Spare Tire Carrier Failed!

I can't imagine if this happened on a trail, ass deep in rocks or, mud, or snow, or freezing cold rain or, 120F heat?

Was going to take the spare off today and get the OEM tire replaced with a size to match the tires I'm running (285/75/16). Again, this is the OEM spare we're talking about. I removed once to install the lift and once again to check pressure. Both times, it came out and went back in without incident. Why would expect today to be any different?

Well...it was. Found the tool kit, installed the shaft assembly (Hook side first) into the hole above the license. Gave it a twist and it got settled in...started turning counter clockwise and it went about a turn and stopped. Went the other way about a turn...stopped. Hmmmmm....Did this 3-4 times and then got really angry, forced another turn hoping it would come lose. I crawled underneath and yanked on the spare violently (I'm angry) but no movement. Tried to remove the shaft cranky tool thingy and, it wouldn't come out (insert more anger here, please). Be sure to see pics below!

So what else? I grabbed a 4.5" grinder and plugged into the outlet in the bed of the truck! It worked!!! So I cut the fucking thing apart and dropped my spare!
So now the spare will forever live in back of the truck...the end.
Here's pics:

The part I had to cut off:


Ruined tool kit that got stuck:



Does this look normal? I had to cut the chain out of it. I'll be cutting the whole mother fucker out soon enough!

 

Less anger more WD40

 

mechanism spins with fingers easily after I (angrily) cut the damn thing out! Was NOT hard to turn.

 

I've seen videos that indicate that you turn it clockwise to lower the tire. Backwards, but that is what I've seen. I think you may have over tighten it.

I think the concept of a chain instead of a cable is just downright stupid and lazy by Toyota. Never had an issue with my Ford and didn't have a stupid chain hanging down from my spare tire.

Looking at your photo it looks like turning it counter-clockwise would bring the tire down. Chain must have gotten hung up.

 

Instructions on tool bag say "counter clockwise" but it wouldnt move either way. Thanks

 

Dude. I take care NOT to have people who do these things around me. My guys figure shit out and fix things...not get angry and destroy things.
I don't think it was the spare tire carrier that failed today...

 

I think there are four small bolts that hold the unit to the crossmember - maybe you can remove/replace it?, or even find something from a non-Toyota parts counter…..

 

When I get angry, I get a peice of paper and I color...

Then I eat the crayons.. I usually feel better after that and go back the problem to find a reasonable solution.

Sorry for your situation. My spare carrier has functioned very well for over 4 years. I make sure to exercise it regularly so that I don't have any issues with it. Even the cable units you mentioned fail.... nothing is perfect.

 

Damn dude.

Maybe less booze, more group therapy.


Not joking.

 

From this I gather Op is not smarter than a first grader, and Lefty Loosey/Righty Tighty would have come in handy.

 

TOO effing funny. But not funny. Just the feel of that shaft cranky tool thingy was enough to piss me off the first time I unraveled it in my truck, I was thinking I better learn how to get that tire out while in my garage so that when I'm on a trail or road at least I'll have an idea. That thing is HOLLOW and your picture of it twisted like a pretzel is how I imagined it could turn out. Drop it off to Toyota service department next time you're nearby, see if they have an upgrade.

 

You got to admit though, there's NO way to eyeball that hook to ensure its engaged in the right hole.

 

Wow, well if it makes you feel any better I had to help the kids at Discount tire figure out how to get my spare tire down when installing the larger spare. Glad I caught them in their initial confusion with long spinny thing and hole near the bumper fumbling before they got the torch and air hammer out lol.

 

I just look under the bed to make sure

 

It has nowhere else to go if you stick in the correct hole. A few good whacks with a 4lb sledge hammer to make sure it’s seated in there then just crank on it until it bends, breaks or the tire comes down

 

Oh, geeze.

Do I need to do a test-run on my spare?

Familiarization training!

 

Yes, absolutely.

 

Op banned ? What did i miss?

 

Is that what that cancellation line on the username means?