2013 SUSPENSION

Tires and Wheels - Malibu

SPECIFICATIONS
FASTENER TIGHTENING SPECIFICATIONS

Fastener Tightening Specifications

Specification
Application Metric English
 Wheel Nut Torque 165 N.m 122 lb ft

ADHESIVES, FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS, AND SEALERS

Cardiagn.com
Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers
Application Type of Material GM Part Number Canadian Part Number
Aluminum Wheel Adhesive/Sealant 12378478 88900041
Wheel Mounting Lubricant 12345884 88863415
Wheel to Hub Lubricant 1051344 993037

DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION AND PROCEDURES

TIRE DIAGNOSIS - IRREGULAR OR PREMATURE WEAR

Tire Wear

Fig. 1: Identifying Types Of Tire Wear

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

Callout Component Name

Tuesday, June 06, 2017 7:00:12

7:00:08 PM Page 1 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
 1 Under-Inflation, Hard Cornering, Lack of Regular Rotation
Incorrect Wheel Alignment, Hard Cornering, Lack of Regular
2
Rotation
3 Incorrect Wheel Alignment
4 Over-Inflation, Heavy Acceleration, Lack of Regular Rotation
5 Normal Wear to the Wear Indicator

Inspection Procedure

1. Inspect the front tire wear.

2. Inspect the rear tire wear.
3. Rotate the tires if any of the following conditions exist:
 The amount of time or mileage since the last tire rotation matches the maintenance schedule.

 The outer tread blocks are worn more than the middle tread blocks (1).

Cardiagn.com
 The outer tread blocks are worn more than the inner tread blocks (2).

 The middle tread blocks are worn more than the outer tread blocks (4).

4. Measure the wheel alignment if any of the following conditions exist:

 The tread blocks have feathered edges (3).

 The outer tread blocks are worn more than the inner tread blocks (2).

 The inner tread blocks are worn more than the outer tread blocks (2).

5. Inspect the struts or the shock absorbers if the tire tread exhibits a cupped appearance (3).

TIRE DIAGNOSIS - WADDLE COMPLAINT

Tuesday, June 06, 2017 7:00:08 PM Page 2 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
 Cardiagn.com
Fig. 2: Identifying Tire Wobble/Waddle
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

Tire waddle is a side to side movement at the front of the vehicle and/or the rear of the vehicle. Tire waddle can
be caused by the following conditions:

 A steel belt not being straight within the tire

 Excessive lateral runout of the tire
 Excessive lateral runout of the wheel

The tire waddle is most noticeable at a low speed of about 8-48 km/h (5-30 mph). Tire waddle may appear as
ride roughness at 80-113 km/h (50-70 mph). Tire waddle may appear as a vibration at 80-113 km/h (50-70
mph).

Inspection Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle with safety stands. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .

Tuesday, June 06, 2017 7:00:08 PM Page 3 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
 WARNING: Wear gloves when inspecting the tires in order to prevent personal
injury from steel belts sticking through the tire.

2. Perform the following preliminary inspection:

1. Mark the tire with a crayon in order to note the start and the stop position.
2. Rotate each tire and wheel by hand.
3. Inspect the tire for bulges or bent wheels. Replace as necessary.
3. Use tire substitution in order to identify the faulty tire. Perform the following steps for a tire substitution
check:
1. Use a comparable tire in order to replace each tire, one at a time.
2. Test drive the vehicle.
3. If the problem is tire or wheel related, you will eliminate the problem when you remove the faulty
tire from the vehicle.

Cardiagn.com
WHEEL MOUNTING SURFACE CHECK

Replace any wheels that are bent or dented, or have excessive lateral or radial runout. Wheels with runout
greater than specified may cause objectionable vibrations.

Tuesday, June 06, 2017 7:00:08 PM Page 4 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
 Cardiagn.com
Fig. 3: Checking Wheel Mounting Surface
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

1. Thoroughly clean the wheel mounting surface with a clean shop towel and denatured alcohol, or
equivalent.
2. Use a straight edge 203-229 mm (8-9 in) long. Place the straight edge on the wheel inboard mounting
surface. Try to rock the straight edge up and down within the mounting surface.
3. For aluminum flat-mount wheels, repeat the procedure in step 2 on at least 3-4 different positions on the
inboard mounting surface.

