wheel bolts Seat Alhambra 2006 Owner's Manual

Checking and refilling levels 228
easier to choose the correct tyres. Radial tyres have the tyre designations
marked on the sidewall, for example:
195/65 R15 91T
This contains the following information:
195 Tyre width in mm
65 Height/width ratio in %
R Tyre construction: Radial
15 Rim diameter in inches
91 Load rating code
T Speed rating
The tyres could also have the following information:
•A direction of rotation symbol
•“Reinforced” denotes heavy-duty tyres.
The manufacturing date is also indicated on the tyre sidewall (possibly only
on the inner side of the wheel).
“DOT ... 1105 ...” means, for example, that the tyre was produced in the 11th
week of 2005.
We recommend that work on tyres and wheels is carried out by an Authorised
Service Centre. They are familiar with the procedure and have the necessary
special tools and spare parts as well as the proper facilities for disposing of
the old tyres.
Any Authorised Service Centre has full information on the technical require-
ments when installing or changing tyres, wheels or wheel trims.
WARNING
•We recommend that you use only wheels and tyres which have been
approved by SEAT for your model. Failure to do so could impair vehicle
handling. Risk of accident.
•Avoid running the vehicle on tyres that are more than six years old. If
you have no alternative, you should drive slowly and with extra care at all
times.
•Never use old tyres or those with an unknown “history of use”.
•If wheel trims are retrofitted, you must ensure that the flow of air to the
brakes is not restricted. This could cause them to overheat.
•All four wheels must be fitted with radial tyres of the same type, size
(rolling circumference) and the same tread pattern.
For the sake of the environment
Old tyres must be disposed of according to the laws in the country concerned.
Note
•For technical reasons, it is not generally possible to use the wheels from
other vehicles. This can also apply to wheels of the same model. The use of
wheels or tyres which have not been approved by SEAT for use with your
model may invalidate the vehicle's type approval for use on public roads.
•If the spare tyre is not the same as the tyres that are mounted on the
vehicle - for example with winter tyres - you should only use the spare tyre for
a short period of time and drive with extra care. Refit the normal road wheel
as soon as possible.
Wheel bolts
Wheel bolts must be tightened to the correct torque.
The design of wheel bolts is matched to the rims. If different wheel rims are
fitted, the correct wheel bolts with the right length and correctly shaped bolt
WARNING (continued)

Checking and refilling levels229
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a heads must be used. This ensures that wheels are fitted securely and that the
brake system functions correctly.
In certain circumstances, you may not use wheel bolts from a different car -
even if it is the same model Ÿpage 202.
WARNING
If the wheel bolts are not tightened correctly, the wheel could become
loose while driving. Risk of accident.
•The wheel bolts must be clean and turn easily. Never apply grease or oil
to them.
•Use only wheel bolts which belong to the wheel.
•If the prescribed torque of the wheel bolts is too low, they could loosen
whilst the vehicle is in motion. Risk of accident! If the tightening torque is
too high, the wheel bolts and threads could be damaged.
Caution
The prescribed torque for wheel bolts for steel and alloy wheels is 120 Nm.
Winter tyres
Winter tyres will improve the vehicles handling on snow and
ice.
In winter conditions winter tyres will considerably improve the vehicles
handling. The design of summer tyres (width, rubber compound, tread
pattern) gives less grip on ice and snow.
Winter tyres must be inflated to a pressure 0.2 bar higher than the pressures
specified for summer tyres (see sticker on tank flap).
Winter tyres must be fitted on all four wheels.Information on permitted winter tyre sizes can be found in the vehicle's regis-
tration documents. Use only radial winter tyres. All tyre sizes listed in the
vehicle documentation also apply to winter tyres.
Winter tyres lose their effectiveness when the tread is worn down to a depth
of 4 mm.
The speed rating code Ÿpage 227, “New tyres and wheels” determines the
following speed limits Ÿ:
Q max. 99.42 mi/h
S max. 111.85 mi/h
T max. 118.06 mi/h
H max. 210 km/h
In some countries, vehicles that can exceed the speed rating of the fitted tyre
must have an appropriate sticker in the driver's field of view. These stickers
are available from your Authorised Service Centre. The legal requirements of
each country must be followed.
Do not have winter tyres fitted for unnecessarily long periods. Vehicles with
summer tyres handle better when the roads are free of snow and ice.
If you have a flat tyre, please refer to the notes on the spare wheel
Ÿpage 227, “New tyres and wheels”.
WARNING
The maximum speed for the winter tyres must not be exceeded. Otherwise,
this could lead to tyre damage and thus, an accident risk.
For the sake of the environment
Fit your summer tyres in good time. They are quieter, do not wear so quickly
and reduce fuel consumption.

