I have a 2005 LR3 and the spare tire will not lower. The nut in the jack well spins freely in either direction, but the cable will not lower even when I am pulling down on the tire. I can access four of the the six nuts/bolts holding the spare tire winch to the body, but not the front two. Does anyone know of another way to release the spare?

Thanks

 

I’ve had to replace a couple of those spare tire winches. About $50 on eBay for a non OEM version. May just need to cut the cable or wings from below the tire....

 

Agreed, may have to cut the cable. What usually causes this is someone using the wheel winch without any weight on the cable. Or once the tire is down, continuing to winch for too long. Cause the cable to bind up bad and jam. Never raise the winch with no tire hanging from it, etc.

 

There is a non-OEM one on Amazon at the moment for $36, and the reviews look genuine enough, and suggest that it may be an ok (cheaper) alternative to OEM. -

 

I replaced mine with a roof rack. Tire didn't fit underneath anyways