30/05/2017
Knowing how to safely remove a wheel from your Fiat 500X is a fundamental skill for any car owner. Whether you're dealing with a flat tyre, performing routine brake inspections, or simply rotating your wheels, understanding the correct procedure ensures both your safety and the longevity of your vehicle's components. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step, providing detailed explanations and crucial safety advice, tailored for the UK driver.
Before you begin, always ensure your car is on a level, firm surface away from traffic. Personal safety should be your paramount concern, so take your time and follow each instruction carefully. Having the right tools readily available will also make the process smoother and more efficient.
Essential Tools for the Job
To successfully remove your Fiat 500X wheel, you'll need a few key items. Most of these should be found in your vehicle's emergency kit, but it's always wise to have a more robust set for home maintenance.
- Wheel Chocks: Crucial for preventing the vehicle from rolling.
- Lug Wrench or Breaker Bar: For loosening and tightening wheel bolts.
- Impact Socket #17: This specific size is required for your Fiat 500X wheel bolts.
- Trolley Jack or Scissor Jack: To lift the vehicle. Ensure it has a sufficient weight rating.
- Axle Stands: Absolutely vital for safety when working under or near a raised vehicle. Never rely solely on a jack.
- Gloves: To protect your hands from grease and sharp edges.
- Torch or Headlamp: Useful for working in low light conditions or inspecting under the car.
- Owner's Manual: Always consult this for specific jacking points and torque settings.
Why Proper Tools Matter
Using the correct tools not only makes the job easier but also prevents damage to your wheel bolts and hub. An impact socket, for instance, is designed to withstand the forces involved in loosening stubborn bolts without rounding them off, unlike standard sockets.
Prioritising Safety: A Non-Negotiable Step
Working on a raised vehicle carries inherent risks. Adhering to strict safety protocols is not just recommended; it's essential. A moment of carelessness can lead to serious injury.
- Always work on a flat, stable surface. Avoid sloped driveways or soft ground.
- Engage the handbrake fully.
- Place the car in first gear (manual) or 'Park' (automatic).
- Use wheel chocks on the wheel diagonally opposite to the one you are removing. For example, if removing the front-left wheel, chock the rear-right wheel.
- Never place any part of your body under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use axle stands.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves and sturdy footwear.
Step-by-Step Fiat 500X Wheel Removal Guide
Follow these steps carefully to ensure a smooth and safe wheel removal process.
Step 1: Prepare the Vehicle – Open the Bonnet
While it might seem counter-intuitive to open the bonnet when removing a wheel, this initial step is important for a specific reason related to your brake system. Accessing the brake fluid reservoir is a subtle but crucial part of preventing potential issues.
Step 2: Unscrew the Brake Fluid Reservoir Cap
Locate the brake fluid reservoir under the bonnet and gently unscrew its cap. You don't need to remove it completely, just loosen it sufficiently to allow air to enter. The reason for this is to prevent a vacuum from forming in the brake system when the brake caliper pistons are pushed back slightly as the wheel is removed. This can happen if the brake pads are worn and the caliper has extended further than usual. Loosening the cap allows the fluid level to adjust without creating resistance, making reinstallation of a new or spare wheel potentially easier if the brake pads are new or thicker.
Step 3: Secure the Wheels with Chocks
With the car still on the ground, position the wheel chocks firmly against the tyre on the wheel diagonally opposite to the one you plan to remove. For example, if you're removing a front wheel, chock a rear wheel; if removing a rear wheel, chock a front wheel. This prevents any unwanted movement of the vehicle during the jacking process.
Step 4: Loosen the Wheel Mounting Bolts (While on the Ground)
This is a critical step that many overlook. Using your lug wrench or breaker bar with the #17 impact socket, apply force to each wheel bolt to loosen them. Turn them about half a turn anti-clockwise. The car's weight on the ground provides the necessary resistance to prevent the wheel from spinning, making it much easier to break free stubborn bolts. Do not remove them completely at this stage.
| Feature | Lug Wrench / Breaker Bar | Impact Wrench (Electric/Air) |
|---|---|---|
| Power Source | Manual (user strength) | Electric or Compressed Air |
| Ease of Use | Requires significant physical effort for tight bolts | Effortless, especially for stubborn bolts |
| Speed | Slower, bolt by bolt | Very fast, rapid removal |
| Cost | Inexpensive | More expensive, requires power source |
| Portability | Highly portable, fits in boot | Less portable, requires power/compressor |
Step 5: Raise the Rear of the Car and Secure on Supports
Consult your Fiat 500X owner's manual to identify the correct jacking points. These are typically reinforced areas on the vehicle's chassis, specifically designed to withstand the pressure of a jack. Position your jack directly under the designated jacking point closest to the wheel you are removing. Slowly raise the vehicle until the wheel is completely clear of the ground. Once at the desired height, carefully slide an axle stand under a suitable chassis point near the jack. Lower the vehicle gently onto the axle stand, ensuring it is stable before fully removing the jack. Repeat this for a second axle stand if you plan to remove both rear wheels or need extra stability.