If you can rock the straight edge, the mounting surface is bent and you must replace the wheel.

4. Inspect the mounting wheel/nut holes for damage caused from over-torquing the wheel/nuts. Inspect for
collapsed wheel/nut bosses. Inspect for cracked wheel bosses.

Tuesday, June 06, 2017 7:00:08 PM Page 5 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
 Cardiagn.com
Fig. 4: Inspecting Wheel Inboard Mounting Surface
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

5. For steel wheels, repeat the procedure in step 2 on at least 3-4 different positions on the inboard mounting
surface.
 The outer mounting ring is designed to be raised slightly above the inner mounting ring.

 If you can rock the straight edge, the mounting surface is bent and you must replace the wheel.

Tuesday, June 06, 2017 7:00:08 PM Page 6 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
 Cardiagn.com
Fig. 5: Inspecting Mounting Wheel/Nut Holes For Damage Caused From Over-Torquing The
Wheel/Nuts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

6. Inspect the mounting wheel/nut holes for damage caused from over-torquing the wheel/nuts. Inspect for
collapsed wheel/nut bosses. Inspect for cracked wheel bosses.

CAUTION: The use of non-GM original equipment wheels may cause:

 Damage to the wheel bearing, the wheel fasteners and the wheel
 Tire damage caused by the modified clearance to the adjacent
vehicle components
 Adverse vehicle steering stability caused by the modified scrub
radius
 Damage to the vehicle caused by the modified ground clearance

Tuesday, June 06, 2017 7:00:08 PM Page 7 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
  Speedometer and odometer inaccuracy

NOTE:  Replacement wheels must be equivalent to the original equipment

wheels in the following ways:
 The load capacity

 The wheel diameter

 The rim width

 The wheel offset

 The mounting configuration

 A wheel of the incorrect size or type may affect the following

conditions:
 Wheel and hub-bearing life

 Brake cooling

Cardiagn.com
 Speedometer/odometer calibration

 Vehicle ground clearance

 Tire clearance to the body and the chassis

7. Replace the wheel if the wheel is bent.

8. Replace the wheel if the wheel/nut boss area is cracked.

Identify steel wheels with a 2 or 3-letter code stamped into the rim near the valve stem. Aluminum wheels have
the code, the part number, and the manufacturer identification cast into the back side of the wheel.

RADIAL TIRE LEAD/PULL CORRECTION

Radial Tire Lead/Pull Correction

Step Action Yes No
DEFINITION: Lead/pull is the deviation of the vehicle from a straight path on a level road with no
pressure on the steering wheel.
Did you perform the Vehicle
1
Leads/Pull diagnostic table? Go to Step 2 Go to Vehicle Leads/Pulls
Road test the vehicle to verify the
complaint. Select a smooth level
2
surface to perform the test.
Does the condition exist? Go to Step 3 System OK
1. Cross-switch the front
tire/wheel assemblies. Refer to
Tire and Wheel Removal
3 and Installation.
2. Road test the vehicle on a
smooth level surface.

Tuesday, June 06, 2017 7:00:08 PM Page 8 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
 Does the vehicle still lead/pull? Go to Step 4 System OK
Does the vehicle lead/pull in the Go to Wheel Alignment
4
opposite direction? Go to Step 5 Measurement
1. Cross-switch the left front
tire/wheel assembly with the
left rear tire/wheel assembly.
Refer to Tire and Wheel
5 Removal and Installation.
2. Road test the vehicle on a
smooth level surface.

