2017-2020 Volkswagen Golf 4 Door Tires and wheels -> Changing a wheel User Manual
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Tires and wheels -> Changing a wheel for Your Volkswagen Golf 4 Door Seventh Generation (2017-2020)

Wheel bolt caps  
Fig. 226 Pulling cover caps off wheel bolts.  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
Take the wire clip out of the vehicle tool kit ⇒ Vehicle tool kitꢀ.  
Insert the wire clip through the opening of the cover cap ⇒ Fig. 226ꢀ and pull off in the direction of the arrow.  
The caps are designed to protect the wheel bolts and should be installed again after the wheel change.  
The anti-theft wheel bolt (if equipped) has a separate cap. This only fits the anti-theft wheel bolt, but not the standard wheel bolts.  
Changing a wheel  
Introduction to the subject  
In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:  
⇒ Preparations for changing a wheelꢀ  
⇒ Wheel boltsꢀ  
⇒ Lifting the vehicle with the vehicle jack (Golf) ꢀ  
⇒ Lifting the vehicle with the vehicle jack (Golf GTI, Golf R) ꢀ  
⇒ Changing a wheelꢀ  
⇒ After changing a wheelꢀ  
Change a wheel by yourself only if the vehicle is parked in a safe location, you are familiar with safety procedures and the technical steps, and you have proper  
tools available. Otherwise, get expert assistance.  
The vehicle jack can only be safely used to change the wheel on a vehicle that has only one flat or damaged tire. If the vehicle does not have the support it needs  
from 3 fully inflated tires, the vehicle can fall off the jack. If more than 1 tire on the vehicle is flat or damaged, do not lift the vehicle with the vehicle jack. Instead, get  
expert assistance.  
WARNING  
Changing a wheel, especially on the side of the road, can be dangerous. To help reduce the risk of serious personal injury:  
Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Move the vehicle a safe distance off the road where it is safe to change the wheel.  
Always make sure that all passengers, especially children, are in a safe place outside the vehicle and away from the vehicle and traffic (such as behind a  
guard rail).  
Turn on the emergency flashers and set up another warning device about 25 yards (25 meters) behind the vehicle to warn approaching traffic.  
Change a wheel by yourself only if you are familiar with the necessary steps. Otherwise, get expert assistance.  
Always switch the engine off, firmly apply the parking brake, and shift the transmission into Park (P) (automatic transmission) or any gear (manual only) to  
help prevent the vehicle from moving suddenly and slipping off the jack.  
Always make sure that the ground is level and firm. If necessary, place the jack on a large and sturdy board or on a similar ground support.  
Always block the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel being changed with chocks or other similar things.  
If you are towing a trailer, always unhitch it from your vehicle before starting to change the wheel. Always apply the trailer brakes firmly and make sure the  
trailer cannot move unintentionally.  
Always use proper and undamaged tools when changing a wheel.  
Once a wheel is lifted off the ground, having the transmission in Park (P) or in gear will not prevent sudden vehicle movement.  
Always use a jack that has been approved by the manufacturer for your vehicle. Never use other jacks, even if they have been approved for use on other  
Volkswagen models.  
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To reduce the risk of losing control, crashes, and serious personal injuries, never loosen the screws on rims with threaded rim rings.  
After changing a wheel, have the wheel bolt tightening torque checked with an accurate torque wrench.  
After changing a wheel or tire, reset the Tire Pressure Monitoring System ⇒ Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)ꢀ.  
Preparations for changing a wheel  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
Checklist  
Getting ready to change a wheel. Follow these steps in the order listed here  
⇒
ꢀ:  
If you have a flat tire, move as far away from traffic as possible. Park the vehicle on a flat and level surface where no part of the hot catalytic converter and  
exhaust system can come into contact with flammable materials under the vehicle, such as dry grass, brush, spilled fuel, etc.  
Set the parking brake to help prevent the vehicle from moving Parking brake (Golf, Golf GTI) or Electronic parking brake (Golf R) (depending on equipment).  
Automatic transmission: Shift the transmission into Park (P) Automatic transmission selector lever.  
Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition switch or turn off the ignition with the starter button and remove the key from the vehicle Starting and  
stopping the engine.  
Manual transmission: Engage a gear Manual transmission gearshift lever.  
Have all passengers exit and go to a safe place, such as behind a guard rail.  
Block the diagonally opposite wheel with chocks or other suitable things.  
If towing a trailer: Unhitch the trailer from the vehicle and park the trailer properly.  
If the luggage compartment is loaded: Remove the luggage.  
Raise and secure the luggage compartment floor.  
If applicable: Remove the subwoofer Removing the subwoofer.  
Unscrew the fastening screw with washer counterclockwise and remove.  
Take the spare or compact spare wheel and the vehicle tool kit out of the luggage compartment.  
Take off the wheel covers Wheel trim.  
WARNING  
Disregarding the safety-related checklist may lead to accidents and serious personal injuries.  
Always review and follow the checklist. Follow accepted safety practices and use common sense.  
Wheel bolts  
Fig. 227 Changing a wheel: Loosening the wheel bolts.  
Fig. 228 Changing a wheel: Tire valve ① and installation points for the anti-theft wheel bolt (if equipped) ② or ③.  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
Loosen the wheel bolts only with the lug wrench produced by Volkswagen for your vehicle.  
Loosen the wheel bolts only about 1 turn before lifting the vehicle with the jack.  
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If a wheel bolt does not come loose, carefully push the end of the lug wrench with your foot. Make sure you are standing firmly on the ground and hold on to the  
vehicle for support.  
Loosening the wheel bolts  
Push the lug wrench over the wheel bolt all the way ⇒ Fig. 227ꢀ.  
Holding the lug wrench at the end, loosen the wheel bolt by turning it counterclockwise about 1 complete turn (360°) ⇒ ꢀ.  
Loosening the anti-theft wheel bolt (if equipped)  
Take the adapter for the anti-theft wheel bolt out of the vehicle tool kit.  
Push the adapter all the way over the anti-theft wheel bolt.  
Slide the lug wrench onto the adapter until it stops.  
Holding the lug wrench at the end, loosen the wheel bolt by turning it counterclockwise about 1 complete turn (360°) ⇒ ꢀ.  
Important information regarding wheel bolts  
The design of rims and wheel bolts is matched to the factory-installed wheels. If different wheels are installed, wheel bolts with the right length and bolt head shape  
must be used. The attachment of the wheels and function of the brake system depend on this.  
It may not be possible to use wheel bolts from different vehicles of the same model.  
On a wheel with a wheel cover, the anti-theft wheel bolt (if equipped) must be installed at points ⇒ Fig. 228②ꢀ or ③ in relation to the position of the tire valve ①.  
Otherwise, the wheel cover cannot be installed.  
Wheel bolt tightening torque  
Correctly tightened bolts for steel and alloy wheel rims should have a torque of 88 ft-lbs (120 Nm). After changing a wheel, have the wheel bolt tightening torque  
checked right away with an accurate torque wrench.  
Before you check the tightening torque, replace corroded and difficult-to-turn wheel bolts and clean the threads in the wheel hub.  
Never grease or oil the wheel bolts and the threads in the wheel hubs. The bolts can come loose while driving if greased or oiled, even if tightened to the required  
torque.  
WARNING  
Improperly tightened wheel bolts can come loose while driving and cause you to lose control over the vehicle, resulting in accidents and serious injuries.  
Only use wheel bolts that belong your vehicle and to the wheel being installed.  
Never use different wheel bolts.  
Wheel bolts and wheel hub threads must always be clean, easy-to-turn and free of oil and grease.  
Only use the lug wrench produced by Volkswagen for your vehicle to loosen the wheel bolts.  
Loosen the wheel bolts only about 1 turn before lifting the vehicle with the jack.  
Never grease or oil the wheel bolts and the threads in the wheel hubs. The bolts can come loose while driving if greased or oiled, even if tightened to the  
required torque.  
Never loosen bolted connections on wheel rims with bolted rim rings.  