Checking and refilling levels 230
Snow chains
Snow chains may be fitted only to the front wheels, and only to certain tyre
sizes Ÿpage 260.
Snow chains must have fine-pitch links which do not protrude more that 0.59
in, including tension device.
Remove wheel hub covers and trim rings before fitting snow chains. For safety
reasons cover caps, available in any Authorised Service Centre, must then be
fitted over the wheel bolts.
WARNING
Observe the fitting instructions provided by the snow chain manufacturer.
Caution
You must remove the snow chains to drive on roads which are free of snow.
Otherwise they will impair handling, damage the tyres and wear out very
quickly.
Note
In some countries, the speed limit for using snow chains is 50 km/h. The legal
requirements of the country should be followed.

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Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
If and when
Vehicle onboard tools*, spare wheel*,
puncture repair kit* and towing bracket
Location
The vehicle tools, the spare wheel and the removable towing
bracket ball coupling are stored in the luggage compartment.
Vehicle tool kit and removable ball coupling
The vehicle tool kit and removable towing bracket ball coupling are stored on
the right of the luggage compartment, behind a cover.
Spare wheel
The spare wheel is stored underneath the vehicle Ÿpage 232.
Caution
Make sure that the spare wheel / removed wheel and the tools are stored
safely in the luggage compartment.
Vehicle onboard tools*
The vehicle tools are stored in the luggage compartment, behind the side
cover on the right and are secured using a thumb screwŸfig. 152 . The
tool kit comprises the following items:
To ol b ox
44)
Screwdriver with hexagon socket in the handle for slackened wheel
bolts. The screwdriver blade is reversible. The screwdriver is in the wheel
bolt.
Towing eye, removable
Open jaw spanner 10 x 13 mm
Wire hook
44) for pulling off the centre cover and the wheel bolt caps
44)Optional equipment
Fig. 152 Storage of
vehicle tools
A1
A1
A2
A3
A4
A5

If and when 232
Box spanner for wheel bolts
Jack. Before you return the jack to the tool box, you must fully wind in the
claw. The crank must then be folded tight against the side of the jack.
The removable towing bracket
44), the key for unlocking the sunroof in an
emergency44) and the anti-theft wheel bolt adaptor44) are stored next to the
vehicle tools.
Adapter for anti-theft wheel bolts
We recommend you carry the wheel bolt adapter
44) in the vehicle tool kit at
all times.
The code number of the anti-theft wheel bolt is stamped on the front of the
adapter. You will need this number to replace the adapter if lost. Make a note
the code number of the anti-theft wheel bolt and keep it in a safe place - but
not in your vehicle.
WARNING
•Do not use the hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle to tighten
the wheel bolts. It is not suitable for tightening the bolts to the necessary
torque. This may cause an accident.
•The jack supplied by the factory is only designed for changing wheels
on this model. Never attempt to use it for lifting heavier vehicles or other
loads. Risk of injury.
•Use the jack only on firm, level ground.
•Never start the engine when you have raised the vehicle on the jack.
Risk of accident.
•Never place your body (e.g. arm or leg) underneath the vehicle if it is
only supported by the jack Risk of injury.
•If you have to work underneath the vehicle, you must use suitable
stands additionally to support the vehicle - Risk of accident!.
Taking out the spare wheel
1. Lift the cover Ÿfig. 153 located on the floor of the luggage
compartment, next to the tailgate lock.
2. Pull the ring of the rubber seal upwards.
3. Remove the box spanner from the vehicle tools.
4. Fit the box spanner on the bolt, to the maximum, and hold in this
position. At the same time press the safety ring downwards
Ÿ.
5. Turn the box spanner several times to the left, until the spare
wheel can be fitted, hanging from a wire, vertically behind the
vehicle.
6. Separate the plastic pieces so that they may be inserted into the
central aperture of the rim and so free the wheel.
A6
A7
Fig. 153 Taking out the
spare wheel
AA
AB
AC
AD
AC

