1. Engage the Parking Safety System:
Make sure the vehicle is parked on level ground, engage the parking brake, put the transmission in "Park" (for automatic transmissions), and chock the wheels (front and back) to prevent rolling.
2. Locate the Spare Tire:
In the Nissan Civilian bus, the spare tire is usually stored under the rear of the vehicle. Check under the rear of the bus for the spare tire's location.
3. Access the Spare Tire:
- Some models may have a panel or compartment that needs to be opened to access the spare tire. Open this compartment or remove any covers or panels that block access to the spare tire.
4. Loosen the Lug Nuts:
- Before lifting the bus, use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts (bolts) that hold the spare tire in place. Don't remove the lug nuts completely at this point. Just loosen them enough so they can be unscrewed by hand later.
5. Raise the Bus:
- Use a suitable lifting device (e.g., a jack and jack stands) to raise the rear of the bus high enough so that the spare tire is a few inches off the ground. Ensure that the bus is securely supported and won't slip or fall.
6. Remove the Lug Nuts and Spare Tire:
- Once the bus is raised, remove the lug nuts (bolts) completely by turning them counterclockwise until they come off.
- Carefully remove the spare tire from its position. Be mindful of its location and position so you can reinstall it correctly later.
7. Store the Spare Tire:
- Place the spare tire back into its compartment under the bus or in its designated storage location.
- Securely fasten or cover the spare tire storage area.
8. Lower the Bus:
- Using the lifting device, slowly lower the bus until it's safely back on the ground.
9. Tighten the Lug Nuts:
- Double-check that the spare tire is properly positioned, then reinstall the lug nuts and hand-tighten them.
- Once all lug nuts are hand-tight, use the lug wrench to tighten them in a star pattern until they are snug. Don't overtighten them at this point.
10. Lower the Bus Completely:
- Remove the jack stands and lower the bus all the way to the ground.
11. Tighten the Lug Nuts Fully:
- Using the lug wrench, tighten the lug nuts again in a star pattern until they are as tight as possible. This ensures that the spare tire is securely attached.
12. Replace the Covers/Panels:
- Reattach any covers or panels that were removed during the process to ensure the spare tire compartment is properly closed and protected.
13. Check for Safety:
- Make sure the spare tire is properly secured, the lug nuts are tight, and the bus is stable before driving.
Remember that removing the spare tire and working under a raised vehicle can be dangerous. If you're not confident in performing this task, it's best to seek professional assistance. Safety should always be your top priority when working on your vehicle.
