Spare tire carrier replacement

[1998Jimmy]

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.

[maxwedge]

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.

[1998Jimmy]

Originally Posted by maxwedge

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.

[rodeo02]

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. 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

[Tom1999d]

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.

[1998Jimmy]

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.

[1998Jimmy]

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.

[mygmc2me]

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?

[maxwedge]

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