1. Preparation:
* Safety First: Engage the parking brake firmly. Find a level, stable surface to work on. Use wheel chocks behind the wheels that *aren't* being worked on for extra safety. Wear safety glasses.
* Gather Tools: You'll need a lug wrench (the correct size for your Corsica's lug nuts), a jack, and jack stands. A wheel chock is also highly recommended. Gloves are a good idea too.
* Locate Owner's Manual: Your owner's manual will likely have diagrams and specific torque specifications for your vehicle's lug nuts. This is crucial for safe reinstallation.
2. Jacking Up the Car:
* Locate Jack Points: Consult your owner's manual to find the proper jacking points for your 1990 Chevy Corsica. These are usually reinforced areas of the frame near the wheel. Do not jack up the car on the rocker panels or any flimsy part of the body.
* Position the Jack: Carefully position the jack under the designated jack point.
* Raise the Car: Slowly and steadily raise the car until the tire is a few inches off the ground.
3. 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 *critical* for safety. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
* Lower the Car Onto Jack Stands: Carefully lower the car onto the jack stands, ensuring they are stable and securely in place. Then, fully remove the jack.
4. Removing the Wheel:
* Loosen Lug Nuts: Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts. Turn them counter-clockwise. You might need to put your weight into it initially to break them free. Don't remove them completely yet, just loosen them enough to turn easily by hand.
* Remove Lug Nuts: Once loosened, completely unscrew the lug nuts and keep them together in a safe place (e.g., a container, inside the hubcap).
* Remove the Wheel: Carefully pull the wheel straight off the hub. It might require a little force, but avoid banging or prying.
5. Reinstallation (Reverse the Steps):
* Install the Wheel: Align the wheel with the hub and push it on.
* Tighten Lug Nuts: Hand-tighten the lug nuts.
* Lower the Car: Carefully lower the car using the jack stands.
* Tighten Lug Nuts (Final): Once the car is on the ground, use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern (opposite nuts, then the next set). This ensures even tightening and prevents warping the brake rotor. Refer to your owner's manual for the correct torque specification.
Important Considerations:
* Flat Tire: If you're dealing with a flat tire, be extra cautious when handling it.
* Stuck Lug Nuts: If the lug nuts are extremely stubborn, consider using a penetrating lubricant (like WD-40) and letting it sit for a while before trying again. If you still can't remove them, seek professional assistance.
* Wheel Alignment: After replacing a wheel, it's a good idea to get a wheel alignment to ensure proper handling and tire wear.
If you're uncomfortable performing this task yourself, it's always best to take your car to a qualified mechanic. Improperly jacking or removing a wheel can be dangerous.
