brake Seat Alhambra 2010 Repair Manual

Checking and refilling levels 316
Preparations
xPark the vehicle on even, flat and firm ground.
xAllow the engine to cool Ÿ.
xOpen the bonnet ’ Ÿpage 304.
xThe coolant expansion reservoir is easily recognisable because of the
symbol « on the cap Ÿpage 315, fig. 179.
Checking the engine coolant level
xWhen the engine is cold, check the coolant level using the side marking
on the expansion reservoir Ÿpage 315, fig. 178.
xIf the level is below the “MIN” mark, top up with coolant. When the engine
is hot it may be slightly above the marked area.
Topping up the engine coolant level
xAlways protect your face, hands and arms from hot coolant and steam
using a large, thick cloth over the coolant expansion tank cap.
xRemove the cap very carefully Ÿ.
xOnly refill using new engine coolant according to SEAT specifications
(Ÿpage 314) Ÿ.
xThe engine coolant level should be between the marks on the coolant
expansion tank Ÿpage 315, fig. 178. Do not exceed the top level of the
marked area Ÿ.
xScrew on the cap tightly.
xIf, the event of an emergency, you have no coolant that is compliant to the
required specifications (Ÿpage 314), never use another type of additive.
Instead, first top up with distilled water Ÿ only. Then re-establish the
correct proportion of the mixture with the correct additive as soon as possible
Ÿpage 314.
WARNING
Hot vapours and coolant can cause serious burns.
xNever open the coolant expansion tank if steam or coolant is coming
from the engine compartment. Wait until you cannot see or hear any steam
or coolant escaping.
xAlways wait until the engine has completely cooled before very care-
fully opening the expansion tank cap. Contact with hot elements of the
engine can cause skin burns.
xOnce the engine has cooled, follow the instructions below before
opening the bonnet:
Turn on the electronic parking brake and place the gear selector lever
in P or the gear stick in neutral.
Remove the key from the ignition.
Keep children away from the engine compartment and never leave
them unsupervised.
xWhen the engine is warm or hot, the cooling system is pressurised! Do
not unscrew the cap on the expansion tank when the engine is hot. Other-
wise, coolant may spray out under pressure causing burns and serious
injury.
Carefully and slowly unscrew the cap anticlockwise, gently pressing
down on it.
Always protect your face, hands and arms from hot coolant and
steam using a large, thick cloth.
xWhen refilling liquids, avoid spilling them on parts of the engine and
the exhaust system. Spilled liquids could cause a fire. Under specific
circumstances, the ethylene glycol can catch fire.
Caution
xTop up with distilled water only. Any other type of water may lead to
considerable rusting in the engine due to its chemical components. This
could consequently damage the engine. If you have not used distilled water
WARNING (continued)

Wheels and tyres323
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Wheels and tyres
Wheels
Introduction
SEAT recommend that all work on tyres and wheels is carried out by a quali-
fied workshop. They have the necessary special tools and replacement parts,
trained personnel and facilities for disposing of the old tyres. SEAT recom-
mends visiting a qualified workshop.
Additional information and warnings:
xTransporting Ÿpage 13
xTo wi ng m o d e Ÿpage 260
xBraking, stopping and parking Ÿpage 210
xPark assist system Ÿpage 229
xTyre control systems Ÿpage 245
xCaring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior Ÿpage 269
xWheel trims Ÿpage 336
xChange wheel Ÿpage 339
xNotes for the user Ÿpage 283
WARNING
The vehicle cannot be totally controlled or braked if the tyres (new or used)
are worn or damaged.
xIncorrect use of wheels and tyres could make driving more dangerous
and result in serious accidents and damage.
xAll four wheels must be fitted with radial tyres of the same type, size
(rolling circumference) and the same tread pattern.
xNew tyres do not give maximum grip and will not have reached their
maximum braking capacity to start with, and therefore need running in. To
prevent accidents and major damage, extreme caution should be taken for
the first 600 km (370 miles).
xCheck tyre pressures regularly and ensure they are maintained at the
pressures indicated. If the tyre pressure is too low, the tyres could over-
heat, resulting in tread detachment or even burst tyres.
xNever drive on damaged (punctured, cut, cracked or dented) or worn
tyres. Driving on damaged or worn tyres could result in burst tyres, serious
accidents or damage. Worn or damaged tyres must be replaced immedi-
ately.
xNever exceed the maximum permitted speed or loads specified for the
type of tyre fitted on your vehicle.
xThe efficiency of driver and brake assist systems also depends on the
grip of the tyres.
xIf you notice unusual vibration or if the vehicle pulls to one side when
driving, stop the car immediately and check the tyres and wheels for
damage.
xTo minimise the risk of losing control of the vehicle or causing a serious
accident, never undo the bolted joints of beadlock wheels.
xNever mount used tyres or wheels if you are not sure of their previous
history. They may be damaged, although the damage is not immediately
visible.
xOld tyres, even if they have never been used, may lose air or burst unex-
pectedly while driving, resulting in serious accident or damage. If tyres are
over six years old, they should only be used in an emergency and with
extreme caution.
WARNING (continued)

