Spare tire secondary catch (or latch or whatever)

[07SierraDuramax]

Has anybody had problems with GM's piece of crap secondary latch system for the spare tire? I damn near had to pull out a cutting torch tonight to get my spare off. Did you ever try and release it using the manual's instructions and that piece of s__t jack they give you! The spare's going in the box!

[KSL667]

the only problem i have with mine is the black plastic tube that goes to the piece you spin with jack pieces moves and then you have to fight to get it back over the square piece

[07SierraDuramax]

Apparently the secondary latch is only activated when you have the valve stem pointing down. When I bought the truck the valve stem was up. I turned the spare around so it would be easier to check the pressure. That was a mistake. I would put it back with the stem up if I knew it wouldn't stick again, but I don't want to try it so I don't have to go through that BS again. Maybe I got a dud. Good thing it's still on warranty, guess they're buying me a new one!

[HumboldtDmax]

Ahh thats OK, I used the one on my dodge once and the whole kitten-kabodle was totally shoot, couldnt get the spare up there again

[rws53]

I had the pleasure of fighting with the secondary latch today!!!

I followed the directions in the owners manual on how to release a stuck secondary latch several times but of coarse that didn't work.

Here's how I got it to release...

I used the jack placed to the side to push and hold the wheel up against frame allowing the retaining mechanism to dangle (so you can work on it).

There was enough room to get a screwdriver (or whatever you have that will fit up there to pry with) between the collar and latch to work the latch free. See picture for correct side to pry on...when you're crawling under the vehicle you will be able to only see the very bottom of latch...one side has a notch and the other side doesn't...pry on the side that doesn't have the notch as this is the side that has the catch. By prying on latch arm and pushing alternately on the release button (button at bottom where cable comes through) I was able to free the corroded/dirty latch. BTW...when I got home I checked to see if my son's pickup spare could be lowered and his was stuck too so we did the same procedure to release his.

Pictures are of latch after I got it released...ONLY use for reference for which side to pry on. We decided to cut the catch hook off with an angle grinder so we don't ever have this problem again. DON'T do this as this defeats the safety feature...either clean and lube or replace with a new ratchet/safety lock system.

[daddysLBZ]

It is called the spare tire winch assembly..I had to buy one for another Chevrolet I had!!

[delong_1]

i uh, dont run a spare. but if i did and that happened i wouldnt be happy either

[daddysLBZ]

Spare stays in my bed against headache rack,hell with fighting with that retarded tubing not lining up at the winch side of things..

[torkman15]

I was at work one day and I hear my boss calling me over the radio to come out to the parking lot as soon as I'm available. He knows I'm never available and normally only talks to me when he needs automotive help. I go out and he has a flat tire. "The flat wont come off and the spare wont come down, c'mon Chevy guy " I kicked the flat soo hard twice the truck almost fell off the POS jack then just turned the spare about a 1/4 turn and it came loose and lowered right down. I walked away while he stood there and said nothing. If you turn the flange that goes thru the hole in the wheel it will work the catch loose...thats my theory anyway.

Good luck with that, Tom

[djmercer1]

are there any more pieces of advice for this problem? gt a flat thursday, couldnt get the spare off and tried for an hour this afternoon without success. i sprayed some prolong lube with hopes of getting it to free before reading this thread....

thanks.

dave