Does the vehicle still lead/pull? Go to Step 6 Go to Step 7

1. Cross-switch the right front
tire/wheel assembly with the
right rear tire/wheel assembly.

Cardiagn.com
Refer to Tire and Wheel
6 Removal and Installation.
2. Road test the vehicle on a
smooth level surface.
Go to Wheel Alignment
Does the vehicle still lead/pull? Measurement Go to Step 8
Replace the left rear tire.
7
Is the repair complete? Go to Step 9 -
Replace the right rear tire.
8
Is the repair complete? Go to Step 9 -
Verify proper vehicle operation.
9 Does the original condition still
exist? Go to Step 1 System OK

REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
ALUMINUM WHEEL POROSITY REPAIR

Aluminum Wheel Refinishing Guidelines

WARNING: To avoid personal injury when exposed to plastic media blast, hand
and/or lathe sanding dust, primer, color coat, and clearcoat, you must
work in a properly ventilated area, wearing an approved respirator, eye
protection, earplugs and protective gloves and clothing.

Evaluating Damage

NOTE:  Inspect the wheel for corrosion, scrapes, gouges, etc. Damage MUST NOT
be deeper than what can be sanded or polished off.

Tuesday, June 06, 2017 7:00:08 PM Page 9 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
  Inspect the wheel for cracks. If cracks are found, discard the wheel.
 ALL wheels with bent rim flanges must not be repaired or refinished.
 The re-machining and the re-clear coating of aluminum wheels is not
recommended in the dealer environment due to concerns of repair
durability.
 Do not use any re-machining process that removes aluminum. This could
affect the dimensions and function of the wheel.

Aluminum Wheel Refinishing General Recommendations/Options

 Painted aluminum wheels use a primer, color coat, and clearcoat procedure. If the paint is damaged,
refinishing is possible. As with polished wheels, all original coatings must be removed first. Media
blasting is recommended. (See option number 1).
 If the clearcoat is damaged, it is possible to refinish with clearcoat only, however, the required refinishing
process cannot be performed in the dealer environment. Refer to Refinishers Responsibility (Repair

Cardiagn.com
option number 2).
 Re-plating of chrome-plated aluminum wheels is not recommended.

Repair Option Number 1

Material Required/Information Resources

 The Paint Manufacturer's Color Book

 Refer to the latest GM Approved Refinish Materials Booklet (GM 4901 MD-2005) for specific products
for aluminum refinishing.
 To access the booklet, go to www.gmgoodwrench.com. Click on GM Collision Parts. Click on GM
Technical Repair Information, select Paint Shop.
 A Color Compatibility chart is also at this site defining what colors are used on what models.

NOTE: Chemical strippers are not recommended.

 Refer to specific Paint Manufacturers for refinish procedures and process pertaining to "Aluminum
Refinishing".

The procedure requires the wheel surface to be plastic media blasted to remove old paint or clearcoat.

General Color Selection

 If the wheels being painted were previously clearcoated aluminum, and a painted aluminum look is
desired, using Corsican Silver WAEQ9283 for a fine "aluminum-like" look, or Sparkle Silver WA9967
for a very bright look. Body color is another option to the customer that may also be used.
 Some specific colors may be recommended on certain models.
 If painting wheels that were previously clearcoated aluminum, it is recommended that all 4 wheels and
their center caps be refinished to maintain color uniformity.

Tuesday, June 06, 2017 7:00:08 PM Page 10 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
General Refinishing Procedures - Removal

1. Remove the wheels from the vehicle. The tires may remain mounted on the wheels.
2. Remove the balance weights and mark their locations on the tire.
3. Remove excess grease, etc. from the wheels with wax and grease remover.
4. Have the wheels plastic media blasted to remove the clearcoat.

NOTE: MASK OFF ALL MOUNTING SURFACES, whenever a wheel is refinished.

The mounting surface and the wheel nut contact surfaces must not be
painted or clearcoated. Coating these surfaces could affect the wheel nut
torque.

5. Clean and mask and paint the wheels.

General Refinishing Procedures - Installation

Cardiagn.com
1. Unmask the wheels.
2. Clean all wheel mounting surface of any corrosion, overspray, or dirt.

NOTE: When re-balancing a tire on an aluminum wheel, coated balance weights

must be used in order to reduce the chance of future cosmetic damage.