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Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Removing the hubcaps
The hubcaps must be removed to gain access to the wheel
bolts.
– Take the wire hook from the vehicle tool kit.
– Insert the hook into a hole in the cover Ÿfig. 157.
– Pull off the cover.
Removing the caps from the wheel bolts
The caps must be removed from the wheel bolts before the
wheel bolts are unscrewed.
– Take the wire hook from the vehicle tool kit.
– Insert the hook through the opening in the middle of the cap
Ÿfig. 158.
– Use the wire hook to remove the caps.
The caps protect the wheel bolts and should be replaced after changing the
tyre.
When fitting, make sure that the caps click securely into place. They could
otherwise fall off.
Fig. 157 Removing the
hubcapsFig. 158 Use the hook to
pull off the cap

If and when 238
Loosening the wheel bolts
A special adapter is required to slacken the anti-theft wheel
bolts. It is contained in the vehicle tool kit.Loosening wheel bolts
– Fit the box spanner as far as it will go over the wheel bolt
Ÿfig. 159.
– Grip the end of the box spanner and turn the wheel bolt one turn
anti-clockwise Ÿ.
Loosening anti-theft wheel bolts
– Take the adapter for anti-theft wheel bolts out of the vehicle tool
kit
45).
– Insert the adapter
45) into the wheel bolt . Push it in as far as it will
go Ÿfig. 160
– Fit the box spanner as far as it will go over the adapter.
– Grip the end of the box spanner and turn the wheel bolt one turn
anti-clockwise Ÿ.
Loosening wheel bolts
If the wheel bolt is very tight, you may be able to loosen it by pushing down
the end of the spanner carefully with your foot. Hold on to the car for support
and take care not to slip.
WARNING
•Loosen the wheel bolts only about one turn before raising the vehicle
with the jack.
•For wheels with a bolted outer ring, the grooved wheel bolts should
never be loosened. This could cause leaks resulting in accident.
Fig. 159 Changing the
wheel: Loosening the
wheel bolts
Fig. 160 Changing a
wheel: anti-theft bolt and
adapter
45)Optional equipment

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Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Raising the vehicle
Raise the vehicle using only the designated jacking points.Do not raise the vehicle until you have slackened the wheel bolts on
the wheel you wish to remove Ÿpage 238.
Jacking up the vehicle
1. Look for the jacking point Ÿfig. 161 (arrow) Ÿ closest to the
tyre which has to be changed.
2. Raise the jack under the jacking point until it just fits under the
car.
3. Check that the foot of the jack has full contact with the ground.
4. Adjust the jack and continue to crank the claw up until it is in
position around the vertical rib Ÿfig. 162 (arrow) underneath
the vehicle Ÿ
5. Crank the jack further until the wheel is just clear of the ground.
The jack may be applied only at the jacking points shown Ÿfig. 161. The
front jacking point is approx. 11 cm from the wheel arch. The rear jacking
point is approx. 14 cm from the wheel arch. Notches on both sides in the sills
show where the jacking points are under the vehicle.
WARNING
•You could injure yourself or damage the vehicle if you do not observe
the correct jacking points.
•Soft ground under the jack may cause the vehicle to slip off the jack.
Always provide a firm base for the jack on the ground. If necessary use a
large, strong board or similar support. On a hard, slippery surface (such as
tiles) use a rubber mat or similar to prevent the jack from slipping.
•The jack claw must grasp the vertical rib under the sill properly so that
the jack does not slip off when you are raising the vehicle Ÿfig. 162.
Fig. 161 The jacking
points
Fig. 162 Jack at rear on
right

