Removing spare tire...BAM!

So I decided to remove the spare tire on my 2022 just to see how difficult it is and to see how everything works. Read the directions...got the jack handle installed properly...and began to apply counter-clockwise pressure. Nothing moved. Twisted a bit harder...nothing. Grabbed the slack chain under the spare and gave that a tug....and then twisted the handle again...harder...and then BAM! Scared both me and my cat that likes to hang out with me when I'm in the garage. Tire came down ok and everything looks ok....I think a chain link can get hung up on the spool.

 

Glad you tried it now than when needed.

I drop mine about once a year, check pressure and give it a once over

 

I’m not a fluid film fan (my truck is cosmolined) but I fluid film the hell out of that chain hoist mechanism! Any time I’m under there and it looks the slightest bit dry I reapply till it’s dripping. I think it’s a horrible design but I’m not able to give up the bed space or add a swing-out at this time.

 

After having to change two different flat tires, I recommend spraying up under there with soap every time you wash your truck.

I didn't...and the first time I changed a tire I got absolutely filthy. It was BAD. Made worse because I was in work clothes and it was 95 out and humid.

The second time was much cleaner.

When I had the new tires put on and they put my spare back, I had to get the jack handle crank out for them because they didn't have a tool that could hoist my spare back up into position. Really? A tire shop that can't crank up a spare?

 

I think it just comes overly tight from the factory

 

Its actually refreshing to read about a successful spare deployment that did not involve violence.

 

And no one got hurt!

 

I think a good part of that are the inadequate rear wheel well liners...that are totally insufficient in doing a proper job. That frankly is my biggest pet peeve about this truck. I can't imagine driving this on salt laden roads. I can see from one side of the truck to the other...nothing will stay clean, and I would imagine the road grime will do wonders on the spare tire lift assembly. Does anyone make real wheel liners for this truck (for the rear)? Toyota sure didn't.

 

Cant be stuck if its a liquid

 

Only scared. Just ask my cat! She's resting now from all the excitement.


And by the way....any magic as to why the spare tire valve has to go up...so that you can't maintain the spare without taking it down?

 

I have never lowered my spare. Opps not in maintenance schedule. I think I’ll get some lithium grease and spray the sh— out of it, let it sit for a few days then try it. Thoughts?

 

Air in the spare would be good too.

 

Thank you, good idea

 

One thing that's nice to do is drop the spare and orient it so the air stem is facing the ground in an accessible spot. That way you can check and top off the spare without having to get the jack handle out, etc.

 

If the valve is down and you can service tire without dropping it, then you do a disservice to the spare hoist. IMHO it is better to be up so that you have to lower it down exercising the mechanism while service checking the pressure.

 

OP mine did the same first time I lowered it. Thought I broke something but it was just over tight from factory. Torque spec is only 27ftlbs. I drop it twice a year to exercise the mechanism and check pressure. Fluid film the mechanism once a year as well

 

cool cat

 

Thanks for this post. I think I will lower mine and check the air now. Its easy to neglect this when everything is working. Its a perfect storm for a fit of rage when things go wrong!

 

Triple-A for me. Between me and the wife and the kids it's a bargain. Now, out in the field, that's a different story... and I should do the deed before I
get stuck some place. I think if I were to go out in the boonies I'd drop it before hand and let it ride in the bed in case I needed it 'out-there'.

Come to think of it, I should just buy another one at a junk-yard and use that ... then I don't have to drop the one I got. Hmmm wheels are turning ( pun intended )... keep it in the garage, or always in the bed ( with tonnoeu cover )... easily aired up at all times.

 

I lowered mine today to install my PVC 'guide'. Mostly because I thought it was a slick idea.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/cheap-free-mods.4838/page-51#post-3571643 (post 1011)

Some folks that heavy offroad are concerned about the valve stem getting cut. I don't have that worry.

I did flip mine back in 2015. Since I don't live in snow/road salt country, I drop the tire and spray the mechanism every couple of years. Works just fine.