3. Install NEW coated balance weights at marked locations.

NOTE: Use a torque stick on an impact wrench, or a torque wrench to

consistently and uniformly fasten the wheel to the specified torque for the
vehicle. The star pattern must be followed.

4. Install wheels on vehicle.

Repair Option Number 2 - Outside Companies

NOTE: Some outside companies are offering wheel refinishing services. Such
refinished wheels will be permanently marked by the refinisher and are
warranted by the refinisher. Any process that re-machines or otherwise re-
manufactures the wheel should not be used.

A refinishers responsibility includes inspecting for cracks using the Zyglo system or the equivalent. Any
cracked wheels must not be refinished. No welding, hammering or reforming of any kind is allowed. The wheel
ID must be recorded and follow the wheel throughout the process in order to assure that the same wheel is
returned. A plastic media blast may be used for clean up of the wheel. Hand and/or lathe sanding of the
machined surface and the wheel window is allowed. Material removal, though, must be kept to a minimum. Re-
machining of the wheel is not allowed. Paint and/or clearcoat must not be present on the nut chamfers, the
wheel mounting surfaces and the wheel pilot hole. The refinisher must permanently ID stamp the wheel and
warrant the painted/clearcoated surfaces for a minimum of one year or the remainder of the new vehicle

Tuesday, June 06, 2017 7:00:08 PM Page 11 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
warranty, whichever is longer.

NOTE: Whenever a wheel is refinished, the mounting surface and the wheel nut contact
surfaces must not be painted or clearcoated. Coating these surfaces could
affect the wheel nut torque.

When re-mounting a tire on an aluminum wheel, coated balance weights must be used in order to reduce the
chance of future cosmetic damage.

TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

Special Tools

 CH-41013 Rotor Resurfacing Kit

 CH-42450-A Wheel Hub Resurfacing Kit

Cardiagn.com
For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools.

Removal Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
2. Remove the wheel center cap, if equipped.

Tuesday, June 06, 2017 7:00:08 PM Page 12 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
 Cardiagn.com
Fig. 6: Wheel Nut Caps
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

3. Remove the wheel nut caps (1), if equipped.

Tuesday, June 06, 2017 7:00:08 PM Page 13 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
 Cardiagn.com
Fig. 7: Wheel Nuts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

4. Remove the wheel nuts (1).

Tuesday, June 06, 2017 7:00:08 PM Page 14 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
 Cardiagn.com
Fig. 8: Tire And Wheel Assembly
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

5. Remove the tire and wheel assembly (1).

WARNING: If penetrating oil gets on the vertical surfaces between the wheel and
the rotor or drum it could cause the wheel to work loose as the
vehicle is driven, resulting in loss of control and an injury accident.

CAUTION: Removing the wheel may be difficult because of foreign materials or

a tight fit between the wheel and the hub/rotor. Slightly tap the tire
side wall with a rubber mallet in order to remove the wheel. Failure to
follow these instructions may result in damage to the wheel.

CAUTION: Never use heat to loosen a tight wheel bolt or nut. This can shorten
the life of wheel and damage wheel bearings.

6. If the tire and wheel assembly is difficult to remove or cannot be removed, perform the following steps:

Tuesday, June 06, 2017 7:00:08 PM Page 15 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
 Hand install the wheel nuts.
 Loosen the wheel nuts 2 complete turns.

 Lower the vehicle.

 Rock the vehicle from side to side.

 Repeat the procedure if necessary.

7. When the tire and wheel assembly loosens, raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking
the Vehicle .
8. Remove the wheel nuts.
9. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.

Installation Procedure

WARNING: Before installing the wheels, remove any buildup of corrosion on the
wheel mounting surface and brake drum or disc mounting surface.

Cardiagn.com
Installing wheels with poor metal-to-metal contact at the mounting
surfaces can cause wheel nuts to loosen. This can cause a wheel to
come off when the vehicle is moving, causing loss of control and
possibly personal injury.

NOTE: Do not use power grinding tools to clean the brake rotor or drum to wheel
mating surfaces.

