clock Lexus ES300 1997 In Case Of An Emergency: In Case Of An Emergency

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
169
4. Loosen all the wheel nuts.
Always loosen the wheel nuts before raising the vehicle.
Turn the nuts counterclockwise to loosen them. To get
maximum leverage, fit the wrench to the nut so that the
handle is on the right side, as shown above. Grab the wrench
near the end of the handle and pull up on the handle. Be
careful that the wrench does not slip off the nut.
Do not remove the nuts yet ± just unscrew them about
one±half turn.5. Position the jack at the jack points as shown.
Make sure the jack is positioned on a level and solid surface.
6. After making sure no one is in the vehicle, raise it
high enough so that the spare tire can be installed.
Allow for the fact that you need more ground clearance when
putting on the spare tire than when removing the flat tire.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
170To raise the vehicle, insert the jack handle into the jack (it is
a loose fit) and turn it clockwise. As the jack touches the
vehicle and begins to lift, double±check that it is properly
positioned.
CAUTION!
Never get under the vehicle when it is supported by
the jack alone.
7. Remove the wheel nuts and remove the flat tire.
Lift the flat tire straight off and put it aside.
Before putting on the wheel, remove any corrosion on the
mounting surfaces with a wire brush or such. Installation of
wheels without good metal±to±metal contact at the
mounting surface can cause wheel nuts to loosen and
eventually cause a wheel to come off while driving.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
171
8. Reinstall all wheel nuts finger tight.
Align the holes in the wheel with the bolts. Then lift up the
wheel and get at least the top bolt started through its hole.
Wiggle the tire and press it back over the other bolts.
Reinstall the wheel nuts and tighten them as much as you
can by hand. Press the tire back and see if you can tighten
them more.9. Lower the vehicle completely and tighten the wheel
nuts.
Turn the jack handle counterclockwise to lower the vehicle.
Use only the wheel nut wrench to tighten the nuts. Do not use
other tools or any additional leverage other than your hands,
such as a hammer, pipe or your foot. Make sure the wrench
is securely engaged over the nut.
Tighten each nut a little at a time in order shown. Repeat the
process until all the nuts are tight.
CAUTION!
When lowering the vehicle, make sure all portions
of your body and all other persons around will not
be injured as the vehicle is lowered to the ground.
As soon as possible after changing wheels, have
the wheels nuts tightened by torque wrench at
103 N´m (10.5 kgf´m, 76 ft´lbf.).