If the wheel bolts are not tightened to the proper torque, the wheel can come off the vehicle when it is moving. Extremely high torque can damage the  
wheel bolts and/or their threads.  
Lifting the vehicle with the vehicle jack (Golf)  
Fig. 229 Lift points for the jack.  
326  
Fig. 230 Jack in position at the left rear lift point.  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
The jack must be positioned at one of the 4 lift points located behind the markings on the vehicle body (2 on each side as shown in ⇒ Fig. 229ꢀ). You must use the  
point closest to the wheel being changed ⇒ ꢀ.  
The vehicle may only be lifted by a jack positioned at one of the 4 jack lift points.  
Checklist  
For your own safety and that of your passengers, carry out the following steps in the order listed  
⇒
ꢀ:  
Find a level spot on firm ground for lifting the vehicle.  
Switch off the engine. Automatic transmission: shift the transmission into Park (P)) Automatic transmission selector lever. Manual transmission only: shift into  
a gear Manual transmission gearshift lever. Then firmly apply the parking brake to help prevent the vehicle from moving Parking brake.  
If towing a trailer: Unhitch the trailer from the vehicle and park the trailer properly.  
Straighten the steering wheel so that the front wheels point straight forward.  
Block the diagonally opposite wheel with chocks or other suitable things.  
Loosen the wheel bolts of the wheel to be changed Wheel bolts.  
Find the jack lift point on the vehicle frame that is closest to the wheel to be changed.  
Insert the crank ⑦ into the opening on the vehicle jack ⑤.  
Crank up the jack so that it still just fits underneath the lift point.  
Position the jack so that its base is directly underneath the lift point , making sure that the entire base of the jack rests securely on the ground.  
Align the jack and wind up the jack claw at the same time, until the claw cradles the vertical rib underneath the vehicle (arrow).  
Continue cranking up the jack until the wheel is just a little off the ground.  
WARNING  
Improper use of your vehicle jack can cause the vehicle to fall off the jack leading to serious personal injury. To help reduce the risk of serious personal injury:  
Use only jacks approved by Volkswagen for the vehicle. Other jacks might slip, even those approved for other Volkswagen models, but not for your vehicle.  
Always set up the jack on firm and level ground. The vehicle may slip off the jack if the jack is resting on soft or sloping ground. If necessary, place a sturdy  
board under the jack.  
On a hard, slippery surface (such as a tiled floor), use an anti-skid rubber mat or something similar to help prevent the jack from slipping.  
Position the jack only at the described vehicle lift points. Before you raise your vehicle, always make sure the jack claw properly grips the vertical rib under  
the sill so that the jack does not slip off when you are raising the vehicle ⇒ Fig. 230ꢀ.  
Never have any part of your body (such as your arm or leg) under the vehicle when it is supported by the jack. Never let other persons have any part of their  
body under the vehicle, either!  
If you must work under a vehicle raised on a floor jack, always make sure that the vehicle is safely supported on safety stands intended for that purpose that  
are strong enough to support the weight of the vehicle.  
Never lift the vehicle when it is tilted or inclined to one side or the engine is running.  
Never lift the vehicle when more than 1 tire is flat or damaged.  
Do not start the engine while the vehicle is supported by a jack. Engine vibrations may cause the vehicle to slip off the jack.  
WARNING  
Disregarding the safety-related checklist may lead to accidents and serious personal injuries.  
Always review and follow the checklist. Follow accepted safety practices and use common sense.  
Lifting the vehicle with the vehicle jack (Golf GTI, Golf R)  
327  
Fig. 231 Lift points for the jack.  
Fig. 232 Jack in position at the left rear lift point.  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
If your vehicle is equipped with a tire mobility set instead of a vehicle jack, please see ⇒ Tire mobility set (Golf R)ꢀ for instructions on sealing and inflating a tire with  
the tire mobility set.  
The jack must be positioned at one of the 4 lift points located behind the markings on the vehicle body (2 on each side as shown in ⇒ Fig. 231ꢀ). You must use the  
point closest to the wheel being changed ⇒ ꢀ.  
The vehicle may only be lifted by a jack positioned at one of the 4 jack lift points.  
