Aluminum alloy wheel rims are standard equipment on the Chevy TrailBlazer. The hubs of the rims fit over the steel wheel hubs and can build up oxidation after time. This oxidation is the reason aluminum corrodes instead of rusting in the way that steel rims do. While getting a flat tire is never an enjoyable experience, removing the tire (for whatever reason) can become a nightmare for the driver/owner once the lug nuts have been removed if you don't have the proper tools with you when trying to get a TrailBlazer wheel off.
Place a wheel chock on the outer tread face of a tire on the opposite axle of the vehicle. Apply the parking brake only if a front tire is being removed. Make sure the vehicle is in "Park."
Remove the six lug-nut caps on the tire being removed on the TrailBlazer using the lug wrench to unscrew them counterclockwise.
Spray the mating surface of the outer aluminum rim all the way to the hub circle with a copious amount of penetrating lubricant.
Loosen the lug nuts with the lug wrench, turning them counterclockwise a half turn.
Lift the quarter panel of the TrailBlazer by the frame, with the jack. If a jack stand is available, raise the SUV up high enough to place the jack stand beneath the frame and then lower the jack to support the TrailBlazer onto the jack stand.
Remove the lug nuts and try to remove the wheel. If the wheel is oxidized to the hub, place one lug nut on a lug stud loosely and proceed to Step 7 through 10.
Place a 3-foot length of 2-inch-by-4-inch wood against the inboard border of the aluminum rim and tire bead and strike the board with the 5-pound sledgehammer. Turn the wheel a quarter-turn and repeat the process until the rim breaks free from the oxidation.
Remove the lug nut and wheel.
Clean the mating surfaces of the hub and the inner circumference of the rim with emery cloth (being careful not to scratch the exterior surface of the rim) to remove any accumulated oxidation.
Apply a level coating of high temperature anti-seize compound the the hub of the vehicle and the inner circumference of the rim hub before replacing the wheel. This will help prevent the oxidation buildup and make it easier to remove the wheel the next time.
