Lowering Spare

[Flynnster]

So, I know these tend to rust up, but my question is how do I know if that is the case? When I put the tire iron through the bumper, it never really feels like it "locks" into anything, and even when I feel like it might the spare never comes down.

Is mine stuck, and I'm just spinning it around with no results? Or is there a trick to actually connecting with the female end inside the bumper?

 

[KruzSR5]

Your rod is too small. :jaw:

Read this thread for ideas. Bottom line is you should feel it go in. Put some chalk on the tip and check with a flashlight if it reached.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/117948-spare-tire-cable-frozen.html

 

[Montego Murph]

Just a dumb question.... I usually have to link two or three (forgot how many) of those rod segments together. Maybe you are not using enough, or missing parts from your tool kit?

 

[Gavino18]

Two pieces connect and that is all you need. At your end, there will be the L-joint that you use to turn the rods. You kinda just have to fish the rods in the hole(HA HA) until you feel it connect. Then turn to lower and raise. If you have your owners manual, it should give you a picture diagram of what it should look like. I've never heard of it rusting. Good luck.

 

[lightfreak]

Try a 3/8" drive extension bar, if you have one long enough.
The spring loaded bearing at the end of the bar should grab the nut pretty good. LOL

Before I replaced my spare tire carrier the nut behind the bumper was all corroded and the factory bar would just spin around.