Tire Mount and Balance

This procedure covers the removal, mounting, balancing, and installation of tires on the 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, including proper torque specifications for wheel lug nuts.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Valve stems (rubber or TPMS compatible) × 4 — Use OEM specification for TPMS-equipped vehicles
• Wheel weights (assorted) × 1 — Varies by balance requirements
• Tires (if replacing) × 4 — P255/70R17 or as specified on door placard

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Verify replacement tires match the size and load rating on the driver's door placard (typically P255/70R17 or similar)
3. If equipped with TPMS, verify sensor functionality before dismounting tires
4. Loosen all wheel lug nuts approximately 1/2 turn while vehicle is on the ground
5. Lift vehicle at manufacturer-specified jacking points and support with jack stands at all four corners
6. Remove all four wheels and tires from vehicle

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect wheels and TPMS sensors
   Examine each wheel for cracks, bends, or damage that would prevent proper mounting or balance. If equipped with TPMS, verify each sensor is securely attached to the valve stem and not damaged. Note sensor positions if reinstalling to different wheels.
2. 2

   Dismount old tires from wheels
   Place wheel on tire mounting machine and break both beads using the bead breaker. Position the wheel on the turntable and clamp securely. Use the mounting arm to carefully lift the top bead over the rim, working around the circumference. Remove the tire completely. For TPMS-equipped wheels, take care not to damage the sensor during dismounting.
3. 3

   Clean wheel and inspect mounting surfaces
   Remove all old wheel weights from both the inner and outer rim surfaces. Clean the wheel thoroughly, removing any corrosion, dirt, or debris from the bead seating areas and drop center. Inspect the rim for damage or corrosion that could prevent proper bead seating. Clean the center bore and lug nut seating surfaces.
4. 4

   Replace valve stems
   Remove old valve stems using a valve stem tool. For TPMS-equipped vehicles, carefully remove the TPMS sensor from the old stem if applicable, or install new TPMS-compatible valve stems. Install new valve stems, ensuring they are properly seated and sealed. Install valve stem caps.
5. 5

   Mount new tires on wheels
   Apply tire lubricant to both tire beads and the wheel rim surfaces. Position the tire on the wheel with the correct directional orientation (if applicable) and DOT date code facing outward. Use the tire mounting machine to press the bottom bead over the rim, then the top bead, working carefully to avoid pinching the TPMS sensor. Ensure both beads are fully seated in the drop center before inflation.
6. 6

   Seat tire beads and inflate to specifications
   Inflate tire slowly while ensuring both beads seat properly against the rim. You should hear audible pops as each bead seats. Do not exceed 40 PSI during initial seating. Once beads are fully seated, adjust tire pressure to the specification on the door placard (typically 35 PSI front and rear for this vehicle). Verify both beads are uniformly seated around the entire circumference.
7. 7

   Balance wheels and tires
   Mount the wheel/tire assembly on the balancing machine spin balancer. Enter the correct wheel dimensions (diameter, width, offset). Run the balance cycle and note the weight amounts and positions indicated. Install wheel weights as directed by the balancer, using clip-on weights for steel wheels or adhesive weights for alloy wheels. Re-spin to verify balance is within specification (typically less than 0.25 oz imbalance). Repeat for all four wheels.
8. 8

   Install wheels on vehicle
   Clean the hub mounting surface with a wire brush to remove any rust or debris. Install each wheel onto the hub, ensuring proper alignment with the lug studs. Thread all five lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Using a tire iron or impact wrench, snug all lug nuts in a star pattern, but do not fully tighten yet.
9. 9

   Lower vehicle and perform final torque
   Remove jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle to the ground. With the vehicle weight on the wheels, torque all lug nuts to specification in a star pattern using a calibrated torque wrench. Start at one lug nut and work in a star pattern to ensure even pressure distribution. Make at least two complete passes around each wheel to ensure all lug nuts reach proper torque. Ensure all lug nuts are torqued to 190 Nm (140 lb-ft) in a star pattern.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts190 Nm (140 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reset TPMS and verify pressure
    If TPMS sensors were disturbed or replaced, use a TPMS relearn tool or follow the vehicle's relearn procedure (typically driving above 25 MPH for 10 minutes). Verify all tire pressures are set to door placard specifications using an accurate tire pressure gauge. Check that the TPMS warning light is not illuminated on the instrument cluster.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all lug nuts are torqued to 190 Nm (140 lb-ft) in a star pattern
2. Verify tire pressures match door placard specifications after vehicle has been driven
3. Install valve stem caps on all four wheels

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify no vibration or pulling is present
• Re-check lug nut torque after 50-100 miles of driving
• Verify TPMS system shows correct pressures for all four tires with no warning lights
• Inspect for any air leaks around valve stems and bead seating areas
• Confirm smooth operation at highway speeds with no vibration or noise

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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