1. Using a wire brush or wire wheel, clean the wheel to brake rotor or drum mating surface.
2. Using the CH-41013 Rotor Resurfacing Kit, clean the rotor or drum to wheel contact area.
3. Using the CH-42450-A Wheel Hub Resurfacing Kit, clean the surfaces around the wheel studs.
4. Clean the threads of the wheel studs.
5. If the threads of the wheel stud are damaged, replace the wheel stud. Refer to Wheel Stud Replacement ,
or Wheel Stud Replacement .
6. After cleaning all of the wheel and brake rotor or drum contact areas, use brake cleaner or denatured
alcohol to remove any dirt and debris from the wheel nuts and the brake rotor or drum.
7. Inspect and clean the contact areas of the wheel. Refer to Wheel Mounting Surface Check.

Tuesday, June 06, 2017 7:00:08 PM Page 16 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
 Cardiagn.com
Fig. 9: Rim Inner Center Seat
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

8. Apply a small amount of lubricant to the inner diameter of the wheel hub pilot hole (1) where it contacts
the wheel hub flange. Refer to Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers.

Tuesday, June 06, 2017 7:00:08 PM Page 17 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
 Cardiagn.com
Fig. 10: Tire And Wheel Assembly
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

9. Install the tire and wheel assembly (1).

Tuesday, June 06, 2017 7:00:08 PM Page 18 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
 Cardiagn.com
Fig. 11: Wheel Nuts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

WARNING: Never grease or lubricate wheel nuts, studs and mounting surfaces.
Wheel nuts, studs, and mounting surfaces must be clean and dry.
Tightening the lubricated parts can cause damage to the wheel
studs. This can cause a wheel to come off when the vehicle is
moving, causing loss of control and possibly personal injury.

10. Hand install the wheel nuts (1).

Tuesday, June 06, 2017 7:00:08 PM Page 19 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
 Cardiagn.com
Fig. 12: Wheel Nut Tightening Sequence
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

CAUTION: Improperly tightened wheel bolts or nuts can lead to brake pulsation
and rotor damage. In order to avoid expensive brake repairs, evenly
tighten the wheel bolts or nuts to the proper torque specification.

CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution .

11. Using a torque wrench and the appropriate socket, alternately and evenly tighten the wheel nuts to 150
(111 lb ft) in the sequence illustrated.

Tuesday, June 06, 2017 7:00:08 PM Page 20 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
 Cardiagn.com
Fig. 13: Wheel Nut Caps
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

12. Install the wheel nut caps (1), if equipped.

13. Install the wheel center cap, if equipped.

WHEEL TRIM COVER HUB CAP REPLACEMENT

Tuesday, June 06, 2017 7:00:08 PM Page 21 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
 Cardiagn.com
Fig. 14: Wheel Trim Cover Hub Cap
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

Wheel Trim Cover Hub Cap Replacement

Callout Component Name
Wheel Trim Cover Hub Cap

Procedure
1
1. Orientate the wheel cap depending on the positioning leg.
2. Press softly by hand, in the center of the wheel cap.
3. Clip the arms of the wheel cap to the wheel, one by one.

TIRE ROTATION

Rotate the tires and wheels at frequent intervals to equalize wear. Refer to Maintenance Schedule . In addition
to scheduled rotation, rotate the tire and wheel whenever uneven tire wear is noticed.

Radial tires tend to wear faster in the shoulder area, particularly in front positions. Radial tires in non-drive
locations may develop an irregular wear pattern that may increase tire noise. This makes regular rotation
especially necessary.

Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.

Tuesday, June 06, 2017 7:00:08 PM Page 22 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
 Cardiagn.com
Fig. 15: Identifying Tire Rotation Pattern
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

Always use a 4-wheel rotation. After rotation, check the wheel nuts for specified torque. Then, set the tire
pressure.

After the tires have been rotated, the tire pressure sensors must be reset, if applicable.

