I just got a set of tires/wheels from tire rack balanced and ready to put on my car. I got the Potenza RE960AS to replace stock all season runflats for the winter months. The dealer charges $70 for the switch. I am contemplating doing it myself and using the savings to buy a jack and other stuff and to avoid damage to the rims. First, is it safe for a novice to do this? Do I need a torque wrench? What torque do I need? What are the nuances of getting the wheel on correctly with proper direction of spin, clearance of break calipers, etc. Would it help to get a cordless impact wrench, a car jack (what type for the chassis and where does it contact the frame of the car without damage? Is there a guide somewher for this?

 

you just need a jack (or you can use the stock one) and some jack stands. You can then use the tire wrench to undo thewheel boltsand more than likely you will need a pipe or something to give you more leverage. To put the new wheels on, just make sure if the tires are unidirectional, you install them that way. You dont have to worry about the brakes or anything, just sit them on the lip and then work in the bolts. Then use the new bolts and tighten them very snuggly (tighting every other one around the wheel) with just the tire wrench, you cant over torque them that way. Then you are good to go. But you should go back and retighten the bolts after a 100 miles and then again after another 200miles or so. The new bolts will work themselves loose and after you tighten them 2 or 3 times they will stay tight.

 

for safety.... be sure to break the bolts on the ground then lifth the car to remove the bolts.
if you're using the stock jack, be sure to block the wheels so to prevent the possibilty of it rolling.
when installing, snug the wheels while it's in the air, once you drop it, use german specifications on the bolts......
"GUTENTEIT"
be safe..

 

Also, as a reminder, when you go to tighten the lug nuts down,do not tighten them one after another next to each other, always tighten your lugs in a star pattern.

 

if you have a torque wrench tighten to 90ft/lbs... im pretty sure thats the spec on tightening... also, about placement for a jack, once you get under youll see what appears to be little pads or circles underneath right near the edge... look in your manual and itll also show you the jack points... break the bolts on the ground then lift and when tightening star pattern... its no biggie

 

if you have an owners manual this info is in there with pictures under changing a flat tire.

 

90 ft/lbs is correct torque spec