Ford Escape: Changing a Road Wheel

Changing a Flat Tire

WARNING: Never place anything between the vehicle jack and the ground.

WARNING: Never place anything between the vehicle jack and your vehicle.

WARNING: To help prevent your vehicle from moving when changing a wheel, shift the transmission into park (P), set the parking brake and use an appropriate block or wheel chock to secure the wheel diagonally opposite to the wheel being changed. For example, when changing the front left wheel, place an appropriate block or wheel chock on the right rear wheel.

WARNING: It is recommended that the wheels of the vehicle be chocked, and that no person should remain in a vehicle that is being jacked.

WARNING: Always use the jack provided as original equipment with your vehicle. If using a jack other than the one provided, make sure the jack capacity is adequate for the vehicle weight, including any vehicle cargo or modifications. If you are unsure if the jack capacity is adequate, contact the authorized dealer.

WARNING: The jack supplied with this vehicle is only intended for changing wheels. Do not use the vehicle jack other than when you are changing a wheel in an emergency.

WARNING: Check that the vehicle jack is not damaged or deformed and the thread is lubricated and clean.

WARNING: The jack should be used on level firm ground wherever possible.

WARNING: Use only the specified jacking points. If you use other positions, you may damage the body, steering, suspension, engine, braking system or the fuel lines.

WARNING: Switch the ignition off and apply the park brake fully before lifting vehicle.

WARNING: Park your vehicle so that you do not obstruct the flow of traffic or place yourself in any danger and set up a warning triangle.

WARNING: Do not get under a vehicle that is only supported by a vehicle jack.

WARNING: No person should place any portion of their body under a vehicle that is supported by a jack.

Note: The jack does not require maintenance or additional lubrication over the service life of your vehicle.

1. Park on a level surface, set the parking brake and activate the hazard flashers.
2. Place the transmission in park (P) and turn the engine off.
3. Lift and remove the carpeted cargo area floor to access the spare tire and jack.
4. Remove the wing nut that secures the spare tire by turning it counterclockwise.
5. Remove the spare tire and jack kit from the spare tire compartment.

   Note: On Plug-in and Full Hybrid Electric Vehicles you can find the jack and wrench to the left of the spare tire.

   

   Note: On Non Plug-in or Full Hybrid Electric Vehicles, you can find the jack and wrench under the spare tire.

6. Remove the jack and the flat tire retainer strap from the jack base.

   

7. Turn the jack hex nut drive screw counterclockwise to detach the lug wrench from the jack. This lowers the jack and releases the mechanical lock.

   

8. Unfold the lug wrench for use.

   

9. Block the diagonally opposite wheel.

   

10. Loosen each wheel lug nut one-half turn counterclockwise, but do not remove them until the wheel is raised off the ground.

    Note: Jack at the specified locations to avoid damage to the vehicle.

11. The vehicle jacking points shown here are also depicted on the warning label on the jack. Small arrow-shaped marks on the vehicle sills show the location of the jacking points.

    

12. Turn the wrench clockwise to raise the vehicle until the flat tire is completely off the ground.

    

13. Remove the lug nuts with the lug wrench.

    Note: For vehicles with full wheel covers with exposed wheel nuts, remove the wheel nuts prior to removing the wheel cover or damage to the wheel cover may occur.

14. Replace the flat tire with the spare tire, making sure the valve stem is facing outward. Reinstall the lug nuts until the wheel is snug against the hub. Do not fully tighten the lug nuts until the wheel has been lowered.
15. Lower the wheel by turning the jack handle counterclockwise.
16. Remove the jack and fully tighten the lug nuts in the order shown.

    

Stowing the flat tire

1. To store the jack kit on Non Plug-in or Full Hybrid Electric Vehicles, fold the jack and wrench handle and engage it to the bracket of the jack base using the lug wrench pin.

   Note: To store the jack and wrench on Plug-in and Full Hybrid Electric Vehicles, fold the jack and wrench into the closed position, and place the wrench into the storage compartment. Position the jack assembly into the closed position and make sure the jack is fastened securely before you drive.

2. When attaching the folded wrench on the jack, swing the wrench upward and adjust the jack height until the wrench hook engages the hole on the jack. Tighten the hex nut clockwise until secure.

   

3. Re-position the jack kit assembly into the original vehicle position and secure with the plastic wing nut. Make sure the jack is fastened securely before you drive.
4. Unblock the wheels.
5. Stow the flat tire on the floor in the cargo area. Secure with the flat tire retainer strap by following the next steps:

   

6. Locate the cargo tie-down near the seatback. Push the loop of the retainer strap through the tie-down. Thread the non-loop end through the loop.

   

7. Weave the retainer strap through the wheel openings.
8. Locate the front cargo tie-down at the opposite corner of the cargo area to the tie-down used in Step 4. Thread the retainer strap through the tie-down and pull tight.
9. Secure by tying a 2-half hitch knot.

Wheel Nuts

WARNING: When you install a wheel, always remove any corrosion, dirt or foreign materials present on the mounting surfaces of the wheel or the surface of the wheel hub, brake drum or brake disc that contacts the wheel. Make sure to secure any fasteners that attach the rotor to the hub so they do not interfere with the mounting surfaces of 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 your vehicle is in motion, resulting in loss of vehicle control, personal injury or death.

*Torque specifications are for nut and bolt threads free of dirt and rust. Use only Ford recommended replacement fasteners.

Retighten the lug nuts to the specified torque within 100 mi (160 km) after any wheel disturbance (such as tire rotation, changing a flat tire, wheel removal).

1. Wheel pilot bore.

Inspect the wheel pilot bore and mounting surface prior to installation. Remove any visible corrosion or loose particles.