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION

ALL SEASONS TIRES DESCRIPTION

Steel belted all-season radial tires qualify as snow tires, with a higher than average rating for snow traction than
the non-all season radial tires previously used. Other performance areas, such as wet traction, rolling resistance,
tread life, and air retention, are also improved. This is done by improvements in both tread design and tread
compounds. These tires are identified by an M + S molded in the tire side wall after the tire size. The suffix MS
is also molded in the tire side wall after the TPC specification number.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Tuesday, June 06, 2017 7:00:08 PM Page 23 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
This vehicle has been engineered to operate up to the stated load capacity with wheel and tire assemblies of the
type, size, construction, and configuration as originally installed. Maintenance of the tire inflation pressures is
critical to the continued satisfactory performance, handling, and operating economy of the vehicle. Operation
with incorrectly or improperly inflated tires can adversely affect vehicle performance and may contribute to the
following:

 Reduced fuel economy

 Tire overloading
 Shortened tire life
 Excessive tire wear
 Uneven tire wear
 Vehicle handling concerns

Inspect the tire pressures when the vehicle has not been driven for at least 3 hours or not more than 1.6 km (1
mi) and when the tires are cool to the touch.

Cardiagn.com
Tire inflation pressures should be inspected monthly and before an extended trip and adjusted to meet the
specifications listed for the particular vehicle. Replace any missing or damaged tire valve stem extensions
and/or caps to prevent the intrusion of water and contaminates.

One pound per square inch (psi) equals 6.9 kilopascals (kPa). The following table illustrates the conversion of
kilopascals to pounds per square inch:

Inflation Pressure Conversion (Kilopascals to PSI)

kPa psi kPa psi
140 20 215 31
145 21 220 32
155 22 230 33
160 23 235 34
165 24 240 35
170 25 250 36
180 26 275 40
185 27 310 45
190 28 345 50
200 29 380 55
205 30 415 60
Conversion: 6.9 kPa = 1 psi

For the correct inflation pressures refer to the vehicle Tire Placard.

Tires inflated to a higher than recommended pressure can contribute to the following conditions:

 A hard ride
 Tire bruising

Tuesday, June 06, 2017 7:00:08 PM Page 24 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
  Rapid tread wear at the center of the tire

Tires inflated to a lower than recommended pressure can contribute to the following conditions:

 Tire squeal on turns

 Hard steering
 Rapid and/or uneven wear on the outer edges of the tread
 Tire rim bruises and tire rim rupture
 Tire cord breakage
 High tire temperatures
 Sluggish vehicle handling
 Higher fuel consumption

Unequal pressure on the same axle can cause the following conditions:

Cardiagn.com
 Uneven braking action
 Steering lead
 Imprecise vehicle handling

METRIC WHEEL NUTS AND BOLTS DESCRIPTION

Metric wheel/nuts and bolts are identified in the following way:

 The wheel/nut has the word Metric stamped on the face.

 The letter M is stamped on the end of the wheel bolt.

The thread sizes of metric wheel/nuts and the bolts are indicated by the following example: M12 x 1.5.

 M = Metric
 12 = Diameter in millimeters
 1.5 = Millimeters gap per thread

P-METRIC SIZED TIRES DESCRIPTION

Tire Designation

The dimensions of a P-metric sized tire are described in its designation as per the following table.

Example: 205/65 R 15 94V

Tuesday, June 06, 2017 7:00:08 PM Page 25 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
 Cardiagn.com
Fig. 16: View Of Tire Width & Height
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

Designation Explanation
205 Tire width in mm
65 Aspect ratio height (h)/width (w) %
R Construction type, see table below
16 Rim diameter in inches
94 Load index, see table below
V Speed rating, see table below

Construction Type
Designation Explanation
R Radial
B Bias-belted
D Diagonal (Bias)

Load Index
Code Max Load kg Max Load lb
91 615 1353

Tuesday, June 06, 2017 7:00:09 PM Page 26 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
93 650 1430
94 670 1474
95 690 1518

Speed Rating
Code Max Speed km/h Max Speed mph
Q 160 99
S 180 112
T 190 118
H 210 130
V 240 149
W 270 168
Y 300 186

Cardiagn.com
The marking of the tire in the example means:

 205 - Tire width is 205 mm

 65 - Aspect Ratio is 65% (height is 65% of width)
 205 - Tire width is 205 mm
 16 - The tire is for 16 inch rim
 94 - Max load is 670 kg (1, 474 lb)
 V - Max speed is 240 km/h (149 mph)

There may sometimes be an added marking showing that the tire can handle more load:

 RF - Reinforced
 XL - Extra Load

Winter tires have an extra marking M+S.

