spare tire problem

CharlesG131 · Dec 26, 2017

I got my 2010 Ranger several months ago but cannot get the spare tire to lower.

I am using the same type of tool that I had with my last two rangers (2003 and 1998) and I can get it into the hole and turn but nothing happens.

I know it was working at the used car dealership where I bought it because I saw them put me in a full size spare as opposed to the doughnut tire that it had.

Is there a different tool to use as opposed to the one the I used on my 2003? I don't believe so. I have looked at the ones on ebay and they all appear the same.

If it won't lower the tire how do I get the mechanism off?

Thanks!

Chuck

faststang90 · Dec 26, 2017

Lay on the ground and see if the cable is still tight

https://youtu.be/BVucvYCLjcc

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

91stranger · Dec 27, 2017

That dealership may have cranked the new tire so tight that the cable is lowering but the tire is stuck in place. I would lower the cable about 10 turns and then see if the tires moves, turn another 10 times and try moving the tire again. That my guess since you had them replace the small donut for a full size tire and the dealership probably cranked it tight.

adsm08 · Dec 27, 2017

I can think of three things that could be the issue here.

1) The gears in the spare tire winch are plastic. If it was over-tightened they may have stripped. This wouldn't let the tire just drop, but it will also not let it winch down.

2) Some of those units had a security slug in them, similar to a locking lug nut. Without the key in place there is no way for the handle to engage the drive. You should be able to use a flash light to look down the tube and see if that is the case. If it is there will be a silver face with a squiggly circle, like a locking lug nut. If it isn't a security one there will be a black face with an oblong or square hole.

3) You are just missing the mark and not engaging the drive. I don't think this is all that likely, but I have seen it happen.

If something is wrong and you can't get it to winch down the only option is to stick a torch up in there, cut the cable, and replace the winch unit.

gw33gp · Dec 27, 2017

It could be wedged in there because of the larger tire size. Do you get resistance when first trying to lower it or does it turn freely? It may be you are not getting the tool fully engaged if it is turning freely. Sometimes, it is difficult to get the tool inserted into the lowering receptacle properly. I have even had it get stuck in there. You could try turning it in the tightening direction it to see if you get resistance.

85_Ranger4x4 · Dec 28, 2017

My F-150 had the security tool. It ran away, my brother removed the security part on the winch so I could just use the end of the crank.

Tool is probably either in your glove box, with the jacking tools... or the dealer forgot to put it back in the truck. Might ask them how they changed the spare if it isn't in the truck.

spare tire problem

CharlesG131

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faststang90

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91stranger

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adsm08

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gw33gp

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85_Ranger4x4

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