1. Preparation:
* Safety First: Engage the parking brake firmly. Find a level, stable surface away from traffic. If possible, use wheel chocks on the wheels that remain on the ground. Wear safety glasses.
* Gather Tools: You'll need a lug wrench (the one that came with your vehicle is ideal), a jack, and potentially a jack stand (highly recommended for safety). If you have an impact wrench, that's a huge time saver, but a standard lug wrench will work fine.
2. Loosen Lug Nuts:
* Before Jacking: Use the lug wrench to slightly loosen the lug nuts on the rear tire you're removing. Don't remove them completely yet – just break them free. This is much easier to do before you jack up the vehicle because the tire is on the ground and provides resistance. Turn the wrench counter-clockwise.
3. Jacking Up the Vehicle:
* Locate Jack Points: Consult your owner's manual to find the correct jacking points for your 1998 Lincoln Navigator. These are usually reinforced areas of the frame near the tire you're removing. Do not jack up the vehicle on the axle or suspension components.
* Raise the Vehicle: Carefully and slowly raise the vehicle using the jack until the tire is several inches off the ground.
4. Secure with Jack Stands (Highly Recommended):
* Place Jack Stands: Once the vehicle is raised, place jack stands under the frame near the jacking point. Lower the vehicle slightly onto the jack stands. This is crucial for safety. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
5. Remove Lug Nuts:
* Unscrew Lug Nuts: Now completely unscrew the lug nuts and keep them together in a safe place.
6. Remove the Tire:
* Pull the Tire: Carefully pull the tire off the wheel studs. It may require a slight pull or wiggle.
7. Reinstallation:
* Reverse the Steps: To reinstall the tire, simply reverse the above steps. Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern (opposite nuts first) to ensure even pressure. Lower the vehicle slowly and fully tighten the lug nuts. Always check tightness after driving a short distance.
Important Considerations:
* Owner's Manual: Always refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions and safety precautions. The jacking points and procedures might vary slightly depending on the exact trim level of your Navigator.
* Lug Nut Torque: Your owner's manual will also specify the correct torque for your lug nuts. Over-tightening can damage the wheel studs, while under-tightening can lead to the wheel coming loose.
* Flat Tire: If you're dealing with a flat tire, be extra cautious when handling it, as it can be more difficult to manage.
* Spare Tire: Make sure your spare tire is in good condition and properly inflated before changing the tire.
If you are uncomfortable performing this task yourself, it's always best to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic or tire shop. Safety should always be your top priority.
