The G Man

We had a sudden drop in temperature here in New England last night. This morning my low tire pressure warning light came on. I went to the gas station and all 4 tires was around 28 PSI, so I pump them up. The tire pressure warning light stay on even after I pump them up. I am thinking I have to pump up my spare tire too. My question is that, have anyone on this board took down and re-mount the spare before. Is it a one person job or do I need to get a buddy to help me?

Thanks

BobsGX

You can do it yourself. Just get the tools out of the tool tray located on the rear door, assemble and then crank the spare tire down. Its a bit of a pain in the neck but most SUV's and pickups mount the spare in that location. My 00 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited has it mounted nice and clean and dry inside the cargo area. I wish more manufacturers did it this way.

The G Man

Thanks for the info BobsGX
I just finish pumping some air into the spare, it was down to 24 PSI, took about 10 minutes, was a easy job. The TPM light went out and all is well. I have another stupid question for you guys. How does the spare tire bracket that attach to the cable come off? If I had to use that spare, I would have to remove the bracket and cable. I took a quick look and i didnt see any screws or fasteners, just a spring on under side.

BobsGX

You have to let the tire rest on the ground and continue to crank the handle a few more turns to give the cable some slack. Then you have to reach over the top of the tire and tilt the tire/wheel holding bracket and bring it up through the hole in the center of the wheel. Its a PIA to do and I'm surprised Lexus didn't come up with a better system. For instance, they should have installed an electric winch to raise and lower the spare.

The G Man

Is there a clip or any screws holding the spare tire bracket in there? From looking at the picture in the owner's manual, looks like there is a clip or some sort, or is it just a bad drawing? Do you have to push on the spring to get the bracket thru, I am assuming the spring tension is what hold the bracket in place.

loflin

Actually, as Bob said, crank the cable down, when the tire rest on the ground, keep cranking, and keep cranking until the cable stops coming out. Then you should have enough slack in the cable to pull the tire more than half the way out from under the car (i.e. you should never have to get on your knees or stomach or back). Once the tire is there in front of you, you will easily see how to get the cable/bracket out from the tire.