[pennbiker]

I was putting on a set of longer leaf shackles on the rear. As many of you know, it's helpful to drop the spare tire out of the way. Unfortunately, the mechanism that lowers the spare was pretty rusted. A few good shots with a hammer to loosen the rust, PB Blaster sprayed on top of the winding nut, and leaving it overnight finally got it to break loose. It was frustrating enough in my driveway. Can't imagine how pissed I'd be if I was actually in the middle of nowhere with a flat! I suggest that every 1st gen owner makes sure that they don't have the same problem. It's probably a good idea to lower the spare and give it a shot of PB or WD40 at least once a year.

 

[Wisconsinjohn]

Thought I'd add to this thread to give it a bump because it is important if you live in a rust belt state. I just got my Frontier a month ago. My spare lift was rusted solid. I soaked it with penetrating oil for 2 weeks, still no budge. I didn't want to spend the $95 for a new one. I got an extra wheel for a full size spare because I hate donuts, so I cut the mini spare off with a torch. Be careful if you do this because the canister is above the spare. Once I got the wheel off, I was able to unbolt the spare mechanism after heating the mount bolts. Once on the bench, I heated both sides of the mechanism until I got it to turn. I ran it back and forth and blew it out until the rust stopped coming out. Then I soaked it in motor oil. By the time I was done, I could turn it easily by hand. I will lubricate it regularly. And by the way, a 15" wheel with a 225/70R15 tire hangs just fine under there.

 

[RBOWWOW]

Goes for 2nd gen's too. The Tire shop complained when I had the spare replaced to match the rest. They oiled it for me then.. a year ago.. ah crap, guess I better do it again.

 

[Critterman]

I have never oiled mine, but I do a 5 tire rotation twice a year. Guess I might want to get some grease on it

 

[Frijolero]

I have one I'll sell in immaculate condition. I will never need it again.

 

[shakedownstreet]

i had such a hard time getting mine off, i've kept it in the bed ever since

 

[IMatt]

Then there are those times (such as was the case for me) when it's not rust that stops it from working but a tweaked rear bumper. For the life of me no matter how much I greased the bumper, I couldn't get the spare to lower.

 

[BigWood88]

Then there are those times (such as was the case for me) when it's not rust that stops it from working but a tweaked rear bumper. For the life of me no matter how much I greased the bumper, I couldn't get the spare to lower.

:laugh::laugh:

 

[Nissentric]

If you use WD-40 to break loose a bolt or whatever..It will promote oxidation and rust away on account that it is a solvent. Follow up with some good old grease or teflon spray to keep it working good.

P.S Pennbiker how is that center-cap i mailed you ::wink::

nissentric