tire carrier

[vipergg]

Have a 2004 T&C and it has the famous tire does not want to come down syndrome . Is there any way to fix this other than spend $150 for a new assembly ? I can get it down by getting under the rear end and prying the spring clip that holds the plastic knob up there but that will be fun if its wet out and you get a flat , have tried lubing up the whole assembly but still does not want to come down on regular basis . It must have been a billiant engineer that thought up this assembly , wide open to the elements and all the road salt . 2008 and they can't come up with something better ???

[webbee]

There are a couple of gun lubes which are really good anti-corrosive protectorate and dry lubes. They are Eezox (http://www.eezox.com/index.htm) and Corrosion X (http://corrosionxproducts.com/?gclid=CNDl7r_d_JMCFRILIgod9zoIWg) . I only have experience with Eezox but have seen a number of tests on the Corrosion X. Either should solve the problem. Coat everything metal that moves and you will probably want to do it yearly, in the fall.

[RickMN]

Treat the rusted parts with rust converter and then apply a water resistant marine grease to the latching mechanism. Yes, the grease will pick up road crud, but it will keep the latch lubricated. My tire hoist has been working fine for over 3 years since I did that routine. I bring the tire down when I rotate tires so I can check the air pressure.

[vipergg]

Thanks Rick I'll try that .

[vipergg]

I tried lubing up the whole area where the plastic goes up into and it still seems to not want to come down on it own . I can get it down fairly easy by just getting under there with a screwdriver and prying the spring clip out and having someone else crank the tire down , I'm just going to get dirty doing this . You can here it click when you crank it back up but it just doesn't release cranking it back down and the cable will come out of the T but the T and tire do not come down without me doing the spring clip trick. Used marine wheel bearing grease.

[TomQuick]

I have this same problem, and need to get myself out there and deal with it now that the weather is better. I also need to make some adjustments to my trailer hitch, as I installed it exactly according to the instructions, but the cross bar is now against the spare tire, so even if the jack were lowering properly, I still wouldn't be able to get the tire down. If I get a flat, I am in for a heck of a nasty job to change it. I guess I've got some work lined up for me this summer.

[purplesage]

A few years ago, I let down the spare tire for the first time and discovered all but 2 strands of the steel cable were broken. I went to the dealer and asked for a new cable. Of course, the only options was to buy the whole thing for some outrageous price. I got a used assembly for $15 at a salvage yard and the problem was resolved.

[46fd04]

When my tire was stuck, I purposely broke the spring lock so it wouldn't get stuck anymore.

Every once in a while, I check the spare to ensure it is still tight against the bottom of the van.