Failed Spare Tire Cable/Winch System

[thscott]

Don't let this happen to you!

Had a flat tire the other day on my 1999 Windstar and tried to lower the spare tire using the lug nut wrench on the lowering "nut" under the flap in the back....The tire would not come down - then the "nut" sheared off leaving a bare shaft with nothing for the wrench to grab onto to turn. So there I was with a flat tire and a spare I could not remove! No tools! Nothing to cut the cable.
2 hours later a AAA tow truck arrived. Fortunately, the AAA guy was able to use a pair of channel locks (pliers) to grab and turn the crank (which is a 1/2 inch smooth metal shaft once the "nut" broke off) and finally the spare tire lowered and I was soon on my way.

Lessons Learned: Check out your spare tire deployment mechanism - exercise it. Keep it greased up so it doesn't corrode. Carry tools - especially a pair of vise grips and/or channel locks - a hacksaw as a last resort to cut the cable!

The "nut" sheared off because it is only pinned on the shaft - a poor design in my opinion.

For now, my spare tire is stored inside the van - not underneath.

[catvents]

Originally Posted by thscott

Don't let this happen to you!

Had a flat tire the other day on my 1999 Windstar and tried to lower the spare tire using the lug nut wrench on the lowering "nut" under the flap in the back....The tire would not come down - then the "nut" sheared off leaving a bare shaft with nothing for the wrench to grab onto to turn. So there I was with a flat tire and a spare I could not remove! No tools! Nothing to cut the cable.
2 hours later a AAA tow truck arrived. Fortunately, the AAA guy was able to use a pair of channel locks (pliers) to grab and turn the crank (which is a 1/2 inch smooth metal shaft once the "nut" broke off) and finally the spare tire lowered and I was soon on my way.

Lessons Learned: Check out your spare tire deployment mechanism - exercise it. Keep it greased up so it doesn't corrode. Carry tools - especially a pair of vise grips and/or channel locks - a hacksaw as a last resort to cut the cable!

The "nut" sheared off because it is only pinned on the shaft - a poor design in my opinion.

For now, my spare tire is stored inside the van - not underneath.

Related information on spare tire:
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...ght=spare+tire