2004 Mercury Mountaineer Owner's Manual - Page 194

Roadside Emergencies ability, to the point where the ratchet/slip occurs, if possible. The spare tire carrier will not allow you to overtighten. If the spare tire carrier ratchets or slips with little effort, take the vehicle to your dealer for assistance at your earliest convenience. 4. Check that the tire lies flat against the frame and is properly tightened. Try to push or pull, then turn the tire to be sure it will not move. Loosen and retighten, if necessary. Failure to properly stow the spare tire may result in failure of the winch cable and loss of the tire. 5. If your vehicle is equipped with a spare tire lock and key, be sure to install the spare tire lock into the bumper drive tube with the spare tire lock key and jack handle. 6. Repeat this tightness check procedure when servicing the spare tire pressure (every six months, per Scheduled Maintenance Guide), or at any time that the spare tire is disturbed through service of other components. Re-stowing the jack and tools 1. Unblock the wheels. 2. Stow the wheel ornament (if removed) in a safe location in the vehicle (such as the glove box or jack stowage compartment) so it will not become damaged. Re-install the wheel ornament onto the wheel once the tire is repaired or replaced. 3. Stow the jack and tools in their respective locations, making sure they are fully secured so they do not rattle when you drive. Wheel lug nut torque specifications Retighten the lug nuts to the specified torque at 500 miles (800 km) after any wheel disturbance (rotation, flat tire, wheel removal, etc.). Wheel lug nut torque* lb.ft. N•m 1⁄2 x 20 100 136 * Torque specifications are for nut and bolt threads free of dirt and rust. Use only Ford recommended replacement fasteners. When a wheel is installed, always remove any corrosion, dirt or foreign materials present on the mounting surfaces of the wheel or the surface of the front disc brake hub and rotor that contacts the wheel. Installing wheels without correct metal-to-metal contact at the wheel mounting surfaces can cause the wheel nuts to loosen and the wheel to come off while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in loss of control. 194 Bolt size REVIEW COPY: 2004 Explorer (exp), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) (own2002), Market: USA English (fus)