Stuck Spare Tire...

[WaHoo]

I did a search and this was all I found...

Stuck spare tire - how I unstuck mine

I have a '99 LX470, I went to drop the spare just to take a look. There isn't a hook, it is a "star" bit...it feels like it is turning, but the tire isn't dropping...in all seriousness, the bit might not be setting either. Any other way to get this thing down?

 

[TXSunDevil]

I had a truck do that. I had to cut the cable and replace it the lifter. I think it was screwed up by the tire shop.

 

[aging fleet]

Believe you have an anti-theft key installed, this may help.

Spare tire removal question

 

[WaHoo]

I do have the anti theft device...I have the key for it...it just spins though...I think I am in the "getting to the bolts" phase...

Thanks for that link....VERY Helpful...

 

[lhommec13]

The key and/or receiver might be stripped, especially for an 18 yr old truck. Like TXSunDevil, I had to cut the cord to drop my spare.

 

[flintknapper]

I do have the anti theft device...I have the key for it...it just spins though...I think I am in the "getting to the bolts" phase...

Thanks for that link....VERY Helpful...

Let the air out of the spare (so you can move slightly). Then get a 12 mm ratcheting wrench, crawl underneath and remove the 4 bolts holding the winch to the cross-member. The tire won't crush you when it comes down, use your legs and knees to deflect it.

Once you have the winch down, REMOVE that stupid anti-theft key. It is just 'pressed' into the bore of the winch and held in place with an external washer. Once you've done that....you can use your tire 'let down tool' (the hook portion) to operate the spare tire winch from that point forward. IF thieves want your spare tire they will snip the cable (in all of about 5 seconds) and be gone with it anyway.

 

[uHu]

...remove the 4 bolts holding the winch to the cross-member....

Or, just take down the crossmember to get access, also 4 bolts, that you can get to.

 

[WaHoo]

Depending on how cold it gets next weekend...this might be my weekly LX470 project (assuming I don't have another battery drain down issue).

The strange thing is, there is a 90% chance that I would NEVER drop the spare (good insurance with towing)...it just bugs me that I can't get to it...

I really do appreciate all the suggestions and if I drop this thing on my own, or take it to a shop (I don't have a garage) I will try to remember to take pics and post results.

 

[uHu]

Uahoo - that's the spirit.
Depending on where you go in the truck, it might be good to include the spare in a 5-wheel rotation. It would ensure that the spare is always functional, and changed before it gets old and brittle. You might have to rely on it one day, far from home or the nearest road.

 

[flintknapper]

The strange thing is, there is a 90% chance that I would NEVER drop the spare (good insurance with towing)...it just bugs me that I can't get to it...

^^^^^^^ 'Murpheys Law' dictates that if you DON'T have a spare, there is a 90% chance you will need one. Conversely, if you DO have a spare, you'll probably never use it. Go figure.

 

[WaHoo]

^^^^^^^ 'Murpheys Law' dictates that if you DON'T have a spare, there is a 90% chance you will need one. Conversely, if you DO have a spare, you'll probably never use it. Go figure.

And there is that...

 

[flintknapper]

And there is that...

 

[Adagio]

Mine has the same anti-theft star thing, and I don't even have the key to it. Can I just buy a key from the internet or do I need to order one from the Lexus dealership that's specific to my vehicle?

 

[flintknapper]

Mine has the same anti-theft star thing, and I don't even have the key to it. Can I just buy a key from the internet or do I need to order one from the Lexus dealership that's specific to my vehicle?

Lexus dealership. But if you don't live in a high crime area, I'd just remove it....and then use the hook on your tire let down tool to operate the winch as originally intended. Then you never have to worry about losing/misplacing the special 'key' again.

 

[Adagio]

Thanks bro! Is there a way to remove the assembly from inside the vehicle instead of going underneath and removing the bolts?

 

[flintknapper]

Thanks bro! Is there a way to remove the assembly from inside the vehicle instead of going underneath and removing the bolts?

Yes, but you'd have to cut an access hole in your floorpan.

Seriously, no. Dropping the winch is the best solution (if you want to modify it). After that...you don't have to worry about any special key (lost, misplaced, etc).

The first pic shows the anti-theft key in place. Once removed (second pic) the hook portion of your Jack/Tire let down tool...will fit in the slots that the 'roll pin' is occupying in photo #1. (as originally intended by Mr. T.)

 

[FxFormat]

I've been alive for a little over 3 decades, i've never once heard of someone stealing a spare tire...not sure what the purpose of that anti-theft spare winch is. lol sorry nothing positive to contribute here.

 

[TXSunDevil]

I've been alive for a little over 3 decades, i've never once heard of someone stealing a spare tire...not sure what the purpose of that anti-theft spare winch is. lol sorry nothing positive to contribute here.

Very surprising. It is an Olympic sport down here in many areas. Unfortunately they usually cut the cable. I have had one cable snap on a lifter and another stripped out like the OP. They are not hard to change. I am curious whether it was the theft device or the lifter itself.

 

[WaHoo]

I've been alive for a little over 3 decades, i've never once heard of someone stealing a spare tire...not sure what the purpose of that anti-theft spare winch is. lol sorry nothing positive to contribute here.

I had one (off a JKU Rubicon) stolen out of my driveway in Rhode Island...in a really nice neighborhood...they got something like 8 tires that night...I am not sure I will keep this key for simplicity sake, but theft does happen, especially if you have a nice tire/wheel setup.

 

[flintknapper]

I had one (off a JKU Rubicon) stolen out of my driveway in Rhode Island...in a really nice neighborhood...they got something like 8 tires that night...I am not sure I will keep this key for simplicity sake, but theft does happen, especially if you have a nice tire/wheel setup.

^^^^^^^ Yes, but thieves won't use a let down tool to 'crank' the winch and lower the tire. They will simply cut the cable (or chain on other models) and be gone with your tire. It is NOT a theft-deterrent. It is only an inconvenience for the owner or folks at the tire store.