If and when 240
Note
The hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle should be used for turning
wheel bolts only. Do not use it to loosen or tighten the wheel bolts.
Changing a wheel
Removing the wheel
– Using the hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle, unscrew
the slackened wheel bolts and place them on a clean surface.
– Take off the wheel.
– Store the defective wheel as described on Ÿpage 233.
Fitting the spare wheel
– Put the spare wheel in place.
– Screw in the wheel bolts and tighten them lightly using the
hexagonal socket.
– Lower the vehicle on the jack.
– Tighten the wheel bolts firmly using the box spanner. Do not
tighten the bolts in clockwise or anti-clockwise sequence.
Tighten them in diagonal sequence.
Tyres with directional tread pattern
Tyres with directional tread pattern must be mounted so that they rotate in the
correct direction.
A directional tread pattern can be identified by arrows on the sidewall that
point in the direction of rotation. Always observe the direction of rotation indicated when mounting the wheel. This is important so that these tyres can
give maximum grip and avoid excessive noise, tread wear and aquaplaning.
If, in an emergency, you have to mount a wheel so it rotates in the wrong
direction, you must drive extremely carefully. The tyre will not give optimum
performance. This is particularly important when driving on wet roads. To
benefit from the advantages of tyres with directional tread pattern, the tyre
should be replaced as soon as possible so that it rotates in the correct direc-
tion.
Caution
•The wheel bolts should be clean and turn easily. Do not grease or oil them.
•The hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle should be used for
turning wheel bolts only. Do not use it to loosen or tighten the wheel bolts.
After changing a wheel
– Place the wheel with the defective tyre in the spare wheel
bracket Ÿ page 233.
– Have the flat tyre replaced as quickly as possible.
– Have the tightening torque of the wheel bolts checked as soon as
possible with a torque wrench Ÿpage 240.
– Check tyre pressure at the next opportunity.
– Avoid fast driving manoeuvres.

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Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
WARNING
•If the prescribed torque of the wheel bolts is too low, they could loosen
whilst the vehicle is in motion. Risk of accident! If the tightening torque is
too high, the wheel bolts and threads could be damaged.
Caution
The stipulated torque for the wheel bolts on steel wheels and alloy wheels is
170 Nm with a tolerance of ±10 Nm. You should visit a specialised workshop
as soon as possible to check the torque with a torque wrench.
Note
•The wheel bolts should be clean and turn easily. Do not grease or oil them.
•The hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle should be used only for
turning wheel bolts which have been slackened off. Do not use it to loosen or
tighten the wheel bolts.
•If you notice that the wheel bolts are corroded and difficult to turn when
changing a wheel, they must be replaced before you have the tightening
torque checked.
•If the spare tyre is not the same as the tyres that are mounted on the car -
for example with winter tyres - you should only use the spare tyre for a short
period of time and drive with extra care. Refit the normal road wheel as soon
as possible.
•Have the flat tyre replaced as quickly as possible.
Fuses
Changing a fuse
– Use the fuse tables, to find out where, and in which fuse box, the
damaged fuse is located Ÿpage 242.
– Switch off the ignition and the component concerned.
– Remove the fuse box cover Ÿfig. 163
– Use the plastic pliers in the fuse box to remove the fuse.
– If the fuse has blown (the metal strip will have melted), replace it
with a new fuse of the same amp rating (same colour and same
imprint) and size.
The individual electrical circuits are protected by fuses. It is advisable to carry
several spare fuses at all times.
Fig. 163 Left side of dash
panel: fuse box