Can't get the spare tire off. Help!!!

[sharkmonkey]

I have a 2003 T&C. What's the trick to getting the spare off?

I don't have n owners manual but I did figure out how to find the place to lower the tire. I turn it counter clockwise but the tire doesn't drop. The cable lowers but the tire hangs there.

What am I missing?

[Mrbizness1]

Originally Posted by sharkmonkey

I have a 2003 T&C. What's the trick to getting the spare off?

I don't have n owners manual but I did figure out how to find the place to lower the tire. I turn it counter clockwise but the tire doesn't drop. The cable lowers but the tire hangs there.

What am I missing?

You need to use a pry bar pressure on the spare tire while you are turning the bolt. The spare tire area gets loaded with dirt over time. I had to make a hook from a wire coat hanger to get the cable to release from under the car.

[webbch]

There's also a latch that's supposed to release when you start lowering the tire that allows it to drop down. Unfortunately, it wasn't particularly well designed and doesn't work most of the time. I loosen the cable a bit, then give the tire about 10 solid kicks at about a 45° angle and it usually drops down.

[sharkmonkey]

Thanks I figured it out. I appreciate your input though.

It was the latch that didn't release. I loosened the cable a bit then pushed up on the latch. That is a very poor design.