Checklist  
For your own safety and that of your passengers, carry out the following steps in the order listed  
⇒
ꢀ:  
Find a level spot on firm ground for lifting the vehicle.  
Switch off the engine. Automatic transmission: shift the transmission into Park (P)) Automatic transmission selector lever. Manual transmission only: shift into  
a gear Manual transmission gearshift lever. Then set the parking brake to help prevent the vehicle from moving Parking brake (Golf, Golf GTI) or Electronic  
parking brake (Golf R) (depending on equipment).  
If towing a trailer: Unhitch the trailer from the vehicle and park the trailer properly.  
Straighten the steering wheel so that the front wheels point straight forward.  
Block the diagonally opposite wheel with chocks or other suitable things.  
Loosen the wheel bolts of the wheel to be changed Wheel bolts.  
Find the jack lift point on the vehicle frame that is closest to the wheel to be changed.  
Insert the crank ⑦ into the opening on the vehicle jack ⑤.  
Crank up the jack so that it still just fits underneath the lift point.  
Position the jack so that its base is directly underneath the lift point , making sure that the entire base of the jack rests securely on the ground.  
Align the jack and wind up the jack claw at the same time, until the claw cradles the vertical rib underneath the vehicle (arrow).  
Continue cranking up the jack until the wheel is just a little off the ground.  
WARNING  
Improper use of your vehicle jack can cause the vehicle to fall off the jack leading to serious personal injury. To help reduce the risk of serious personal injury:  
Use only jacks approved by Volkswagen for the vehicle. Other jacks might slip, even those approved for other Volkswagen models, but not for your vehicle.  
Always set up the jack on firm and level ground. The vehicle may slip off the jack if the jack is resting on soft or sloping ground. If necessary, place a sturdy  
board under the jack.  
On a hard, slippery surface (such as a tiled floor), use an anti-skid rubber mat or something similar to help prevent the jack from slipping.  
Position the jack only at the described vehicle lift points. Before you raise your vehicle, always make sure the jack claw properly grips the vertical rib under  
the sill so that the jack does not slip off when you are raising the vehicle ⇒ Fig. 232ꢀ.  
Never have any part of your body (such as your arm or leg) under the vehicle when it is supported by the jack. Never let other persons have any part of their  
body under the vehicle, either!  
328  
If you must work under a vehicle raised on a floor jack, always make sure that the vehicle is safely supported on safety stands intended for that purpose that  
are strong enough to support the weight of the vehicle.  
Never lift the vehicle when it is tilted or inclined to one side or the engine is running.  
Never lift the vehicle when more than 1 tire is flat or damaged.  
Do not start the engine while the vehicle is supported by a jack. Engine vibrations may cause the vehicle to slip off the jack.  
WARNING  
Disregarding the safety-related checklist may lead to accidents and serious personal injuries.  
Always review and follow the checklist. Follow accepted safety practices and use common sense.  
Changing a wheel  
Fig. 233 Changing a wheel: Remove previously loosened wheel bolts using the screwdriver handle.  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
Removing the wheel  
Review the checklist ⇒ Preparations for changing a wheel ꢀ.  
Loosen the wheel bolts ⇒ Wheel boltsꢀ.  
Lift the vehicle ⇒ Lifting the vehicle with the vehicle jack (Golf) ꢀ or ⇒ Lifting the vehicle with the vehicle jack (Golf GTI, Golf R) ꢀ.  
Completely unscrew and remove the previously loosened wheel bolts using the hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle ⇒ Fig. 233ꢀ. Place the wheel bolts  
on a clean surface.  
Remove the wheel.  
Mounting a spare or compact spare wheel  
If the tire is a unidirectional tire, be sure to install it in the proper rolling direction ⇒ Important information on tires and wheelsꢀ.  
Place the spare wheel or compact spare wheel on the axle.  
Place the anti-theft wheel bolt (if equipped) in position ⇒ Fig. 228②ꢀ or ③ in relation to the position of the tire valve ①. Hand tighten it using the adapter by  
turning clockwise.  
