Get Changing a wheel Guide for Volkswagen Passat SUV Seventh Generation (2010-2014)

Changing a wheel

¤ Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Preparations for changing a wheel

Wheel bolts

Lifting the vehicle with the vehicle jack

Lifting the vehicle with the vehicle jack (CC R-Line)

Changing a wheel

After changing a wheel

Change a wheel by yourself only if the vehicle is parked in a safe lo-

cation, 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 assis-

tance.

More information:

Exterior views

Vehicle key set

Tires and wheels

In an emergency

Vehicle tool kit

Wheel trim

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 vehi-

cle 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, set the electronic parking

brake, and shift the transmission into Park (P) (automatic

transmission) or any gear (manual only) to help prevent the ve-

hicle from moving suddenly and slipping off the jack.

Always make sure that the ground is level and firm. If neces-

sary, 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 uninten-

tionally.

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 move-

ment.

Always use a jack that has been approved by the manufac-

turer for your vehicle. Never use other jacks, even if they have

been approved for use on other Volkswagen models.

To reduce the risk of losing control, crashes, and serious

personal injuries, never loosen the screws on rims with thread-

ed 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 Moni-

toring System ⇒ꢀ Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Preparations for changing a wheel

¤ Please first read and note the introductory information and

heed the WARNINGS

Checklist

Getting ready to change a wheel. Follow these steps in the order

listed here ⇒ꢀ

:

1. 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.

2. Apply the electronic parking brake to help prevent the vehicle from

moving ⇒ꢀ Braking and parking.

3. Automatic transmission: Shift the transmission into Park (P) ⇒ꢀ

Shifting.

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

Starting and stopping the engine.

5. Manual transmission: Engage a gear ⇒ꢀ Shifting.

6. Have all passengers exit and go to a safe place, such as behind a

guard rail.

7. Block the diagonally opposite wheel with chocks or other suitable

things.

8. If towing a trailer: Unhitch the trailer from the vehicle and park the

trailer properly.

9. If the luggage compartment is loaded: Remove the luggage.

10.

kit out of the luggage compartment.

11. Take off the wheel covers ⇒ꢀ Wheel trim.

Take the spare or compact spare wheel and the vehicle tool

WARNING

Disregarding the safety-related checklist may lead to accidents

and serious personal injuries.

Always review and follow the checklist. Follow accepted safe-

ty practices and use common sense.

Wheel bolts

Fig. 190 Changing a wheel: Loosening wheel bolts.

¤ Please first read and note the introductory information and

heed the WARNINGS

Loosen the wheel bolts only with the lug wrench that was supplied

with the vehicle.

Loosen the wheel bolts only about 1 turn before lifting the vehicle with

the jack.

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. 190.

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.

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 diffi-

cult-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 ac-

cidents 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 that is supplied with the 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

Fig. 191 Lift points for the jack.

Fig. 192 Jack in position at the left rear lift point.

¤ Please first read and note the introductory information and

heed the WARNINGS

The jack must be positioned at one of the 4 lift points marked on the

vehicle body (2 on each side as shown in ⇒ꢀfig. 191). You must use

the lift 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 follow-

ing steps in the order listed ⇒ꢀ

:

1. Find a level spot on firm ground for lifting the vehicle.

2. Switch off the engine. Automatic transmission: shift the transmis-

sion into Park (P)) ⇒ꢀ Automatic transmission: Selector lever. Man-

ual transmission only: shift into a gear ⇒ꢀ Manual transmission:

Gearshift lever. Then set the electronic parking brake ⇒ꢀBraking

and parking to help prevent the vehicle from moving.

3. If towing a trailer: Unhitch the trailer from the vehicle and park the

trailer properly.

4. Straighten the steering wheel so that the front wheels point straight

forward.

5. Block the diagonally opposite wheel with chocks or other suitable

things.

6. Loosen the wheel bolts of the wheel to be changed ⇒ꢀ Wheel bolts.

7. Find the jack lift point ⇒ꢀfig. 191 on the vehicle frame that is closest

to the wheel to be changed.

8. Crank up the jack so that it still just fits underneath the lift point.

9. Position the jack so that its base is directly underneath the lift point

⇒ꢀfig. 192, making sure that the entire base of the jack rests se-

curely on the ground.

10.

the claw cradles the vertical rib underneath the vehicle ⇒ꢀfig. 192.

