Here's a step-by-step guide:
1. Preparation:
* Gather your tools: You'll need a lug wrench (the size depends on your Lumina's year – check your owner's manual), a jack, jack stands, and ideally, wheel chocks. A glove might also be helpful.
* Park on a level surface: Ensure the car is parked on a firm, level surface, away from traffic.
* Engage the parking brake: This is crucial for safety.
* Use wheel chocks (highly recommended): Place wheel chocks behind the wheels that *aren't* being worked on to prevent the car from rolling.
2. Jacking up the car:
* Locate the jack points: Consult your owner's manual to find the designated jack points for your specific Lumina model year. These are usually reinforced areas of the frame.
* Position the jack: Carefully place 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. Securing with jack stands:
* Place jack stands: Before you do anything else, place jack stands under the vehicle's frame near the jack point. Make sure they are securely positioned and engaged. *Never rely solely on a jack.*
* Lower the car onto the jack stands: Carefully lower the car onto the jack stands. The weight should be fully supported by the jack stands, not the jack.
4. Removing the lug nuts:
* Loosen the lug nuts: Use your lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you're removing. Turn them counter-clockwise. It may require some force, especially if they're tight. You only need to loosen them, not remove them completely at this stage.
5. Removing the wheel:
* Remove the lug nuts completely: Once loosened, completely remove the lug nuts and keep them in a safe place (e.g., a container or inside the hubcap).
* Pull off the wheel: Carefully pull the wheel straight off the hub.
6. Installing the new lug nuts/bolts or replacing the wheel:
* If replacing the wheel: Mount the new wheel onto the hub, ensuring it's flush against the hub.
* Install the lug nuts/bolts: Screw the lug nuts/bolts on by hand, ensuring they're started straight.
* Tighten the lug nuts/bolts: Use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts/bolts in a star pattern (opposite nuts first, then the ones in between). This ensures even tightening and prevents warping the wheel. Don't overtighten; use firm but not excessive force. Refer to your owner's manual for the recommended torque specification.
7. Lowering the car:
* Raise the car slightly: Use the jack to raise the car slightly off the jack stands. This gives you some clearance to remove the jack stands.
* Remove the jack stands: Carefully remove the jack stands.
* Lower the car to the ground: Slowly lower the car to the ground using the jack.
8. Final tightening:
* Final tightening: Once the car is on the ground, give the lug nuts/bolts one final tightening with the lug wrench.
9. Important Considerations:
* Torque specifications: Your owner's manual will specify the correct torque for your lug nuts. Overtightening can damage the wheel studs, while under-tightening can cause the wheel to come loose. A torque wrench is highly recommended for this step.
* Wheel studs: Inspect the wheel studs for damage before installing the new wheel. Damaged studs need to be replaced.
* Correct lug nuts: Use the correct lug nuts for your wheels. Using incorrect lug nuts can be dangerous.
If you're unsure about any step, consult your owner's manual or take your car to a qualified mechanic. Working on your car involves risk; it's better to be safe than sorry.
