Spare Tire Cable Frozen

[zerowkul98]

Brought my 2003 to the local tire joint to have a new spare mounted (old one is dryrotted) and they couldnt turn the cable mount.

Ive used the "search" bar, but im not finding anything. I know ive seen some posts in here where this is common and needs replacement.

Anyone have experience in this? Cost? Part #? Anything?

 

[KBToys]

I literally went through this last week. I first bought a long 1/2 extension and was able to get the tire cranked down but the cable was fubared. So I had the dealership replace it for $180

 

[zerowkul98]

Thanks for the info. I'll give the 1/2 extension a shot. Did you loosten it via the receiver hole in the bumper-top?

 

[d_clark]

Thanks for the info. I'll give the 1/2 extension a shot. Did you loosten it via the receiver hole in the bumper-top?

That is really the only place you will be able to reach the mechanism. Mine had part of the cable flattened out, I had to pull down on the tire while turning the wrench to get it down.

Here is what it looks like with the tire removed, The spare will cover up the mechanism completely

New parts :

2006 TOYOTA 4RUNNER Parts - Conicelli Parts Center

 

[CXS]

I have one off a 2005 if someone needs one. $50 + shipping's a whole lot better than $180 !

 

[zerowkul98]

Hows the condition? I'll buy that off of you if it's in decent condition!

Thanks!

And thanks for the picture!

 

[CXS]

Condition is fine, worked well until I took it off. You need a photo?

 

[trailrazer]

I had the same problem with my 2003. It took an hour, PB Blaster and some chipping away at the rust to free up and lower the spare. That's an expensive part.

 

[settytb]

I used 3/8 extensions about 8.5 inches of them and they are solid and fit it perfect... I then put a big breaker bar on it and tightened it slightly and that broke it loose then I could loosten it.. but it took a bunch of PB blaster spraying.

 

[earthrealm]

cant seem to get my spare tire off...guess gotta spray it down n hope it frees ip,,,,,yet to figure out how to loosen n remove the spare.....

 

[settytb]

Try some long 3/8's extensions as they are way more solid than the stupid hallow tubes toyota provides. That allowed me to really torque on it and break it loose. Hope that helps. I had to get a small hole saw in the plastic to open it up a tiny bit so the joint of the extensions together comes out.

 

[ecally]

Purchased mine used (2008) with 50K miles on it in August. I took the spare tire down and the cable was all frayed. The dealer replaced with the old-style chain mechanism, which they told me was what Toyota is replacing the cable mechanisms with because of all the problems.

 

[DoWnAqT]

The new one from Toyota is not a cable... My wasn't at least, I now have a chain...

 

[08T4R]

Pics? I wanna see this new mechanism. The 5th gen has a chain setup..

 

[TechWrench]

Purchased mine used (2008) with 50K miles on it in August. I took the spare tire down and the cable was all frayed. The dealer replaced with the old-style chain mechanism, which they told me was what Toyota is replacing the cable mechanisms with because of all the problems.

Interesting, I replaced my spare lift mechanism about 4 years ago and the new unit was still the cable type. I wonder when the switch to the chain type went into effect? I suppose the chain would be less likely to be damaged than the cable, during normal usage. but I would guess it would still require regular maintenance (lubrication) to keep it in good working order. Another issue is usage. I do a 5 tire rotation every spring when the summer tires go on, so the spare is dropped at that time and I clean and lubricate the cable then. I'll bet that most people never drop their spare, unless they get a flat, so the unit gets dirty and corroded from non-use. I also think the design of the unit contributes to its eventual failure. The cable is supporting the spare all the time. With all the weight of the spare bouncing on the cable, every time you hit a bump, it will force the cable, at the point it turns over the top of the spool, to flatten and wedge itself between the lower turns of cable. Eventually, the constant load on the cable and spool will cause its failure. Is the replacement chain unit any more expensive than the cable model?

 

[earthrealm]

Here is what it looks like with the tire removed, The spare will cover up the mechanism completely

mine looks like the picture above, though a bit rusted, but checked in the truck..and cant see anywhere to release the cable/mechanism...the manual isnt very helpful too, mine has 3rd row option, could somebody point me in the right direction to get my spare tire off?..thanks

 

[TechWrench]

Here is what it looks like with the tire removed, The spare will cover up the mechanism completely

mine looks like the picture above, though a bit rusted, but checked in the truck..and cant see anywhere to release the cable/mechanism...the manual isnt very helpful too, mine has 3rd row option, could somebody point me in the right direction to get my spare tire off?..thanks

The procedure to raise/lower the spare should be in the owners manual. But, in any case, the tools to lower it should be in the rear left side storage area, behind a removable panel. The same place the jack is located. There should be a blue plastic pouch, with all the tire service tools inside. I don't have a pic available, but I do remember there are pics on the forum, maybe in the DIY area. A search should find many threads on this. In this kit, there is a three piece tool, that fits together to make a crank to raise/lower the spare. When you raise the rear hatch, there will be an access hole just left of center in the top of the bumper cover, that is revealed. You insert the square end of the tool in this hole about 12 inches, and it will fit into a socket in the lift mechanism. You just crank the tool to work the lift unit. You will have to get down on the ground, to remove the lift mechanism hook from the spare when it is lowered, and pull the spare out from under the vehicle.

 

[earthrealm]

thanks for the heads up.with ur write up and the manual, was able to get the tire off!. its all rusted up..yipeee...., but still hit another snag, the spare tire valve cover is stuck to the valve stem and refuses to come out. its made of some kind of soft metal...any quick tips to get it off?. my tpms light is on..hv checked all the 4 tires, they were all at 45....had to reduce them to 38~40psi, remaining the spare for me to check.

 

[ecally]

EDIT: Dug my slip out. The part number was 51900-60280 and the list price is $159.76

I'm not at home right now to look up my Invoice but $160 if I remember correctly for the chain type mechanism.

[IQUOTE=TechWrench;1198693]Interesting, I replaced my spare lift mechanism about 4 years ago and the new unit was still the cable type. I wonder when the switch to the chain type went into effect? I suppose the chain would be less likely to be damaged than the cable, during normal usage. but I would guess it would still require regular maintenance (lubrication) to keep it in good working order. Another issue is usage. I do a 5 tire rotation every spring when the summer tires go on, so the spare is dropped at that time and I clean and lubricate the cable then. I'll bet that most people never drop their spare, unless they get a flat, so the unit gets dirty and corroded from non-use. I also think the design of the unit contributes to its eventual failure. The cable is supporting the spare all the time. With all the weight of the spare bouncing on the cable, every time you hit a bump, it will force the cable, at the point it turns over the top of the spool, to flatten and wedge itself between the lower turns of cable. Eventually, the constant load on the cable and spool will cause its failure. Is the replacement chain unit any more expensive than the cable model?[/QUOTE]

 

[Nervo19]

Put cardboard under the mechanism and spray like crazy with Kroil or Liquid Wrench over the period of a couple of days. I had to crank back and forth repeatedly (tighten-loosen) to get it loose. The 84-89 4Runners have a chain and my third gen has the cable. I thought the cable was an improvement. Weird they went backward. I do see the mechanism pretty often as a used part on eBay for $40-50 if anyone needs one. 1st gen owners frequently replace the chain with the 3rd gen mechanism and the 4th gen looks identical (to 3rd) so I suspect they are interchangable.