11. Continue cranking up the jack until the wheel is just a little off

the ground.

Align the jack and wind up the jack claw at the same time, until

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. Oth-

er 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. Be-

fore 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. 192.

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, al-

ways 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 dam-

aged.

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 safe-

ty practices and use common sense.

Lifting the vehicle with the vehicle jack (CC R-Line)

Fig. 193 Vehicle jack lift point in the side sill: Fold the cover up.

Fig. 194 Jack in position at the left rear lift point.

¤ Please first read and note the introductory information and

heed the WARNINGS

The jack must be positioned at one of the 4 lift points located behind

covers on the vehicle frame. The covers must be open ⇒ꢀfig. 193 to

position the jack properly ⇒ꢀfig. 194. You must use the lift point clos-

est to the wheel being changed.

The vehicle may only be lifted by a jack positioned at one of the four

jack lift points ⇒ꢀ

.

Checklist

For your own safety and that of your passengers, carry out the follow-

ing steps in the order listed ⇒ꢀ

.

1. Find a level spot on firm ground for lifting the vehicle.

2. Switch off the engine. Automatic transmission: shift the transmis-

sion into Park (P)) ⇒ꢀ Automatic transmission: Selector lever. Man-

ual transmission: shift into a gear ⇒ꢀ Manual transmission: Gear-

shift lever. Then set the electronic parking brake ⇒ꢀ Braking and

parking to help prevent the vehicle from moving.

3. If towing a trailer: Unhitch the trailer from the vehicle and park the

trailer properly.

4. Straighten the steering wheel so that the front wheels point straight

forward.

5. Block the diagonally opposite wheel with chocks or other suitable

things.

6. Loosen the wheel bolts of the wheel to be changed ⇒ꢀWheel bolts.

7. Find the jack lift point on the vehicle frame that is closest to the

wheel to be changed.

8. Remove the cover panel in the side sill. To do so, pull forcefully but

carefully in the direction of the arrow ⇒ꢀfig. 193. Secure the cover

panel with the retaining strap.

9. Crank up the vehicle jack so that it still just fits underneath the lift

point.

10.

Position the jack so that its base is directly underneath the lift

point ⇒ꢀfig. 194, making sure that the entire base of the jack rests

securely on the ground.

11.

Align the jack and wind up the jack claw at the same time, until

the claw cradles the vertical rib underneath the vehicle ⇒ꢀfig. 194.

12.

Continue raising the vehicle jack until the wheel is lifted 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. Oth-

er 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. Be-

fore 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. 194.

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, al-

ways 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 dam-

aged.

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 safe-

ty practices and use common sense.

Changing a wheel

Fig. 195 Changing a wheel: Remove previously loosened wheel bolts

using the screwdriver handle.

¤ Please first read and note the introductory information and

heed the WARNINGS

Removing the wheel

Review the checklist ⇒ꢀ Preparations for changing a wheel.

Loosen the wheel bolts ⇒ꢀ Wheel bolts.

Lift the vehicle ⇒ꢀ Lifting the vehicle with the vehicle jack or ⇒ꢀLifting

the vehicle with the vehicle jack (CC R-Line).

Completely unscrew and remove the previously loosened wheel

bolts using the hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle ⇒ꢀfig. 195.

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 roll-

ing direction ⇒ꢀ Tire labeling.

Place the spare wheel or compact spare wheel on the axle.

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 trim.

WARNING

Wheel bolts that are tightened or installed improperly can come

loose, causing loss of vehicle control, a crash, and serious per-

sonal 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 vehi-

cle control, a crash or other accident, and serious personal in-

jury.

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) with a compact

spare wheel that is installed on the front axle (drive axle).

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

¤ Please first read and note the introductory information and

heed the WARNINGS

Clean the tools in the vehicle tool kit if necessary and stow them in

the foam insert in the luggage compartment ⇒ꢀVehicle tool kit.

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 torque.

Have the damaged wheel replaced as soon as possible.

If new tires are not identical to those that were removed and re-

quire different cold tire inflation pressure, the tire inflation pressure

values must be reprogrammed for the TPMS. Please see your author-

ized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility ⇒ꢀ

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).The Tire Pressure Monitor-

ing System must be recalibrated after each tire change ⇒ꢀTire Pres-

sure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Changing a wheel for Your Volkswagen Passat SUV Seventh Generation (2010-2014)

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