Wheels and tyres325
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
About your tyres and wheels
The tyres of a vehicle are the components which are subjected to most stress
and are the most underestimated. Tyres are very important, as the support
offered by their narrow surface is the only point of contact between the
vehicle and the road.
The service life of tyres is dependent on tyre pressure, driving style, the care
they receive and the correct fitting.
The tyres and wheel rims are an essential part of the vehicle's design. The
tyres and rims approved by SEAT are specially matched to the characteristics
of the vehicle and our critical to good road holding and safe handling.
Avoiding damage to tyres and wheels
xIf you have to drive over a kerb or similar obstacle, drive very slowly and
as near as possible at a right angle to the kerb.
xInspect the tyres regularly for damage (punctures, cuts, cracks, dents).
xRemove any foreign bodies found on the outside of the tread provided
they have not passed through the wall of the tyre Ÿpage 330.
xThe instructions for tyre control systems should always be observed.
xReplace damaged or worn tyres as soon as possible Ÿpage 330.
xRegularly check tyres for non-visible damage Ÿpage 330.
xNever exceed the maximum permitted speed or loads specified for the
type of tyre fitted on your vehicle Ÿpage 333.
xDo not allow tyres to come into contact with aggressive substances,
grease, oil, fuel or brake fluid Ÿ.
xLost valve caps should be replaced immediately.
Tyres with directional tread pattern
Tyres with directional tread pattern have been designed to operate best when
rotating in only one direction. An arrow on the tyre sidewall indicates the
direction of rotation on tyres with directional tread Ÿpage 333. Always
observe the direction of rotation indicated when mounting the wheel. This
guarantees optimum grip and helps to avoid aquaplaning, excessive noise
and wear.
If the tyre is mounted in the opposite direction of rotation, drive with extreme
caution, as the tyre is no longer being used correctly. This is of particular
importance when the road surface is wet. Change the tyre as soon as possible
or remount it with the correct direction of rotation.
Interchanging tyres
To ensure that the wear is equal on all tyres the wheels should be changed
round from time to time according to the system Ÿfig. 182. All the tyres will
then last for about the same time.
SEAT recommends you take the vehicle to a qualified workshop to have the
tyres changed.
Tyres that are over 6 years old
Tyres are subject to an ageing process as a result of physical and chemical
processes. This may affect their performance. Tyres which are stored for long
periods of time without being used, harden and become more fragile than
tyres which are in constant use.
Fig. 182 Diagram for
changing wheels