Week of Manufacture

The week and year of manufacture is indicated on the tire.

Tuesday, June 06, 2017 7:00:09 PM Page 27 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
 Cardiagn.com
Fig. 17: Week Of Manufacture
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

The 2 first digits states the production week and the 2 last digits states the year. The symbol "<" points to the
year. The code 0200< means that the tire is manufactured week 02 year 2000.

Replacing Tires

When replacing wheels/tires/rims using other dimensions always use the diagnostic tool to program the new
values to avoid inaccuracy for e.g. speedometer, odometer and TPMS.

Most P-metric tire sizes do not have exact corresponding alphanumeric tire sizes. Replacement tires should be
of the same tire performance criteria TPC specification number including the same size, the same load range,
and the same construction as those originally installed on the vehicle.

REPLACEMENT WHEELS DESCRIPTION

Replace the wheel if any of the following conditions exist:

 The wheel exhibits excessive runout.

 The wheel is bent.
 The wheel is cracked.

Tuesday, June 06, 2017 7:00:09 PM Page 28 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
  The wheel is severely corroded.
 The wheel leaks air.

WARNING: If you are replacing the wheel(s), the wheel stud(s), the wheel nut(s) or the
wheel bolt(s), install only new GM original equipment parts. Installation of
used parts or non-GM original equipment parts may cause the wheel to
loosen, loss of tire air pressure, poor vehicle handling and loss of vehicle
control resulting in personal injury.

CAUTION: The use of non-GM original equipment wheels may cause:

 Damage to the wheel bearing, the wheel fasteners and the wheel
 Tire damage caused by the modified clearance to the adjacent
vehicle components
Adverse vehicle steering stability caused by the modified scrub

Cardiagn.com

radius
 Damage to the vehicle caused by the modified ground clearance
 Speedometer and odometer inaccuracy

Replace the wheel, the wheel studs and the wheel/nuts, or the wheel bolts if applicable, if any of the following
conditions exist:

 The wheel has elongated bolt holes.

 The wheel/nuts, or bolts if applicable, loosen repeatedly.

Aluminum wheel identification is cast into the inboard side of the wheel.

When replacing wheels/tires/rims using other dimensions always use the diagnostic tool to program the new
values to avoid inaccuracy for e.g. speedometer, odometer and TPMS.

TIRE INFLATION DESCRIPTION

The factory installed tires are designed to operate satisfactorily with loads up to and including the full rated load
capacity when these tires are inflated to the recommended pressures.

The following factors have an important influence on tire life:

 Correct tire pressures

 Correct wheel alignment
 Proper driving techniques
 Tire rotation

The following factors increase tire wear:

Tuesday, June 06, 2017 7:00:09 PM Page 29 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
  Heavy cornering
 Excessively rapid acceleration
 Heavy braking

TREAD WEAR INDICATORS DESCRIPTION

Fig. 18: View Of Tread Wear Indicators

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
Cardiagn.com
The original equipment tires have tread wear indicators that show when you should replace the tires.

The location of these indicators are at 60 degree intervals around the outer diameter of the tire. The indicators
appear as a 6 mm (0.25 in) wide band when the tire tread depth becomes 1.6 mm (2/32 in).

SPECIAL TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

SPECIAL TOOLS

Tuesday, June 06, 2017 7:00:09 PM Page 30 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
 Illustration Tool Number/ Description

CH 41013
J 41013
Rotor Resurfacing kit
Not used in Europe

CH 42450-A
J 42450-A
Wheel Hub Resurfacing Kit
Not used in Europe

Cardiagn.com

Tuesday, June 06, 2017 7:00:09 PM Page 31 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.