Lowering a spare tire on a Nissan can be tricky without the right tools. This guide provides a detailed, real-world experience of crafting a DIY tool for Nissan spare tire removal, along with essential dimensions and tips. After searching junkyards and dealerships for the specific lowering tool without success, a solution was devised using readily available materials.
Crafting a Nissan Spare Tire Tool
The factory tool for lowering a Nissan spare tire is often missing or difficult to find. Junkyards may have them, but often at inflated prices. Dealerships might offer the tool as part of an expensive package. In this case, multiple junkyard searches yielded no suitable tool, and dealerships offered overpriced packages exceeding $600 for the jack and tools. A more affordable and practical approach was to build a custom tool. A simple harbor freight jack was purchased for $12, and a trip to Home Depot provided the remaining materials.
The DIY tool was constructed using a threaded rod with a drilled hole to accommodate a drive pin. The critical dimensions for this tool are as follows:
- Rod Diameter: Approximately 7/16″
- Drive Pin Diameter: Slightly smaller than 1/4″ (a little over 6mm)
- Drive Pin Length: 1.42″ (close to 36mm)
- Overall Tool Length: Roughly 35 1/2″
- Flats Distance: .360″ across and about .600″ in length.
Even with the correct tool dimensions, unforeseen issues can arise. Initial attempts to lower the spare tire were unsuccessful. Testing the tool on a different Nissan Pathfinder confirmed the tool’s functionality, indicating a problem with the original vehicle’s mechanism.
Overcoming Obstacles: A Broken Mechanism
Further investigation revealed a damaged spare tire mechanism. It was seized and made grinding noises. The solution involved using an angle grinder to cut the retaining ears, freeing the spare tire. Caution was exercised to prevent the tire from falling. The sudden release of the tire was forceful, highlighting the importance of safety precautions.
The broken mechanism needs replacement, which can be sourced from a junkyard. Disassembly and inspection of the broken part are planned to understand the failure point.
This experience emphasizes the importance of having the correct tire tools for your Nissan and knowing how to overcome potential challenges. Building a DIY tool offers a cost-effective solution when factory tools are unavailable. While diagrams can be helpful, real-world experience and accurate measurements are crucial for success.
This detailed account, along with precise measurements, provides valuable information for anyone needing to remove a spare tire on a Nissan and encountering similar issues. Remember to prioritize safety and be prepared for potential mechanical problems.
