Stupid question about tire carrier

[MountainBrew]

How does this thing operate? I cant seem to get the chain slack length to change

 

[MT Tatman]

You would put the bar into that slotted gear in the middle and crank it to move the chain/tire holder up or down.

 

[nortonian]

Is there any way to lube this thing? I used it last a year ago, but when I tried to lower the tire last month it took about 10 minutes to get it to break free. Any suggestions to keep it from rusting solid over the winter?

 

[MountainBrew]

Ya I think mine is just seized up. Tried like hell to get it loose

 

[RAD4Runner]

PB Blaster.
If that doesn't work, google/search forums for a concoction of something like brake fluid, transmission fluid and acetone.

 

[KidVermicious]

I lubed mine with an angle grinder and tossed the spare in the bed.

 

[wallytoo]

quitter^^^. ok, not really.


i don't know how successful just spraying lube in there is going to be. like you, i removed mine from the runner. but i took it apart, sandblasted the rust/crud/dirt/gunk off, and then painted all the parts. i reassembled several times to verify operation, and eventually lubed the assembly with chassis grease and did final assembly and installation.

you'll need to gently pry open the tabs on the cover to open it up (the piece with the cross, through which the chain passes), and then take everthing apart and give it a thorough cleaning. the tiny spring that attaches between the slotted cover of the assembly to one of the gear pieces may be missing or broken, which might also explain why yours doesn't work.

i've got a bunch of photos of the assembly and the innards. i thought i put them in my "maintenance" thread, but i'll have to check.

 

[nortonian]

Thanks Wallytoo. Mine's a '95 so it uses a cable instead of a chain but basically its the same principal. I'll have to try that.

 

[MountainBrew]

I lubed mine with an angle grinder and tossed the spare in the bed.

Ha, exactly what I've been doing. But I need to be able to transport kegs daily, plus ski season is coming up and bed space is reserved for boots and beer.

quitter^^^. ok, not really.





i don't know how successful just spraying lube in there is going to be. like you, i removed mine from the runner. but i took it apart, sandblasted the rust/crud/dirt/gunk off, and then painted all the parts. i reassembled several times to verify operation, and eventually lubed the assembly with chassis grease and did final assembly and installation.



you'll need to gently pry open the tabs on the cover to open it up (the piece with the cross, through which the chain passes), and then take everthing apart and give it a thorough cleaning. the tiny spring that attaches between the slotted cover of the assembly to one of the gear pieces may be missing or broken, which might also explain why yours doesn't work.



i've got a bunch of photos of the assembly and the innards. i thought i put them in my "maintenance" thread, but i'll have to check.

That was extremely helpful. Perfect example of why I love this forum. I assume these things just lock up after extended periods of no use? Anyway if that doesn't work, then it's up to Yoda Jim's, my new favorite place.

 

[nortonian]

Thanks Wallytoo. Mine's a '95 so it uses a cable instead of a chain but basically its the same principal. I'll have to try that.

Come to think of it mine's not quite that simple, there are some shafts and u-joints in-between where the crank inserts and the housing for the cable reel. More joints to lock up so I'll just have to see how much of it I can get apart. I'm having some powder coating done on some other parts so maybe I can get these blasted at the same time.

 

[MountainBrew]

Success

 

[thatoneguy]

I lubed mine with an angle grinder and tossed the spare in the bed.

The first time I took my truck wheeling, everyone was getting a good kick at me having difficulty with a funky ledge. Right as I got over it, the spare tire mount failed, and my spare dropped onto the trail. It made for some good laughs. At least it didn't drop driving down the road or something.

These days I stuff a 35 in my cargo area, along with a grip of other emergency stuffs.