Spare Tire

[jonnyslick]

I hope this is in the right section.

So I have a 2002 Mountaineer.

Last time I got new tires, when I got home I noticed the spare was in the cargo area and not under the truck. Anyway, I kinda' forgot about it and left it in the cargo area for a month or so, then I needed some room in the cargo area one day but I was in a hurry so I just put the spare in the garage.

Anyway, point is about 4 months later I finally got around to putting the spare back on but when I tried to lower the cable all it does is "pop" and "grind". I was thinking at that point that's probably why the spare was in the cargo area b/c the guys at the tire shop broke the mechanism that holds it to the bottom of the truck. Anyone else have this issue before and if so how do you fix it?

Thanks.

 

[jonnyslick]

No ideas?

 

[Donner]

With the Ex, you have to put pressure on that cable for it to be lowered. They might not have been able to lower it...

 

[JTX]

Its just a basic metal cable. It may be bound up in the mechanism. I would try what donner said and see if you have any luck.

 

[Paraphoe]

I have lowered it without pressure on my 97. It might need a good tug or lubing or something though, crawl under and give it some persuasion.

 

[Donner]

When was the "cable" incident? There were cables breaking loose at one point...

 

[RUNTINGS]

Most of those problems occurs when the spears has been there and not in use, and when u let it down its either stuck half way or won't go up back. chances are you need to get that part from ford dealer. I'm pretty much sure its shot.