Get Wheels and tyres -> Changing a wheel Guide for Volkswagen California Van Third Generation (2015-2024)

Introduction

Some models are delivered without a factory-fitted jack or box spanner. If this is the case, have the wheel change

carried out by a correspondingly qualified workshop.

The jack supplied with the vehicle is designed only for changing a wheel when one vehicle tyre is damaged and has to

be replaced. If both tyres on one side of the vehicle, both tyres on one axle, or all tyres are damaged, contact a

correspondingly qualified workshop.

Only change the wheel yourself when the vehicle is parked in a safe place, you are familiar with the necessary actions

and safety procedures and you have access to all the correct tools. Otherwise, consult a suitably qualified workshop.

WARNING

Changing a wheel can be dangerous, especially when carried out at the side of a road. Please note the following

steps in order to reduce the risk of serious injuries:

● Stop the vehicle as soon as it is possible and safe to do so. To change the wheel, park the vehicle at a safe distance

from moving traffic.

● All passengers and children in particular must be at a safe distance and away from your area of work during the

wheel change.

● Switch on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users.

● Make sure that the surface the vehicle is parked on is level and firm. If necessary, use a large, strong board or

similar support for the jack.

● Change the wheel yourself only if you are familiar with the necessary actions. Otherwise, consult a suitably

qualified workshop.

● Always use suitable and undamaged tools to change the wheel.

● To reduce the risk of unintended vehicle movement, always switch off the engine and move the selector lever to

position P.

●Select a gear on vehicles with a manual gearbox in order to reduce the risk of unintended vehicle movement.

● Apply the handbrake firmly.

● The wheel bolt tightening torque should be checked with a correctly functioning torque wrench immediately after

changing a wheel.

● If your vehicle is equipped with a Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator, you must immediately adapt the system again after

a wheel change (→ Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator).

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Preparations for changing a wheel

Checklist

The following actions must always be carried out in the given order in preparation for changing the whee→l

:

1. If you get a flat tyre, park your vehicle on a firm and level surface at a safe distance from the flow of traffic.

2. Apply the handbrake firmly.

3. Automatic gearbox: Move the selector lever to position P with the ignition switched on.

4. Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition.

5. Manual gearbox: select a gear.

6. Switch on the hazard warning lights and set up the warning triangle (→ In an emergency). Observe any legal

requirements.

7. Ask all vehicle occupants to leave the vehicle and stand at a safe distance away from moving traffic.

8. Chock the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel being worked on with a stone or a similar object.

9. When towing a trailer: unhitch the trailer from the towing vehicle and park it properly .

10. If the load compartment is loaded: remove the load.

11. Remove the spare wheel from the spare wheel bracket and vehicle tools from the vehicle.

12. If necessary, remove the hubcaps .

WARNING

Ignoring any of the items on this important safety checklist can lead to accidents and severe injuries.

● Always follow the actions in the checklist and observe the generally valid safety precautions.

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Wheel bolts

Two-piece wheel bolts

Two-piece wheel bolts must be used for the vehicle. With two-piece wheel bolts, the ball seat is loosely connected to

the head. Single-piece wheel bolts may not be used. If you are not sure which wheel bolts can be used for your

vehicle, consult a suitably qualified workshop.

Fig. 1 Changing a wheel: loosening the wheel bolts.

Only the spanner delivered with the vehicle should be used to loosen the wheel bolts.

Only loosen the wheel bolts by approximately one turn before raising the vehicle with the vehicle jack.

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 vehicle for support and take care not to slip.

Loosening the wheel bolts

1. Fit the box spanner over the wheel bolt as far as it will go→ Fig. 1.

2. Hold the end of the box spanner and turn the wheel bolt one turn anticlockwise→

.

Loosening the anti-theft wheel bolt

Fig. 2 Changing a wheel: tyre valve 1 and locations of

the anti-theft wheel bolt 2 or 3 .

2

3

On wheels with a wheel cover, the anti-theft wheel bolt must be screwed in at position→ Fig. 2

or → Fig. 2

,

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1

according to the position of the tyre valve → Fig. 2

. Otherwise, it will not be possible to fit the wheel cover.

1. Take the adapter for the anti-theft wheel bolt out of the vehicle toolkit.

2. Insert the adapter into the anti-theft wheel bolt as far as it will go→ Fig. 2.

3. Insert the box spanner into the adapter as far as it will go→ Fig. 2.

4. Hold the end of the box spanner and turn the wheel bolt one turn anticlockwise→

.

Important information about the wheel bolts

The design of the wheel rims and wheel bolts is matched to the factory-fitted wheels. 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 works properly.

