Spare tire carrier replacement

I had a flat tire on my 2003 SLE Voy. I got the spare tire down just a little way before the winch started making a clicking noise and I could crank the tire neither down nor up. I used bolt cutters to clip the cable so I could get the spare down.

The shop wants $225 or more to replace the carrier. They're estimating over two hours of labor. It doesn't look like a big job, to me, and I think they're hosing me on the cost of the parts, too.

I can't seem to find the part on the Internet. Does anyone have experience with this? Is there an alternative that won't fail when I need it, like this winch did?

Thanks in advance.

Part retails for $125/dealer. If you cannot get the tire down out of way this is a pita, it took me about 45 minutes to an hour with the tire stuck 1/2 out.

Part retails for $125/dealer. If you cannot get the tire down out of way this is a pita, it took me about 45 minutes to an hour with the tire stuck 1/2 out.
Thanks for the note on the price. Sounds like you had the same problem I did. PITA, for sure. :banghead:

The spare tire winch assembly is a dealer only item. Unfortunately they rust solid if you dont exersize them yearly at a minimum & spray them with lubricant.:banghead: There is a way to release the spare tire from the full upright/locked position by using the jack against the center lift plate.(whatever it's called?)

Joel

It's a good idea to clean the winter road sand and salt off the top of the spare every spring. check the tire pressure while you are at it.

Thanks, everyone. A dealer will sell me the part for $95. I'm pretty sure I can install it myself. I'll definitely take the advice about lubicating the damned thing.

Update: I bought the part from a dealer for $95 and installed it myself. Took less than 30 minutes. There are only three bolts and they're easy to get to.

It is easy to do.I had to do mine also.Its not engineered very well.Its Metel in side a plastic cover holding that heavy tire.How smart is that?

FYI, this is a 3 month old thread, the advice is appreciated though.