Wheels and tyres 326
SEAT recommends that tyres over six years old are replaced with new tyres.
This also applies to tyres which appear to be in perfect condition on the
outside and which have a tread depth within the values stipulated by the Law
Ÿ.
The date of manufacture, part of the tyre identification number (TIN), indi-
cates the age of the tyre Ÿpage 333.
Storing tyres
Mark tyres when you remove them to indicate the direction of rotation (left,
right, forwards, backwards). This ensures you will be able to mount them
correctly when you replace them. When removed, the wheels and/or tyres
should be stored in a cool, dry and preferably dark location. Do not place
tyres mounted on the wheel in a vertical position.
Protect tyres not mounted on wheels from dirt by storing them in suitable
bags and standing them on the ground on their tread.
WARNING
Aggressive fluids or substances could result in visible or invisible damage
with the consequent risks.
xAlways ensure that tyres do not come into contact with chemical prod-
ucts, oil, grease, fuel, brake fluid or other aggressive substances.
WARNING
Old tyres, even if they have never been used, may lose air or burst unex-
pectedly while driving, resulting in serious accident or damage.
xIf tyres are over six years old, they should only be used in an emergency
and with extreme caution.
For the sake of the environment
Old tyres must be disposed of by qualified personnel according to the laws in
the country concerned.
Wheel rims
The design of wheel bolts is matched to the rims. If different rims are fitted,
the correct wheel bolts with the right length and correctly shaped bolt heads
must be used. This ensures that wheels are fitted securely and that the brake
system functions correctly Ÿpage 339.
For technical reasons, it is not generally possible to use the wheels from other
vehicles. In some cases, this may also be true for the same model of wheel.
The tyres and rims approved by SEAT are specially matched to the character-
istics of the vehicle and are critical to good road holding and safe handling.
Wheel bolts
Wheel bolts must be tightened to the correct torque Ÿpage 339.
Beadlock wheel rims
Beadlock wheel rims have various components. These are joined together by
special bolts using a special procedure. This ensures good performance, a
better seal, improved safety and wheel run out. Therefore, worn rims should
always be replaced and must only be repaired in a qualified workshop. SEAT
recommends visiting a qualified workshop Ÿ.
Wheel rims with bolted trims
Wheel rims may be fitted with interchangeable trim parts which are attached
to the rim using self-locking bolts. Worn trims should only be replaced at a
qualified workshop. SEAT recommends visiting a qualified workshop Ÿ.

Wheels and tyres327
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
WARNING
The use of worn or damaged wheel rims could make driving more
dangerous and result in serious accidents and damage.
xOnly wheel rims which have been approved for use with your vehicle
should be used.
xInspect wheel rims regularly for damage and replace as required.
WARNING
If the bolted joints of wheel rims with bolted ring trims are not correctly
tightened or loosened, this could result in serious accident.
xNever loosen the bolted joints of wheel rims with bolted ring trims.
xAny work relating to wheel rims with bolted rims should be carried out
at qualified workshop. SEAT recommends visiting a qualified workshop.
Replacement of new tyres and wheel rims
New tyres
xWhen tyres are new, drive with extreme caution for the first 500 km (310
miles), as all tyres need to be run-in. Tyres which have not been run-in do not
have such good grip Ÿ or braking capacity Ÿ.
xAll four wheels must be fitted with radial tyres of the same type, size
(rolling circumference) and the same tread pattern.
xThe tread depth of new tyres may vary, according to the type and make of
tyre and the tread pattern.
Replacing tyres
xWhere possible, always replace both wheels on an axle (both wheels on
the front axle or both wheels on the rear axle) Ÿ.
xOld tyres should only be replaced by SEAT approved tyres for the vehicle
in question, and in accordance with the maximum permitted size, diameter,
load and speed capacity.
xNever use tyres which are larger than SEAT approved tyres. If the tyres are
too big, they may knock or rub against the chassis or other components,
resulting in damage.
WARNING
New tyres do not give maximum grip and will not have reached their
maximum braking capacity to start with, and therefore need running in.
xTo prevent accidents and major damage, extreme caution should be
taken for the first 600 km (370 miles).
WARNING
There should be adequate space between the tyres and the vehicle in
accordance with the vehicle design. If this is not the case, the tyres may rub
against parts of the running gear, chassis or brake lines, leading to faults
in the brake system or to tread detachment, and the risk of burst tyres.
xThe true tyre dimension should not be greater than the dimensions of
tyres manufactured and approved by SEAT and should not rub against parts
of the vehicle.
Note
Although tyres may be shown as being the same size, the true dimensions of
different types of tyre may vary with respect to the nominal size, or tread
patterns may be different.
Note
If you use tyres that are approved by SEAT, you can be sure that the true tyre
dimensions will be correct for your vehicle. For other tyre models, the tyre

Wheels and tyres 336
Wheel trims*
Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
xCaring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior Ÿpage 269
xChange wheel Ÿpage 339
xVehicle tools Ÿpage 353
WARNING
If the wheel trims are not appropriate or not fitted correctly, they could
cause major accidents or damage.
xIncorrectly mounted wheel trims may come off while driving and
endanger other road users.
xDamaged trims must never be mounted on the wheels.
xAlways ensure that the brake ventilation and cooling is not cut off or
blocked. This is also valid if hubcaps are fitted later. If there is not enough
air, you may require significantly longer braking distances.
Caution
Remove and remount wheel trims taking care to avoid damage to the
vehicle.
Hubcaps
Depending upon the version, the hubcap is removed by pulling it Ÿfig. 186,
or by unscrewing it Ÿfig. 187.
Fig. 186 Removing the
hub cap.
Fig. 187 Remove the
hubcap by turning it
outwards.

