1. Safety First!
* Park on a level surface: This is crucial for stability. Engage the parking brake firmly.
* Gather your tools: You'll need a lug wrench (preferably a four-way), a jack, jack stands (essential for safety), and possibly a wheel chock (to prevent the car from rolling). Gloves are also recommended.
* Locate your spare tire, jack, and lug wrench: These are usually located in the trunk. Familiarize yourself with their locations before you start.
2. Prepare the Vehicle:
* Engage the parking brake: This is absolutely critical.
* Wheel chock (optional but recommended): Place a wheel chock behind the wheel opposite the one you're changing to prevent the car from rolling.
* Locate the jack points: Consult your owner's manual for the correct jacking points on your 87 Chevy Celebrity. These are usually reinforced areas of the frame near the wheels. Do not jack up the car on the rocker panels or other flimsy parts.
3. Jacking Up the Car:
* Position the jack: Carefully place the jack under the designated jack point.
* Raise the vehicle: Slowly and steadily raise the vehicle until the tire is a few inches off the ground.
4. Secure with Jack Stands:
* Place jack stands: Before you do anything else, place jack stands under the vehicle's frame near the jack point. These are absolutely essential for safety. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
* Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands: Slowly lower the vehicle onto the jack stands until the weight is fully supported. Then remove the jack.
5. Remove the Wheel:
* Loosen the lug nuts: Use your lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts. Turn them counterclockwise. You may need to put your foot on the wrench for extra leverage. Do not remove the nuts completely yet, just loosen them.
* Remove the lug nuts: Once they are loose, completely remove the lug nuts and keep them together in a safe place (e.g., a container or pocket).
* Remove the wheel: Carefully pull the wheel off the hub. It might be a little stuck, so give it a gentle but firm tug.
6. Install the New Wheel Assembly:
* Mount the new wheel: Align the wheel with the wheel studs on the hub.
* Install the lug nuts: Hand-tighten the lug nuts, ensuring they are started evenly.
* Tighten the lug nuts: Using your lug wrench, tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern (opposite nuts, then the ones in between). This ensures even pressure and prevents warping the brake rotor. Tighten them firmly but don't over-tighten.
7. Lower the Vehicle and Final Tightening:
* Lower the vehicle: Carefully lower the vehicle from the jack stands using the jack. Lower it slowly and steadily.
* Final Tightening: Once the wheel is on the ground, give the lug nuts one final tightening with the lug wrench.
8. Stow the Old Wheel and Tools:
* Put the old wheel and the tools back in their proper places.
Important Considerations for an 87 Chevy Celebrity:
* Lug nut torque: Consult your owner's manual for the correct lug nut torque specification. Over-tightening can damage the wheel studs or nuts. Under-tightening can cause the wheel to come loose while driving.
* Wheel size and type: Ensure the replacement wheel assembly is the correct size and type for your vehicle. Using the wrong wheel can damage your car's suspension or handling.
* Brake components: If you notice anything unusual with your brake pads or rotors while changing the wheel, have them inspected by a mechanic.
If you are not comfortable performing this task yourself, it's best to take your car to a qualified mechanic. Changing a tire is relatively straightforward, but mistakes can lead to injury or damage to your vehicle. Remember safety is paramount.
