressure periodically and maintain the inflation pressure at 420 kPa (60 psi). You can mount or dismount the tire from the wheel using present tire-changing equipment procedures.

Scheme 3

Tire Mounting and Dismounting

Note. Use a tire changing machine in order to dismount tires. Do not use hand tools or tire irons alone in order to remove the tire from the wheel. Damage to the tire beads or the wheel rim could result.

Note. Do not scratch or damage the clear coating on aluminum wheels with the tire changing equipment. Scratching the clear coating could cause the aluminum wheel to corrode and the clear coating to peel from the wheel.

Note. Damage to either the tire bead or the wheel mounting holes can result from the use of improper wheel attachment or tire mounting procedures. It takes up to 70 seconds for all of the air to completely exhaust from a large tire. Failure to follow the proper procedures could cause the tire changer to put enough force on the tire to bend the wheel at the mounting surface. Such damage may result in vibration and/or shimmy, and under severe usage lead to wheel cracking.

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 GM P/N 12345884 (Canadian P/N 5728223) or equivalent 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

Rotate the tires and wheels at frequent intervals to equalize wear. Refer to Scheduled Maintenance in Maintenance and Lubrication. In addition to scheduled rotation, rotate the tire and wheel whenever uneven tire wear is noticed.

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

1. Remove all of the tires/wheels. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
2. Rotate the tires/wheels. Always use a 4-wheel rotation. After rotation, check the wheel nuts for specified torque. Then, set the tire pressure.

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

Scheme 4

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

The location of these indicators are at 72 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).

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 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.

Scheme 5

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.

Scheme 6

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. Consult a tire dealer if you must replace the P-metric tire with other sizes. Tire companies can best recommend the closest match of alphanumeric to P-metric sizes within their own tire lines.

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.

Note. The use of non-GM original equipment wheels may cause: Damage to the wheel bearing, the wheel fasteners and the wheel Tire damage caused by the modified clearance to the adjacent vehicle components Adverse vehicle steering stability caused by the modified scrub radius Damage to the vehicle caused by the modified ground clearance Speedometer and odometer inaccuracy

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

Note. Do not heat wheels in an attempt to soften them for straightening or repair damage from striking curbs, etc. Do not weld wheels. The alloy used in these wheels is heat-treated and uncontrolled heating from welding affects the properties of the material.

Note. The use of tubes in tubeless tires is not a recommended repair due to the fact that speed ratings are greatly reduced.

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.

Special Tools

Special Tools Illustration Tool Number/Description J 39544-KIT Complete Torque Socket Set-10 Pieces

Scheme 7

See also:
• Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle
• Vehicle Leads/Pulls
• Measuring Wheel Alignment
• Tire and Wheel Assembly Balancing - Off-Vehicle
• Fastener Notice
• Scheduled Maintenance
• Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation
• Tire Mounting and Dismounting