2006 Buick Rainier Owner's Manual - Page 399

{CAUTION: The underbody-mounted spare tire needs to be stored with the valve stem pointing up. If the spare tire is stored with the valve stem pointing downward, its secondary latch won't work properly and the spare tire could loosen and suddenly fall from your vehicle. If this happened when your vehicle was being driven, the tire might contact a person or another vehicle, causing injury and, of course, damage to itself as well. Be sure the underbody-mounted spare tire is stored with its valve stem pointing up. Notice: An aluminum wheel with a flat tire should always be stored under the vehicle with the hoist. However, storing it that way for an extended period could damage the wheel. To avoid this, always stow the wheel properly with the valve stem pointing up and have the wheel repaired as soon as possible. Follow this diagram to store the underbody-mounted flat or spare tire. A. Wheel Wrench B. Hoist Shaft C. Extension D. Retainer E. Spare or Flat Tire (Valve Stem Pointed Up) 1. Put the tire (E) on the ground at the rear of the vehicle. 2. Remove the hubcap, if equipped, from the flat tire by tapping the backside of the hubcap with the wheel wrench (A). Store in a safe location until the flat tire is repaired. Once the tire is repaired, replace the hubcap. 3. Ensure the valve stem is pointed up and to the rear. Then pull the retainer (D) through the wheel. 4. Put the socket end of the extension (C), on a 45 degree angle downward, through the hole just above the rear bumper and into the hoist shaft (B). 5-83