Wheels and tyres339
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Changing a wheel*
Introduction
The tyres mounted on the vehicle are anti-puncture. The wheels should only
be changed when switching from summer to winter tyres or vice-versa. The
tools required for changing a wheel are only supplied with the vehicle if the
vehicle is supplied from the factory with winter tyres. If this is not the case,
please take the vehicle to a specialised workshop to have the wheels
changed.
You should only change the wheels yourself if the vehicle is parked in a safe
place, you are familiar with the procedure and you have all the necessary
tools! Otherwise, you should seek professional assistance.
Additional information and warnings:
xVehicle key set Ÿpage 78
xWheels and tyres Ÿpage 323
xWheel trims Ÿpage 336
xVehicle tools Ÿpage 353
WARNING
Changing a wheel can be dangerous, especially on the hard shoulder.
Please observe the following rules to minimise the risk of injury:
xStop the vehicle safely as soon as possible. Park your vehicle as safe
distance from surrounding traffic to change a wheel.
xWhen changing a wheel, keep all passengers and particularly children
a safe distance away from the work area.
xTurn on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users.
xEnsure the ground on which you park is flat and solid. If necessary,
support the jack on a wide solid base.
xIf you are changing a wheel yourself, you should be familiar with the
required procedure. Otherwise, you should seek professional assistance.
xOnly use suitable tools that are not damaged when changing a wheel.
xAlways stop the engine, turn on the electronic parking brake and place
the gear selector lever in position P, for an automatic gearbox, or engage a
gear for a manual gearbox to reduce the risk of the vehicle moving acciden-
tally.
xHave the tightening torque of the wheel bolts checked as soon as
possible with a reliable torque wrench.
Preparations for changing a wheel
Check list
Before changing a wheel, complete the following operations in the order
given Ÿ:
1. Park the vehicle on an even and solid surface.
2. Connect the electronic parking brake Ÿpage 210.
3. Automatic gearbox: Move selector lever to position P Ÿpage 201.
4. Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition Ÿpage 195.
5. Manual gearbox: Select a gear Ÿpage 201.
6. Have all vehicle occupants get out of the vehicle and wait in a safe place
(for example, behind the safety barrier).
7. Block the opposite wheel with two folding wedges taken from the vehicle
tool kit Ÿpage 354, fig. 208 or similar objects.
8. When towing a trailer: unhook the trailer from the towing vehicle and
park it correctly.
9. If the luggage compartment is full: take the baggage out of the vehicle.
WARNING (continued)

Wheels and tyres341
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
xFit the wheel brace onto the adapter as far as possible.
xHold the wheel brace at the end and rotate the bolt approximately one
turn anticlockwise Ÿ.
Important information about wheel bolts
The wheel rims and bolts have been designed to be fitted to factory options.
If different rims are fitted, the correct wheel bolts with the right length and
correctly shaped bolt heads must be used. This ensures that wheels are fitted
securely and that the brake system functions correctly.
In some circumstances, wheel bolts from the same model vehicle should not
be used.
Wheel bolt tightening torque
The prescribed tightening torque for wheel bolts for steel and alloy wheels is
140 Nm. Have the tightening torque of the wheel bolts checked as soon as
possible with a reliable torque wrench.
If wheel bolts are rusty and it is difficult to tighten them, the threads should
be replaced and cleaned before checking the torque.
Never grease or lubricate wheel bolts or the wheel hub threads. Although
they have been tightened to the prescribed torque, they could come loose
while driving.
WARNING
If the wheel bolts are not fitted correctly they could be released while
driving leading to loss of vehicle control and serious damage.
xOnly use wheel bolts which correspond to the wheel rims in question.
xNever use different wheel bolts.
xThe bolts and threads should be clean, free of oil and grease and easy
to thread.
xTo loosen and tighten the wheel bolts, always use the wheel brace
supplied with the vehicle.
xLoosen the wheel bolts only about one turn before raising the vehicle
with the jack.
xNever grease or lubricate wheel bolts or the wheel hub threads.
Although they have been tightened to the prescribed torque, they could
come loose while driving.
xNever loosen the bolted joints of wheel rims with bolted ring trims.
xIf the wheel bolts are not tightened to the correct torque, they may
come loose while driving, and the bolts and rims may come out. If the tight-
ening torque is too high, the wheel bolts and threads can be damaged.
WARNING (continued)

