Replacing a wheel on a crossover Škoda Kodiaq - This is a task that every owner should be able to cope with. Despite the fact that the car is equipped with modern assistance systems, the mechanical dismantling process requires attention to detail and the correct sequence of actions. Mistakes at this stage can lead to thread damage, disc deformation, or even injury, so the procedure must be taken seriously.
Proper safety precautions and knowledge of specific design points Kodiaq will allow you to quickly and safely repair a puncture or replace a damaged element. In this article we will look at all the nuances of working with wheel bolts, car lifting points and features of using standard tools.
Preparing the car for a tire change
The first and most important step is choosing the right place to stop. You need to find a flat, solid area with good visibility, away from active traffic. If you find yourself on the highway, turn on your hazard lights and post a warning triangle at a safe distance so other drivers can react in time.
⚠️ Caution: Never attempt to remove wheels on a slope or soft ground as this may cause the vehicle to tip over when jacked up.
Before starting work, be sure to tighten the handbrake all the way. This is critical for manual transmission models, where it is also recommended to engage first or reverse gear. For vehicles with automatic transmission, ensure that the selector lever is in the P (Parking).
In addition to the handbrake, you need to secure the wheels that will remain on the ground. Use blocks or regular stones to place them under the opposite wheels. If you change the front wheel, the stops are placed under the rear ones, and vice versa. This will prevent unexpected movement of the vehicle during lifting.
Required tool and its location
In the trunk of your Škoda Kodiaq There is a special tool compartment where everything needed to change a wheel is stored. Typically this is a set that includes a jack, a wheel wrench, and wheel chocks. Some configurations may also include a torque wrench, which greatly simplifies the task.
You will need to use a specialized wheel wrench, which is often curved for ease of use in hard-to-reach areas. If you have alloy wheels, you may need a special adapter or a star key that comes with the central wheel lock.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that the star key for the central locking is accessible, otherwise you simply will not be able to unscrew the mounting bolts. Losing this key can be a serious problem on the road.
If a standard jack is not at hand or is out of order, you can use a hydraulic jack, but only if there is a flat surface. It is important that the jack support exactly matches the factory lifting points, otherwise the sills or suspension components may be damaged.
☑️ Preparing to change a wheel
Loosening Wheel Bolts
One of the most common mistakes is trying to completely remove the bolts before the car is lifted. This is dangerous because the wheel can spin, and you put in extra effort, which can lead to loss of balance. First you just need to loosen the bolts without removing them completely.
Use the wheel wrench by placing it on the bolt and applying pressure counterclockwise. If the bolts are too tight, you can use your body weight to gently push down on the wrench handle. In some cases, lightly tapping the key handle helps to knock out the soured threads.
⚠️ Caution: Do not use extended pipes to increase leverage as this may strip the threads of the bolts or damage the wrench itself, complicating the situation.
After all the bolts have become movable, but have not yet been removed, you can begin to lift the car. Leave the bolts in a couple of threads so that the wheel doesn't fall off once you start lifting the car. This will provide additional stability during the initial phase of the climb.
- Steel stamped
- Alloy wheels
- Forged wheels
- Magnesium alloy wheels
Correct installation of the jack
U Škoda Kodiaq There are clearly marked lifting points located along the rapids. These are usually metal protrusions with indentations that are located just behind the front or in front of the rear wheel. Incorrect installation of the jack can cause the threshold to bend, which will subsequently require costly repairs.
Take a close look at the underside of the car: the sills often have small cutouts or markings in the form of an arrow pointing to the installation point. Make sure the jack pad rests firmly on this point and does not slip off.
Wheel lifting and removal process
When the jack is installed correctly, you can begin lifting it. Do this smoothly, without sudden jerks. Raise the car until the wheel lifts off the ground by about 2-3 centimeters. Do not raise the machine too high as this reduces stability and increases the risk of falling.
Now that the car is securely fixed in the air, you can completely unscrew the previously loosened bolts. Remove them and put them in a safe place so as not to drop them. After this, carefully remove the wheel, holding it with both hands, as it may be heavy.
What to do if the wheel is stuck?
