1997 Chevrolet Malibu Owner's Manual - Page 216
1997 Chevrolet Malibu Manual
Page 216 highlights
12. Tighten the wheel nuts firmly ina criss-cross sequence, as shown. NOTICE: Improperly tightened wheel nuts can lead to brake pulsation and rotordamage. To avoid expensive brake repairs, evenly tighten the wheel nuts in theproper sequence and to theproper torque specification, Don't try to put wheel cover on your compact spare a tire. Itwon't fit. Store the wheel cover and wheel nut caps in the trunk until you have flat tire repaired the or replaced. A C ' uTION: Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly tightened wheel nuts can cause the wheel to become loose and even comeoff. This could lead anaccident. to Be sure to use thecorrect wheel nuts, If you have to replace them,be sure toget new GM original equipment wheel nuts. Stop somewhereas soon as you can and have the nuts tightened witha torque wrench to 100 lb-ft (140 Nom). NOTICE: Wheel covers won'tfit on your compact spare.I f you try to put a wheel cover onyour compact spare, you could damage the cover the spare. or 5-29