Spare Tire Won't Drop

[Noloc]

So, last weekend when I went to install my new Cat-back I decided to drop the spare tire for more room. As I'm lowering it, it got about half way to the floor then stopped mid-air. I could continue to turn the release mechanism but the tire wouldn't drop any more. I finally managed to get tire off hanging in mid-air and when I looked at the release mechanism it appeared as though the cable itself was all tangled up as if it had lost some of its's braids.

Did anyone else experience this problem and have a solution? I can get the tire back on put it's a pain in the _ $ $.

 

[TechWrench]

So, last weekend when I went to install my new Cat-back I decided to drop the spare tire for more room. As I'm lowering it, it got about half way to the floor then stopped mid-air. I could continue to turn the release mechanism but the tire wouldn't drop any more. I finally managed to get tire off hanging in mid-air and when I looked at the release mechanism it appeared as though the cable itself was all tangled up as if it had lost some of its's braids.

Did anyone else experience this problem and have a solution? I can get the tire back on put it's a pain in the _ $ $.

What happened to you is not that unusual. The problem is corrosion. If you can manage to get the cable all the way out, you might be able to trim the broken cable frayed ends, and straighten the cable to get it to retract, but it will be a temp fix at best. You can order a new lift assy and mount from Toyota, I think it runs about $200.00 or so for them. Check with one of the supporting dealers on this site for a better price than your local dealer.

PS: I just checked Concielli's site, and they list the lift assy for $95. The mounting base is not available.

 

[Noloc]

Took it to the dealer and they replaced the entire assembly under warranty !!!! OH YEAH !!!! That extended warranty I got from here just keeps paying for itself !!!!

Thanks for the info.

 

[Scoobs]

I'm assuming that you've never dropped your spare before now? You should be dropping it, lubing the lift assembly and cable, and checking the tire and wheel at least a couple of times a year. Now that you've got a new lift assembly it would be a good practice to start.

 

[Noloc]

Thanks for the advice. I've actually dropped it quite a bit but never lubricated it. With the brutal winters, rust is a major problem.

 

[kcnewf]

I'm assuming that you've never dropped your spare before now? You should be dropping it, lubing the lift assembly and cable, and checking the tire and wheel at least a couple of times a year. Now that you've got a new lift assembly it would be a good practice to start.

What the the recommended product to use for the lube? Lithium grease? I would assuming that WD-40 or penetrating oil would not do the job.

2-3 times per year mainteance does sound a bit extreme . . . .

 

[Scoobs]

What the the recommended product to use for the lube? Lithium grease? I would assuming that WD-40 or penetrating oil would not do the job.

2-3 times per year mainteance does sound a bit extreme . . . .

I've used white lithium grease on both my 4Rs, my Honda Pilot, and my Dodge van that I had 9 years. 2x a year sounds extreme but it only takes about 10-15 minutes each time. I do it once in the spring to check for any problems carrying over from the winter, and once again late fall before the snow flies to make sure it's ready for winter. Total of 20-30 minutes tops combined each year, which is a lot better than fighting with a seized lift assembly.