Here's a general outline. Specific steps might vary slightly depending on your exact Navigator model. Always consult your owner's manual for detailed instructions and torque specifications:
1. Safety First:
* Park on a level surface and engage the parking brake firmly.
* Chock the front wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
* Gather your tools: Lug wrench, jack, jack stands (crucial for safety), new lug nuts (make sure they are the correct size and thread pitch for your Navigator), possibly a torque wrench (highly recommended).
2. Raise the Vehicle:
* Locate the jack points on your Navigator's frame near the rear wheels. Consult your owner's manual for the correct locations.
* Securely position the jack and carefully raise the vehicle until the rear tire is several inches off the ground.
3. Secure with Jack Stands:
* Place jack stands under the vehicle's frame at the appropriate jack points, ensuring they are stable and securely supporting the vehicle's weight. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
4. Remove the Wheel:
* Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts. Turn them counterclockwise. You might need to put some force on it; a breaker bar can help if they're stuck.
* Once loosened, remove the lug nuts completely. Keep them together in a safe place.
* Remove the wheel.
5. Replace the Lug Nuts:
* Carefully inspect the wheel studs. If any are bent or damaged, they need to be replaced before installing the new wheel.
* Thread the new lug nuts onto the wheel studs. Start by hand-threading them a few turns to ensure they are going on correctly.
* Install the new wheel.
6. Tighten the Lug Nuts:
* Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern, not sequentially. This ensures even pressure across the wheel. Use your lug wrench to tighten them snugly but not fully torqued yet.
* Lower the vehicle slightly using the jack just enough to take the weight off the jack stands.
* Fully tighten the lug nuts using the star pattern again. A torque wrench is essential for this step to ensure the nuts are tightened to the manufacturer's specification. Consult your owner's manual for the correct torque setting. Over-tightening can damage the studs or wheel. Under-tightening can lead to the wheel coming loose.
7. Lower the Vehicle and Final Check:
* Carefully lower the vehicle to the ground using the jack.
* Remove the jack and jack stands.
* Double-check that all lug nuts are tightened to the correct torque.
* Take a short test drive to ensure everything is secure.
Important Notes:
* Wheel studs: If a wheel stud is broken or damaged, you'll need to replace it. This is a more involved process and may require specialized tools.
* Torque specification: Using the correct torque is critical for safety. Too tight, and you risk damage; too loose, and the wheel could come off.
* Wheel alignment: If you've had any issues with your wheel alignment before, you may want to have it checked after replacing the lug nuts.
This information is for guidance only. Consult your owner's manual for specific instructions and torque specifications for your 2002 Lincoln Navigator. If you are not comfortable performing this task, it is strongly recommended to have a qualified mechanic do it for you. Your safety is paramount.
