2003 Chevy Silverado spare tire

RBLASKA

MEMBER
2003 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
60,000 MILES

My spare tire will not come down from under truck. There is this "T" lock type thing holding it up when cable is out. How do I get this to release?

Wednesday, March 4th, 2009 AT 2:01 PM

6 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,117 POSTS

Is the cable going through the T?

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Wednesday, March 4th, 2009 AT 3:33 PM

RBLASKA

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4 POSTS

Yes cable extends to the ground. "T" holds the tire
somehow

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Wednesday, March 4th, 2009 AT 5:23 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,117 POSTS

Hi:
If the cable goes through the T, then the T must be rusted or corroded in place because the cable is what actually holds the tire in place not the T. The T is used to prevent the cable from comming off the spare tire. Try taking a brass hammer and tapping on the T to see if it will break loose. Be careful that the tire doesn't fall on you.

Let me know if that works.

Joe

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Wednesday, March 4th, 2009 AT 10:20 PM

RBLASKA

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4 POSTS

The "T" doesn't seem to be rusted. It holds the tire approx. 2 inches lower than fully tight to truck. Tire and "T" move, rotate & swing slightly. Not rusted. I'm hearing that there are catches on long end of "T"
that goes up into a latch of sorts. How does this release?

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Thursday, March 5th, 2009 AT 8:36 AM

RBLASKA

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I discovered that if I put a jack under tire while cable is drawn up tight. Holding the weight of the tire, then the cable and "Tee" comes down easily when cranked out, then let the tire down. "It Worked" but shouldn't be necessary. Thanks for all your help.