I wanted to change my tire but couldn't take off the spare. Is there a way to remove the spare. btw its a 02

on the 99 qx4 there are tools under the rear seats. all the essentials plus a long rod that looks like a T (except the - part is really small). in the trunk there is a little hole that you put the rod into (- part first) and then push it down and turn it. might take a couple turns to catch. then just lower the wheel down all the way, its on a chain, and pop it off. the rest is the standard of changing a tire. It should be in the manual, but on mine it was really confusing so it took me a little while to figure out.

Hope that helps! although it could be completely different.

Thanks , I actually found a diagram in my owners manual. My spare is fuken huge and dirty.

so was mine, the chain holding it on was all rusted. i thought it might break. but alas it held.

Bumping this...
Where is the slot to lower the spare on a 1998 PF, 2 wheel drive? I am looking all over and only see a slot just to the left of center in the doorjamb and can find nothing on the right. I have tried to use the slot on the left but nothing grabs the T bar and I am pretty sure this is not it since everyone says it is on the right. My owners manual only has info for a spare mounted on th back tailgate so it is no help at all.

Thanks

Deadpath wrote:Bumping this...
Where is the slot to lower the spare on a 1998 PF, 2 wheel drive? I am looking all over and only see a slot just to the left of center in the doorjamb and can find nothing on the right. I have tried to use the slot on the left but nothing grabs the T bar and I am pretty sure this is not it since everyone says it is on the right. My owners manual only has info for a spare mounted on th back tailgate so it is no help at all.

Thanks

Nevermind, it was the slot just to the left of center. The trick was getting the t-bar in at about a 40 degree angle and getting it in about 6 inches or so to get to the lowering mechanism.

I found on my 02 that it is not always easy to align and lock the T-bat to the mechanism. First time I misaligned the T-bar and poked a whole on the guiding plastic tube. I order a new one and installed. Also my T-bat tip got a bit bent due to my abuse.

Reminds me I need to tighten mine, I can hear the tire banging around when I drive lol

Oh wow...

This also reminds me, I should try lowering the spare on mine and make sure it actually does come down. I don't think I've ever tried, don't want to be stuck out in the country and not be able to change a flat.

My last Pathy worked fine, but I had a Chev before and the wingnut they used to secure the tire was frozen on the bolt because it was so rusted.

It would be a wise idea to lubricate the spare tire mechanism once in a while, especially if you live in a colder climate which uses salt on the roads. You don't want the chain to rust through and have your spare tire drop somewhere!