Can someone tell me how to get the spare tire down ? I have the 2005 Escape. Instruction says insert the wrench in that back hole, turn counterclockwise to lower the spare tire under the suv. I try to turn the wrench and it won't turn. Does it require a lot of force to make the spare tire come down ?

 

Yes, the instructions are really poor, and the fitment and location of the jack and hand are the worst i've ever seen on a vehicle. If you can get them out of storage, it's almost impossible to get it back in. Somebody probably designed that on a CAD and never actuallly tried using one afer the mockup was made.

Anyway, on mine it took quite a bit of force. I finally got it loose by tightening it (turning clockwise) first with the narrow end of the lug wrench, until the clutch slipped a few times, then loosening it (counterclockwise). Getting the tire back up took two hands because it does not go to the right place when you crank up the cable I had to hold it in place with one hand and crank up with the other. Not a swift arrangement and it should be an embarrassment to Ford quality control and the design department for sure. A properly designed wrench that is ergonomic, and a properly designed lift mechanizm would mean it could be done one handed while standing and by the elderly, weak and infirm who have flats like the rest of us.