Spare tire removal help needed

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Oct 10, 2012 | 07:53 PM

redtanrt10

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Spare tire removal help needed

thanks to all in advance.

I've had my 03 for 2 years now and after a trip last weekend I put "check (or replace) the spare tire" on my to do list. What I thought was going to be a 30 minute project has me stumped.

First, the anti-theft "thumb screw" took 10 minutes to remove, ultimately with alot of WD-40 and a vice grip. Started with the jack end as the manual suggets and promtly broke off one of the top plastic pieces.

So I get that out, then peel back the plastic cover to the "tube hole" I tried to turn it counter clockwise with the lug wrench as the book says. I have a step bumper and not much room, quarter turn max. Then I try the long jack handle. I don't think it's turning and hard to see with the flashlight.

I did a search and see that various pieces can break or freeze up. (I think I have the OEM Michelin with full rubber so maybe it's never been lowered since new)

It there a better tool to use to turn the winch?

Is there a trick to use the lug wrench or jack handle?

If its frozen, are there specific pieces (areas) to lubricate?

Any tricks, suggestions?

didn't get under the van tonight but will have time tomorrow. thanks for the help! Mike

Oct 10, 2012 | 09:08 PM

econolinemanor

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Joined: Sep 2011

Posts: 474

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I just did the same thing a couple weeks ago! and yes the 12yr old Mich was powder and almost flat...LOL, I had a Reese hitch that pushed the tire out of place and bound up the cable (wouldn't turn). I had to push on the tire with one foot while working the crank back and forth until it started to move down. Now if you don't have hitch it might get alot worse.......

Oct 11, 2012 | 06:57 PM

blageurt

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: May 2011

Posts: 1,414

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From: Thornhill , Ontario

Spray as much WD /PB Blaster, whatever inside the tube so it goes inside the crank housing... the cable is probably rusted... once you free it it should unwind.....Other than that if you let some air out of the tire it should come down easier....

Oct 28, 2012 | 01:37 PM

redtanrt10

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Joined: Apr 2010

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econolinemanor

blageurt

thanks for the help!!! Using your ideas I got it off the van this week. Cleaned and lubricated everthing

Looks like the OEM Michelin was never on the ground, all little stickers attached. I never touched it in 2 1/2 years but it did have 20 psi, dirty but not cracking. Talk about "just in time" car assembly, my van build date is 3/03 and the tire build date was the 1st week of 2003.

thanks again!!

Mike

Oct 29, 2012 | 05:33 AM

pacific350

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Joined: Oct 2012

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There should be a manufacture date stamped some place on the tire. If it is the original spare older than 6 years old its probably going to blow out like a big truck tire trying to toss the tread.