Step 6: Unscrew the Wheel Bolts Completely
Now that the vehicle is safely supported, you can proceed to fully unscrew the wheel bolts. Continue turning them anti-clockwise using your #17 impact socket and lug wrench. Work in a diagonal pattern to ensure even pressure release, although at this stage, it's less critical than during initial loosening or final tightening.
Step 7: Important! Hold the Wheel While Unscrewing the Fastening Bolts
As you remove the final bolts, the wheel will no longer be securely attached to the hub. It's crucial to support the weight of the wheel with one hand while unscrewing the last one or two bolts with the other. This prevents the wheel from falling unexpectedly, which could cause injury to you or damage to the wheel, brake disc, or wheel studs.
Step 8: Remove the Wheel
Once all the bolts are removed and you're supporting the wheel, gently pull it straight off the hub. If the wheel is stuck, it might be due to corrosion between the wheel and the hub. You can try carefully kicking the tyre from behind with your foot (never stand directly in front of it) or using a rubber mallet on the tyre sidewall to help break it free. Once loose, carefully place the wheel aside, preferably flat on the ground to prevent it from rolling.
Reinstallation Tips (Briefly)
When you're ready to put the wheel back on, reverse the process. Lift the wheel onto the hub, ensuring it's properly seated on the studs. Hand-tighten all bolts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the wheel just touches the ground, then tighten the bolts firmly in a star pattern. Finally, lower the car completely, remove the jack and stands, and give the bolts a final tightening with a torque wrench to the manufacturer's specified torque setting (found in your owner's manual). This is critical for safety and to prevent overtightening or undertightening, which can lead to warped brake discs or loose wheels.
Common Pitfalls and Troubleshooting
- Stuck Wheel Bolts: If bolts are extremely tight, a breaker bar provides more leverage than a standard lug wrench. Avoid standing on the wrench, as it can slip and cause injury.
- Rounded Bolts: If a bolt head starts to round off, stop immediately. You might need specialist tools like a bolt extractor or professional help. Prevention is key – always use the correct size socket (#17).
- Stuck Wheel: As mentioned, corrosion is common. Lubricating the hub centre (not the studs or bolt threads) with a thin layer of copper grease during reinstallation can help prevent future sticking.
- Incorrect Jacking Points: Using the wrong jacking point can damage your vehicle's chassis, sills, or suspension components. Always refer to your owner's manual.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the correct torque setting for my Fiat 500X wheel bolts?
A: While specific figures can vary slightly, most Fiat 500X models typically require a torque setting between 100-120 Nm (Newton-metres). Always consult your owner's manual for the precise specification for your exact model year and wheel type. Using a torque wrench for reinstallation is highly recommended to prevent overtightening, which can stretch the bolts or warp brake discs, or undertightening, which could lead to a wheel detaching.
Q: Do I really need axle stands? Can't I just use the jack?
A: Absolutely, axle stands are non-negotiable for safety. A jack is designed for lifting, not for supporting a vehicle for an extended period or when working underneath it. Jacks can fail due to hydraulic pressure loss, mechanical malfunction, or instability on uneven ground. Axle stands provide a solid, mechanical support system that dramatically reduces the risk of the vehicle falling, which could be fatal.
Q: Why do I need to loosen the brake fluid reservoir cap?
A: Loosening the cap prevents a vacuum from forming within the brake fluid reservoir. When you remove a wheel, especially if the brake pads are worn, the brake caliper pistons might retract slightly. If the reservoir cap is sealed, this movement can create negative pressure, making it harder to push the caliper pistons back in when fitting a new, thicker brake pad, or even just reseating the wheel. It's a small step that can save hassle.
Q: What if I don't have an impact socket #17?
A: The #17 impact socket is specified because it's the correct size for your Fiat 500X's wheel bolts and an impact socket is designed for durability. While a standard #17 socket might work, it's more prone to rounding off the bolt heads if they're particularly tight, especially with a breaker bar. It's always best to use the recommended tool for safety and to avoid damaging your bolts.
Q: How often should I check my wheel bolt torque after reinstallation?
A: It's good practice to re-check the wheel bolt torque after driving approximately 50-100 miles (80-160 km) following any wheel removal or reinstallation. This is because bolts can sometimes loosen slightly as the wheel settles onto the hub. A quick re-torque ensures they remain securely fastened.
Conclusion
Removing a wheel from your Fiat 500X doesn't have to be a daunting task. By following these clear, step-by-step instructions and prioritising safety at every turn, you'll be well-equipped to handle tyre changes, brake inspections, or any other wheel-related maintenance with confidence. Remember, patience and the right tools are your best allies in the garage or at the roadside.
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