If the disc is stuck to the hub due to corrosion, gently hit the inside of the wheel with a rubber mallet or a wooden block. Do not hit the brake disc or hub to avoid damaging them.
Installing a new wheel and lowering
Before installing a spare wheel or a new disc, be sure to clean the hub seat from dirt and rust. This will ensure proper fit of the disc and prevent the wheel from wobbling when driving. Place the wheel on the hub and tighten the bolts by hand until they are screwed in without distortion.
Tighten the bolts cross-to-cross to ensure that the disc is evenly pressed. Use a balloon key to tighten them as tightly as possible, but don’t overdo it to avoid ripping the thread.
Tighten the bolts cross-to-cross to avoid disc distortion and ensure a uniform distribution of the load on the hub.
After the bolts are tightened, you can lower the car. Lower the jack slowly, controlling the process. When the machine completely touches the ground, remove the jack and make the final tightening of the bolts with maximum effort.
The final tightening of the bolts is made only after the car is completely lowered to the ground and stands on all wheels.
Verification and follow-up
After replacing the wheel, you need to check the pressure in it and make sure it is serviceable. If you have put a temporary spare (rolling), remember that it has a speed limit, usually up to 80 km / h. Also.
Features of temporary stockpile
Temporary spare (dock) has a smaller diameter and a narrower width. It is designed solely to get to the nearest tire fitting or service station. Do not try to drive it for long or at high speed.
After 50-100 kilometers of run, it is recommended to check the tightening of the bolts again. Vibrations and load can lead to their self-unwinding. If you are using a dynamometer key, the torque must meet the manufacturer’s recommendations.
| Parameter | Importance for the Škoda Kodiaq |
|---|---|
| Tightening moment | 120 Nm |
| Maximum speed on the roll-off | 80 km/h |
| Bolt size | M14x1.5 |
| Number of bolts per wheel | 5 pcs. |
Frequent mistakes when replacing the wheel
Many drivers make the mistake of trying to unscrew the bolts while the car is on the ground, but not loosening them completely. This puts unnecessary strain on the hands and can lead to injury if the key breaks. Also often forget about the handbrake, which leads to the rolling of the car when lifting.
Another common mistake is to install the jack at the wrong point. This can lead to deformation of the body, which is not always visible from the outside, but on the rigidity of the structure. Always check the instructions and markings on the doorsteps.
Before starting work, take a picture of the location of the bolts and their tightening, if there is an opportunity, so that later you do not guess how to twist them correctly.
Features of working with Škoda Kodiaq discs
Model Kodiaq It is often equipped with large disks of a large radius, which makes the removal process more time-consuming. The weight of these wheels is much higher than that of standard passenger cars, so more physical strength and care is required when removing and installing.
When working with cast discs, be careful about their edges, as they are easily subjected to mechanical damage. Use only a clean tool and do not allow scratches on the surface of the disc, especially if it has a decorative coating.
The weight of the wheels on the ŠKODA KODIAQ can be significant, so use both hands to remove and install them to avoid back injuries.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can I remove the wheel without a jack?
No, it is impossible to remove the wheel without a jack, since the weight of the car keeps the disk in place. Trying to remove the wheel without lifting will cause damage to the thread and injuries.
What to do if the bolts do not come off?
If the bolts are stiff, use a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and give it time to act. You can also gently tap the bolt head to break down the rust.
Do I need to tighten the bolts with a dynamometer key?
Preferably. The dynamometer key allows you to accurately observe the torque specified by the manufacturer (usually 120 Nm), which prevents the thread from breaking or loosening the bolts in transit.
How long can I ride on the spare wheel?
On a temporary spare (dock) you can drive no more than 50-100 km and only at a speed of up to 80 km / h. This is a temporary solution for the service.
Where are the climbing points on the ŠKODA Kodiaq?
The lifting points are on the rapids, just behind the front or in front of the rear wheel. They are marked by cutouts or arrows on the bottom of the body.
Compliance with all the above rules and guidelines will allow you to safely and efficiently replace the wheel on your car. Remember that proper preparation and accuracy is the key to successful repairs in any conditions.