Newbie Xterra Owner needs help with Spare

My owners manual was stolen from my X along with other stuff...now I just got my first flat and can't figure out how to release the spare from under the car. it seems to be held in place by this double prong but i can't see how to turn it or release it.

HELP - i'm stuck...

direct email is planetd@rocketmail.com

310-493-3879

yahoo IM planetd.rm

Thanks !!!!!!!!!!!!

Dan

Originally posted by planetd
My owners manual was stolen from my X along with other stuff...now I just got my first flat and can't figure out how to release the spare from under the car. it seems to be held in place by this double prong but i can't see how to turn it or release it.

HELP - i'm stuck...

direct email is planetd@rocketmail.com

310-493-3879

yahoo IM planetd.rm

Thanks !!!!!!!!!!!!

Dan

Your serious right?:eek:

Open the hatch and lift up the carpet. Take out the 2' long rod with the T on the end and the jack handle. Shove the 2' rod , T end first above the rear liscence plate and align it with the winch that holds the tire up. (May take a flashlight to index it properly) turn the rod with the jack handle till the tire drops.

Reverse for installation!

dead serious...it happened at night and it's not obvious at all on getting it aligned. i can't seem to find the right spot for the end to engage the winch to lower the tire. it shouldn't be that hard. when i put the rod in there it just seems to turn free - i can't find the slot to actually get it to lower the tire...

damn...

i've got to take my kid to disneyland in the morning...

dan:mad:

If I remember correctly (it's been awhile!), the adjuster is not a straight shot through the opening. Seems to me it was off to one side a bit or such? I only used it once to get my tire down so I'm not positive on that. A flashlight will definately help.

Where can you buy that 2' Rod with the small T on the end? A friend was changing the tire on my xterra and was did not get the T in the grove just right and forced it causeing one of the metal tabs of the T section to break.

Where can you buy that 2' Rod with the small T on the end? A friend was changing the tire on my xterra and was did not get the T in the grove just right and forced it causeing one of the metal tabs of the T section to break.

Junkyard.