Alternative method to access spare tire hoist

[drewtx154]

So since purchasing the my 02 Tahoe over a year ago, I haven't been able to gain access to my spare tire. Luckily (and knocking on a huge chunk of wood right now!!) I haven't needed to as of yet. But in saying that I cannot let much more time go by without being prepared for the day when I may actually need to get my tire down. I have tried all the ways I've read about, watched videos on, etc... Problem is that my spare tire is lifted up to the highest possible position it can be but it will not lower down a millimeter whatsoever. If I could get it at least a few inches down then I could possibly work with that and figure out how to manage it out. But it won't budge. So I'm thinking of removing the tow hitch assembly and bumper to hopefully be able to get to the hoist to replace? I'm just wondering if doin that will actually get me the ability to remove the hoist or not? Would hate to do all that to realize it's not possible. Or I was thinking if somehow I could cut the cable the tire is lifted with but again getting to the cable with the necessary tools seems highly unlikely. Anyone have any experience with this or have any good advice to help me get this resolved? Thanks in advance

 

[S33k3r]

I took mine to the local tire place and purchased a new spare, myself...

 

[Fless]

Have you tried the method in the owner's manual?

 

[Tonyrodz]

My spare was also stuck on my 03. I just crawled underneath with a long extension and swivel and took the 10mm bolt out of the hoist. It's the only bolt that holds the tire hoist to the frame. I went through one of the open slots in the spare tire. It took awhile but I was able to get it down--hoist and all.

 

[Fless]

You might get some working room if you deflate the spare. Assuming it has any air in it now....

 

[LordWayback]

I had a issue with my tool and used a adjustable wrench on the crank until it came down

 

[gooffeyguy]

You might get some working room if you deflate the spare. Assuming it has any air in it now....

This!

If there's air in the tire, deflate it. This will give it some wiggle room.

Now hope the last time it was put up there it was installed with the valve stem pointing down, lol.

 

[drewtx154]

I couldn't see the hoist bolt through the spare tire

Have you tried the method in the owner's manual?

View attachment 410426
View attachment 410427

I saw this on the online version of the owners manual but had forgotten about it until now. Let me go try this although I don't have the wheel blocks but I'll rig something up... Thank you

 

[drewtx154]

My spare was also stuck on my 03. I just crawled underneath with a long extension and swivel and took the 10mm bolt out of the hoist. It's the only bolt that holds the tire hoist to the frame. I went through one of the open slots in the spare tire. It took awhile but I was able to get it down--hoist and all.

Last time I was looking for that single bolt I couldn't find/see it through the wheel slots...

 

[Tonyrodz]

Last time I was looking for that single bolt I couldn't find/see it through the wheel slots...

It's been a few years since I've done it, but as far as I remember there’s only 1 bolt that holds the hoist to the underside. Have you tried jacking up the rear-end and really looking under there? It'll help you if you also use some jackstands. I guarantee you'll find it.

 

[Mudsport96]

How to remove a stuck spare tire video

Click that and watch. Used it on the tahoe and Silverado.

 

[drewtx154]

It's been a few years since I've done it, but as far as I remember there’s only 1 bolt that holds the hoist to the underside. Have you tried jacking up the rear-end and really looking under there? It'll help you if you also use some jackstands. I guarantee you'll find it. View attachment 410715View attachment 410716View attachment 410717

Ya I found it after I got the tire down ... It's hiding behind the the tire hoist access tube and unless you remove the access tube, it's very difficult to see.

 

[Tonyrodz]

Ya I found it after I got the tire down ... It's hiding behind the the tire hoist access tube and unless you remove the access tube, it's very difficult to see.

Glad you were able to find it. I probably did it over 4 years ago, so my memory was a little fuzzy. We're you able to separate the cable from the spare?

 

[drewtx154]

Yes all is good and in working order again, thank you

 

[Joseph Garcia]

As Hannibal Smith used to say, "I love it when a plan comes together."

 

[h2100]

On this same line of thought, is it possible to take off the 'lock'? This thread reminds me to take mine down ad grease it but I'd like to be rid of the lock. That was my issue on another 'hoe.

 

[Tonyrodz]

On this same line of thought, is it possible to take off the 'lock'? This thread reminds me to take mine down ad grease it but I'd like to be rid of the lock. That was my issue on another 'hoe.

Are you talking about the actual lock that blocks the entrance to the hoist, or the arm that's part of the mechanism?
If you're taking about this arm(circled) you can just bend it.

 

[ScottyBoy]

I had to literally cut mine off with a grinder, then I replaced the hoist mechanism. When I put the replacement hoist on, I spooled the cable out and coated the entire cable and spring and pretty much all moving parts, with red axle and bearing grease. Hopefully that keeps it from seizing up like the old one did. Every few years I take the spare down and check the air pressure and regrease the cable. This post reminds me that it's about time I go do that as it's been about 2-3 years now since I last did it.

 

[h2100]

Are you talking about the actual lock that blocks the entrance to the hoist, or the arm that's part of the mechanism?View attachment 411054
If you're taking about this arm(circled) you can just bend it.

yes, the part you circled.

 

[Tonyrodz]

yes, the part you circled.

I just bent that arm with a pry bar. As long as you bend it out of the way you're good to go. Just make sure you bend it so it doesn't latch down(that arm).