Buick Enclave: Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance. Wheel Replacement. Tire Chains

Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance

The tires and wheels were aligned and balanced at the factory to help provide long tire life and the best overall performance. Proper alignment allows the tires to meet the road at the intended angles, while proper balance helps the wheel and tire assemblies rotate smoothly at different speeds.

Adjustments to wheel alignment and tire balancing will not be necessary on a regular basis under normal conditions. However, alignment should be checked if there is unusual tire wear, if the vehicle pulls to one side or the other, if the steering wheel is off-center, or if the vehicle does not track straight on a level road.

If the vehicle vibrates when driving on a smooth road, the tires and wheels might need to be rebalanced. Vibration can often be felt through the steering wheel, seat, floor, or body of the vehicle, depending on which wheel assembly is affected.

Road impacts, potholes, curb contact, worn suspension parts, damaged wheels, or uneven tire wear can all affect alignment and balance. On the Buick Enclave, correct alignment and balance help maintain ride comfort, stable handling, even tire wear, and predictable braking performance.

See your dealer for proper diagnosis. A professional inspection can determine whether the concern is caused by wheel balance, alignment, tire condition, wheel damage, suspension wear, or another related issue.

Wheel Replacement

Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked, or badly rusted or corroded. A damaged wheel can affect air sealing, wheel balance, steering feel, braking smoothness, and overall driving safety.

If wheel nuts keep coming loose, the wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel nuts should be replaced. Repeated loosening may indicate damage, incorrect parts, worn mounting surfaces, stretched studs, or improper clamping force.

If the wheel leaks air, replace it. A wheel that cannot hold air properly may have damage at the rim bead area, corrosion, cracks, or other defects that prevent the tire from sealing correctly.

Some aluminum wheels can be repaired. See your dealer if any of these conditions exist.

Your dealer will know the kind of wheel that is needed. The correct wheel must match the vehicle’s design, load requirements, brake clearance, mounting pattern, offset, and tire pressure monitoring system requirements.

Each new wheel should have the same load-carrying capacity, diameter, width, offset, and be mounted the same way as the one it replaces.

Replace wheels, wheel bolts, wheel nuts, or Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) sensors with new GM original equipment parts.

Using the proper wheel is especially important for the Buick Enclave because the wheel works together with the tires, brakes, suspension, steering, TPMS sensors, and stability systems. An incorrect wheel may fit physically but still create problems with handling, clearance, sensor operation, or long-term durability.

WARNING
Using the wrong replacement wheels, wheel bolts, or wheel nuts can be dangerous. It could affect the braking and handling of the vehicle. Tires can lose air, and cause loss of control, causing a crash. Always use the correct wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel nuts for replacement.

Incorrect wheel hardware can prevent the wheel from being secured properly. Even small differences in seat type, thread size, length, or design can affect how the wheel is clamped to the hub. For safe operation, all replacement parts must match the required specifications.

Notice: The wrong wheel can also cause problems with bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer or odometer calibration, headlamp aim, bumper height, vehicle ground clearance, and tire or tire chain clearance to the body and chassis.

The wheel is not only a cosmetic part. Wheel size, offset, and design can change suspension geometry, tire position, brake airflow, and clearance around the body and chassis. This can lead to rubbing, inaccurate readings, premature wear, or reduced driving performance.

See If a Tire Goes Flat  for more information.

Used Replacement Wheels

WARNING
Replacing a wheel with a used one is dangerous. How it has been used or how far it has been driven may be unknown. It could fail suddenly and cause a crash.

When replacing wheels, use a new GM original equipment wheel.

A used wheel may have hidden cracks, impact damage, corrosion, previous repair marks, or stress that is not visible during a quick inspection. Even if the wheel appears acceptable, its service history may be unknown. For the Buick Enclave, a new GM original equipment wheel is the safest replacement choice when a wheel must be replaced.

Tire Chains

WARNING
Do not use tire chains. There is not enough clearance. Tire chains used on a vehicle without the proper amount of clearance can cause damage to the brakes, suspension, or other vehicle parts. The area damaged by the tire chains could cause loss of control and a crash.

Use another type of traction device only if its manufacturer recommends it for the vehicle's tire size combination and road conditions. Follow that manufacturer's instructions.

To avoid vehicle damage, drive slow and readjust or remove the traction device if it contacts the vehicle. Do not spin the wheels.

If traction devices are used, install them on the front tires.

Tire chains should not be installed on this vehicle because the available clearance around the tires, suspension, brake components, and body structure is not sufficient for safe chain operation. Even if a chain appears to fit while the vehicle is parked, it can move, flex, or strike nearby parts while driving.

On the Buick Enclave, improper use of tire chains can damage brake lines, suspension parts, wheel housings, tires, and other components. This type of damage can affect vehicle control and may create a serious safety risk, especially on slippery roads where traction is already reduced.

If an alternate traction device is needed, use only a device that the manufacturer specifically recommends for the vehicle's tire size and the expected road conditions. The device must be installed exactly as instructed, and it should be checked frequently while driving in snow, ice, or mixed winter conditions.

Drive slowly whenever traction devices are installed. If you hear contact, vibration, scraping, or any unusual noise, stop safely and inspect the device. Readjust or remove it if it touches the vehicle. Never spin the wheels while traction devices are installed, because excessive wheel speed can damage the device, the tire, or nearby vehicle parts.

If traction devices are used, install them on the front tires only. Correct placement helps maintain the intended drive and steering control while reducing the chance of damage from improper installation.