In certain circumstances, wheel bolts from a vehicle of the same model series may not be used.

Tightening torque for wheel bolts

The tightening torque for wheel bolts for steel and alloy wheels is 180 Nm(133 ft-lbs). The tightening torque should

be checked with a perfectly functioning torque spanner immediately after changing a wheel.

If the wheel bolts are corroded and stiff, they must be renewed and the wheel hub threads cleaned before the

tightening torque is checked.

Never grease or lubricate the wheel bolts or the threads of the wheel hub. This could cause them to loosen while the

vehicle is in motion, even if the required torque setting is used.

WARNING

Incorrectly tightened wheel bolts can loosen while the vehicle is in motion and cause accidents, serious injury, and

loss of control of the vehicle.

● The wheel bolts and threads of the wheel hubs must be clean, free from oil and grease, and turn easily.

● Always use the wheel bolt spanner supplied with the vehicle at the factory to loosen and tighten the wheel bolts.

● Only loosen the wheel bolts by approximately one turn before raising the vehicle with the jack.

● Never grease or oil the wheel bolt and the threads in the wheel hubs. This could cause them to loosen while the

vehicle is in motion, even if the required torque setting is used.

● Never loosen the bolts on wheel rims with bolted-on rings.

● Regularly check the tightening torque with a torque wrench. If the tightening torque of the wheel bolts is too low,

the wheel bolts and rims can loosen while the vehicle is in motion. The wheel bolts and the threads could be

damaged if the tightening torque is too high.

WARNING

The wrong wheel bolts can loosen while the vehicle is in motion and cause accidents, serious injury, and loss of

control of the vehicle.

● Use only wheel bolts that belong to the respective wheel rim.

● Never use different wheel bolts.

Lifting the vehicle with the jack

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Fig. 1 Jacking points.

The jack may be positioned only at the reinforcements on the underbody, which are located behind the markings on

the body → Fig. 1. Always use the jacking point closest to the wheel you are working on→

.

Fig. 2 On the left-hand side of the vehicle: jack fitted at

the front.

Fig. 3 On the left-hand side of the vehicle: jack fitted at

the rear.

—Front jacking point: web under the vehicle, at a distance of approx. 9 cm(dimension x) from the outer edge of the

vehicle → Fig. 2.

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—Rear jacking point: rib under the vehicle, at a distance of approx. 15 cm(dimension y) from the outer edge of the

vehicle → Fig. 3.

Raise the vehicle using only the designated jacking points.

Checklist

For your own safety, carry out the following tasks in the specified order→

1. Observe the checklist (→ Changing a wheel).

:

2. Loosen the wheel bolts on the wheel that is being changed (→ Wheel bolts).

3. Find the jacking point under the vehicle→ Fig. 1 which is closest to the wheel that is being changed.

4. Raise the jack until it just fits under the jacking point of the vehicle.

5. Make sure that the entire surface of the foot of the jack is resting securely on the ground and that it is

positioned vertically directly beneath the jacking point → Fig. 2 and → Fig. 3.

6. Position the jack and simultaneously continue to crank the claw up until it is in position around the rib

underneath the vehicle → Fig. 2 and → Fig. 3.

7. Crank the jack further until the wheel is just clear of the ground.

WARNING

Incorrect use of the vehicle jack can cause the vehicle to slip off the jack, which can lead to severe injuries. Please

note the following to help reduce the risk of injuries:

● Never jack up the vehicle if more than one tyre is damaged.

● Always read and observe the instructions of the jack manufacturer and any legal regulations before lifting the

vehicle.

● Never jack up the vehicle when the engine is running, or if the vehicle is tilted to the side or on a gradient.

● Never start the engine when the vehicle is jacked up. Engine vibrations can cause the vehicle to fall off the vehicle

jack.

● Only fit the jack at the jacking points described. The jack claw must grip the vertical rib under the door sill

securely.

● Only use vehicle jacks that have been approved by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles for your vehicle. Other jacks

could slip out of place – this includes jacks supplied with other Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles models.

● The ground must be firm and level. Soft ground or surfaces at an incline under the vehicle jack may cause the

vehicle to slip off the jack. If necessary, use a large, strong board or similar support for the jack.

● To prevent the jack from slipping, place the jack on an anti-slip surface such as a rubber mat when it is used on a

slippery surface such as tiles.

● Never place any part of your body, such as an arm or leg, underneath a vehicle that is supported only by the jack.

● If you have to work underneath the vehicle, use suitable stands to provide extra support for the vehicle.

WARNING

Ignoring any of the items on this important safety checklist can lead to accidents and severe injuries.

