How to Rotate Tires on 4X4

Regular tire rotation is important for your 4x4.

A regular program of tire rotation can extend the life of your tires and provide improved traction and handling for a 4x4. Most tire warranties also require regular rotation as a condition for continued warranty coverage.

Things You'll Need

• Heavy-duty hydraulic floor jack
• 4 jack stands
• Lug wrench
• Torque wrench

Instructions

1. Set the parking brake on the 4x4 and put the transmission in "Park" or in gear for a manual transmission.

2. Jack up the front of the 4x4 with the hydraulic jack. Use the front differential or a frame cross member as a jack point. Place two of the jack stands under the axle just inside the wheels and lower the front of the 4x4 onto the jack stands. The front wheels should be off the ground.

3. Jack up the rear of the 4x4 and place jack stands under the axle using the same procedures as for the front of the vehicle.

4. Remove all four wheels and tires using the lug wrench. Keep the lug nuts organized near the wheel hubs and make note of the starting position of each of the tires.

5. Move the rear tires to the front axle on the same side. The former front tires go to the rear axle and cross over to the other side of the 4x4.

6. Remount the wheels and tires at the new locations. Tighten the wheel lugs in a crossover pattern instead of around the circle. Use the torque wrench to final tighten the lugs to the proper torque as listed in the 4x4 owner's manual

7. Lower the 4x4 from the jack stands by reversing the steps used to jack up the vehicle.

Tips & Warnings

• Recheck the torque on the wheel lugs after driving the 4x4 for 60 miles.

• A spinner-type, four-way lug wrench will speed up the lug removal and reinstallation process.

• Loosen the lugs slightly before jacking up the 4x4.

• Do not use the safety jack to jack up a 4x4 for tire rotation. A heavy-duty hydraulic jack is required to keep the process safe.

References

• Discount Tire Direct: Rotation