Spare Wheel lowering mechanism

[YuriB]

Last weekend was trying to lower a spare wheel to check tire pressure, and I wasn't able to, seems like jack handle extension does not engage properly with lowering screw.
Looking through that little hole I can see that there is some dirt and rust in the screw hole, so I probably could clean it and fix the lowering mechanism if I could get to it.
What is the best way to access it? Is there some kind of alternative way of removing spare wheel? Or I need to remove rear bumper to gain access?

Thanks

 

[settytb]

I used a couple long 3/8's extensions...i drilled out the little plastic hole so that the joints of the extensions could fit through. You can't even notice from the outside that I did anything to it. But the square end of the 3/8 drive extension fit the hole perfectly and with a proper extension on there i could apply some torque and get it moving again...i sprayed a crapload of pb blaster on it but that's what I did...

 

[blaniac22]

Yeah, I learned the hard way it's a good maintenance practice to get under there and lube that mechanism every couple of months.

I check the air pressure in the spare about once a month, and lubricate the mechanism every 3 months or as needed.

 

[jow]

I looked under my V6 07 T4R and c/n see access with or w/o the tire in place. I feel you could tap the extension in lightly far enough to lower the spare. OR! Use a piece a of ½” round steel (X 24" from Home Depot or Etc) as an extension with an end flattened and ground as a flat blade screw driver (tapered to start to fit that will fit diagonal in the mechanism to lower the spare). Tap it in lightly to grip and use vise grips to turn while pushing to maintain the inside grip.

Now, I would like to know how do you access the mechanism to clean and maintain it (as suggested). Due to a shield below the mechanism I c/n see the entry or access (which would protect it from some mud and rust. Good Luck! jow