● Always follow the actions in the checklist and observe the generally valid safety precautions.

Changing a wheel

Removing the wheel

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Fig. 1 Changing a wheel: removing the wheel bolts with

the screwdriver handle.

1. Observe the checklist (→ Changing a wheel).

2. Loosen the wheel bolts (→ Wheel bolts).

3. Jack up the vehicle (→ Jack).

4. Using the hexagon socket in the screwdriver handle , completely unscrew the loosened wheel bolts and place

them on a clean surface.

5. Remove the wheel.

Fitting a wheel

Note the tyre direction of rotation (→ Tyre lettering and tyre type).

1. Note the tyre direction of rotation (→ Tyre lettering and tyre type).

2. Put the wheel in place.

2

3

3. Insert the anti-theft wheel bolt using the adapter at position

or

and tighten it slightly.

4. Screw in all the other wheel bolts in a clockwise direction and use the box spanner to tighten them slightly.

5. Lower the vehicle with the jack.

6. Use the box spanner to tighten all the wheel bolts securely in a clockwise direction→ . Do not tighten the

bolts in clockwise or anticlockwise sequence. Tighten them in diagonal sequence.

7. Fit the caps, wheel centre trim or wheel cover .

After changing a wheel

1. Clean the vehicle tools and stow them safely in the vehicle.

2. Stow the changed wheel securely. If necessary, use the spare wheel bracket for this purpose (→ Spare wheel or

temporary spare wheel).

3. Have the tightening torque of the wheel bolts checked immediately (→ Wheel bolts).

4. The damaged wheel should be replaced as soon as possible.

WARNING

Incorrect torque or incorrect use of wheel bolts can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle, cause accidents and

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serious injuries.

● Always keep all wheel bolts and threads in the wheel hubs clean and free from oil and grease. The wheel bolts

must be easy to turn and be tightened to the specified torque.

● The hexagon socket in the screwdriver handle should only be used for turning wheel bolts, not to loosen or

tighten them.

After changing a wheel, the indicator lamp for the tyre monitoring system may indicate a fault in the system

(→ Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator) (→ Tyre Pressure Monitoring System).

Introduction

In some countries, the vehicle may be supplied with a breakdown set.

You can use the breakdown set(tyre mobility set) to safely seal any tyre damage caused by foreign bodies or

punctures up to around 4 mm (around 5/32 inches) in diameter. Do not remove foreign objects (e.g. screws or nails)

from the tyre!

Once the sealant has been added to the tyre, the tyre pressure must be checked and adjusted again after

approximately 10 minutes of driving.

The breakdown set is only designed to fill one tyre. Seek assistance from a suitably qualified workshop if more than

one vehicle tyre is damaged.

Only use the breakdown set when the vehicle has been safely parked and you are familiar with the work and safety

precautions needed! Otherwise, seek assistance from a suitably qualified workshop.

The sealant must not be used in the following situations:

—If the rim is damaged.

—If the outside temperature is below -20°C(-4°F).

—If there are cuts or punctures in the tyre that are larger than 4 mm(5/32 in).

—If the vehicle was driven with very low tyre pressure or a flat tyre.

—If the use-by date on the tyre filler bottle has expired.

—If a foreign object has been removed from the tyre.

—In connection with mobility tyres. The word “Seal” is on the outer wall of the tyre if your vehicle is fitted with

mobility tyres.

WARNING

Using the breakdown set can be dangerous, especially if the tyre is inflated at the roadside. Please note the

following steps in order to reduce the risk of serious injuries:

● Stop the vehicle as soon as it is possible and safe to do so. To inflate the tyre, park the vehicle at a safe distance

from moving traffic (→ In an emergency).

● Make sure that the surface the vehicle is parked on is level and firm.

● All passengers, and children in particular, must be at a safe distance and away from your area of work.

● Switch on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users.

● Only use the breakdown set when the vehicle has been safely parked and you are familiar with the work and

safety precautions needed! Otherwise, seek assistance from a suitably qualified workshop.

● Tyres repaired with the breakdown set are intended for temporary, emergency use only. They should be used only

until you can reach the nearest qualified workshop.

● Tyres that have been repaired using the breakdown set should be replaced as soon as possible.

● If your skin comes into contact with the sealant, wipe it off immediately. The sealant poses a health hazard.

● Keep the breakdown set out of the reach of children.

● When using the breakdown set, never lift the vehicle with a jack, even if the jack is approved for the vehicle.

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Wheels and tyres -> Changing a wheel for Your Volkswagen California Van Third Generation (2015-2024)

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