I need to find a replacement bolt for a spare tire assembly. I am not sure what you call it, but the locking mechanism that attaches to the steel cable.
The end of the steel cable eroded and the spare tire fell off. The rest of the steel cable is fine, just the end is eroded, and the actual locking bolt is rusted too much, so I don’t feel safe just hooking it back in place.
I’ve been driving with my tire in the hatch, which is fine for now, but I really would like to get the thing fixed. Anyone have a part number or know of anyplace that might sell a better system for suspending the spare tire? Any help would be appreciated.

 

what kind of truck?? sd ? bronco?

 

Oh I'm sorry. It's a 97 Mountaineer. I found out that this is a common problem that usually happens on the gulf coast (warm moist air) and in the northern snowy parts of the country.

 

anyone?

 

i would go to your ford dealer order the whole thing there not that much money, i got hit from behinde and my spare tire fell down snapped part of the wire insted of fooling around with trying to fix it i went to ford think i paid 25 bucks for it

 

I would second getting a new winch. Three bolts on/off, and around $25 will put a new winch on. They are very easy to install. It would probably be a lot safer for you and someone behind you rather than using one of the cable locks.