Screw in the wheel bolts clockwise and tighten them slightly using the hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle.  
Lower the vehicle with the jack.  
Use the lug wrench to firmly tighten all wheel bolts (turn clockwise) ⇒ ꢀ. Do not tighten them in sequence! Tighten any wheel bolt to begin, then tighten the  
wheel bolt diagonally opposite the first bolt, and so forth.  
Install the wheel bolt caps, center wheel hubcap, or wheel cover, if any ⇒ Wheel trimꢀ.  
WARNING  
Wheel bolts that are tightened or installed improperly can come loose, causing loss of vehicle control, a crash, and serious personal injury.  
Always keep wheel bolts and threads in the wheel hub clean and free of oil and grease. The wheel bolts must turn easily and must be tightened with the  
right torque.  
Use the hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle only to turn the wheel bolts when they are loose, never to loosen them or tighten them firmly.  
WARNING  
Improper use of a compact spare wheel can cause loss of vehicle control, a crash or other accident, and serious personal injury.  
Never use a compact spare wheel if it is damaged or worn down to the wear indicators.  
Never drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h) with a compact spare wheel. Avoid full-throttle acceleration, heavy braking, and fast cornering!  
Never drive more than 125 miles (200 km) if a compact spare wheel is installed.  
329  
Replace the compact spare with a normal wheel and tire as soon as possible. Compact spare tires are designed for brief use only.  
After changing a wheel  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
Clean the tools in the vehicle tool kit if necessary and stow them in the foam insert in the luggage compartment ⇒ Vehicle tool kitꢀ.  
Securely store the spare wheel, compact spare wheel, or the wheel you took off the vehicle in the luggage compartment.  
Have the wheel bolt tightening torque immediately checked with a torque wrench ⇒ Wheel bolt tightening torqueꢀ.  
Have the damaged wheel replaced as soon as possible.  
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System must be recalibrated after each tire change ⇒ Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)ꢀ.  
Tire mobility set (Golf R)  
Introduction to the subject  
In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:  
⇒ Contents of the tire mobility setꢀ  
⇒ Preparationsꢀ  
⇒ Sealing and inflating the tireꢀ  
⇒ Check after 10 minutes of driving ꢀ  
Your vehicle is equipped with a tire mobility set instead of a spare tire.  
Tire damage caused by foreign objects or punctures up to about 3/16 in (4 mm) in diameter can be reliably sealed using the tire mobility set. Do not remove the  
foreign object (screw or nail, for example) from the tire!  
After the sealant is filled into the tire, drive for about 10 minutes and check tire pressure again.  
Never use the tire mobility set to fill a tire unless all of the following requirements have been met:  
The vehicle is parked at a safe spot.  
You are familiar with all the necessary procedures and safety precautions.  
You have the correct tire mobility set.  
Otherwise, get expert assistance.  
Tire sealant must not be used:  
If the wheel rim is damaged.  
At outside temperatures below -4 °F (-20 °C).  
If the cut or puncture damage of the tire is greater than 3/16 in. (4 mm) in diameter.  
If you were driving with very low tire pressure or a flat tire.  
If the tire inflation cylinder has passed its expiration date or if the cylinder is damaged.  
WARNING  
Using the tire mobility set on the side of the road can be dangerous. To help reduce the risk of serious personal injury:  
Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so and move the vehicle a safe distance off the road where it is safe to use the tire mobility set.  
Always make sure that the ground is level and firm.  
All passengers and especially children must stay a safe distance away from you while you are working and keep out of the area you are working in.  
Turn on the emergency flashers and set up another warning device about 25 yards (25 meters) behind the vehicle to warn approaching traffic.  
Use the tire mobility set only if you are familiar with the necessary steps. Otherwise, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen  
Service Facility for assistance.  
Use the tire mobility set only in emergencies and only until you can get professional help.  
Immediately replace a tire repaired with the tire mobility set according to the manufacturer’s specifications and with a tire matching the currently installed  
tires.  
330  

Related Topics

Tires and wheels
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Important information on tires and wheels Wheel trim Tire mobility set (Golf R)

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