Wheels and tyres343
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a Raise the vehicle using only the designated jacking points.
Check list
For your own safety and that of other passengers, the following points should
be observed in the order given Ÿ:
1. Select a suitable flat and firm surface for raising the vehicle.
2. Switch off the engine, engage a gear (manual gearbox) or place the
selector lever in position P Ÿpage 201 and turn on the electronic
parking brake Ÿpage 210.
3. When towing a trailer: unhook the trailer from the towing vehicle and
park it correctly.
4. Loosen the wheel bolts on the wheel to be changed Ÿpage 340.
5. Look below the vehicle for the jacking point Ÿpage 342, fig. 192
closest to the tyre which has to be changed.
6. Raise the jack with the handle until it can be inserted below the jacking
point.
7. Ensure that the foot of the jack is firmly on the ground and that it is
placed immediately below the lifting point on the vehicle Ÿpage 342,
fig. 193.
8. Straighten the jack and continue raising it using the handle until the claw
holds the vertical reinforcement beneath the vehicle Ÿpage 342,
fig. 193.
9. Raise the vehicle until the wheel is clear of the ground.
WARNING
If the vehicle is not correctly raised, it could fall off the jack causing serious
injury. Please observe the following rules to minimise the risk of injury:
xYou should only use a jack approved by SEAT for your vehicle. Other
jacks, even those approved for other SEAT models, might slip out of place.
xThe ground should be firm and flat. If the ground is sloped or soft then
the vehicle could slip and fall off the jack. If necessary, support the jack on
a wide solid base.
xIf the ground is slippery (for example, on tiles), place a non-slip surface
(for example a floor mat) beneath the jack to avoid slipping.
xOnly fit the jack at the prescribed jacking points. The claw of the jack
should grip the reinforcement nerve on the underbody Ÿpage 342,
fig. 193.
xYou should never have any limbs beneath a raised vehicle which is only
supported by a jack.
xIf you have to work underneath the vehicle, you must use suitable
stands additionally to support the vehicle, there is a risk of accident!.
xNever raise the vehicle if it is tilting to one side or the engine is running.
xNever start the engine when the vehicle is raised. The vehicle may come
loose from the jack due to the engine vibrations.
WARNING
Failure to follow the checklist prepared for your own safety could lead to
accidents and severe injuries.
xAlways complete the operations given in the checklist and observe the
general rules of safety.
WARNING (continued)

If and when 346
3. Connect the electronic parking brake Ÿpage 210.
4. Move the selector lever to its intermediate position or to P Ÿpage 201.
5. Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition Ÿpage 195.
6. Have all occupants leave the vehicle and move to safety, for example
behind a guard rail.
7. When leaving the vehicle, take all keys with you.
8. Place an emergency warning triangle to indicate the position of your
vehicle to other road users.
9. Allow the engine to cool and check if a specialist is required.
Examples of when to use the hazard warning lights:
xIf the vehicles ahead suddenly slow down or reach the end of a traffic jam,
to warn the vehicles behind.
xIn case of an emergency.
xIf the vehicle breaks down.
xWhen being towed.
Always comply with the applicable laws regarding the use of hazard warning
lights.
If the hazard warning lights are not working, you must use an alternative
method of drawing attention to your vehicle. This method must comply with
traffic legislation.
WARNING
Failure to follow the checklist prepared for your own safety could lead to
accidents and severe injuries.
xAlways complete the operations given in the checklist and observe the
general rules of safety.
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach very high temperatures. This
could cause a fire and considerable damage.
xAlways park your vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can
come in contact with flammable materials (such as dried grass or fuel).
Note
The vehicle battery will discharge and run down if the hazard warning lights
remain on for too much time (even with the ignition turned off).
Note
For some vehicles, the brake lights will blink when braking suddenly at
speeds of approximately 80 km/h to warn vehicles behind. If braking
continues, then the hazard warning lights will automatically be turned on at
the speed of less than approximately 10 km an hour. The brake lights remain
lit. Upon accelerating, the hazard warning lights will be automatically turned
off.