spare tire winch

[Blee1099]

Just noticed earlier tonight that my spare tire winch is hanging about 18" down from the top. I tried raising it and lowering it but it seems a little more difficult than usual plus the rod for lowering the tire is now bent like anything. I'm not sure if the rod being bent is causing the problems with it going up & down. I'm wondering if I can stick a piece of rebar with a notch cut in it to lower the tire cable.

 

[DeRocha]

Yes you could turn the winch with anything that will fit (my 2 foot screwdriver works for me) . Be careful using rebar as the additional force may grenade the winch; specifically true if you have bent the rod (the cable winch must be jammed in some way).

Is there any room to spray some lubricant (WD-40) into the Winch? Does the winch move up or down? Try taking the load off the winch by supporting the tire.