The Jeep Wrangler JL is a popular and capable off-road vehicle that requires regular maintenance to keep it in top condition. One of the most important aspects of maintaining your Jeep Wrangler JL is to ensure that the spare tire is in good condition and easily accessible. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how to remove the spare tire on a Jeep Wrangler JL.
Step 1: Locate the Spare Tire
The spare tire on a Jeep Wrangler JL is located on the back of the vehicle, just above the rear bumper. The tire is held in place by a spare tire carrier that is attached to the tailgate of the Jeep.
Step 2: Remove the Spare Tire Carrier
To remove the spare tire, you will need to first remove the spare tire carrier. The carrier is secured to the tailgate by a series of bolts or screws. Use a socket wrench to remove these bolts or screws, and then gently pull the carrier away from the tailgate. You may also need a bottle jack to raise the vehicle to access the tire carrier.
Step 3: Lower the Spare Tire
With the spare tire carrier removed, you can now lower the spare tire down from the back of the Jeep. The tire is held in place by a cable that is attached to a winch mechanism. To lower the tire, use the tire iron that is provided with your Jeep to rotate the winch mechanism counterclockwise.
As you turn the winch mechanism, you will feel the cable begin to loosen. Continue turning the mechanism until the spare tire is lowered down to the ground.
Step 4: Remove the Spare Tire
Once the spare tire is lowered down to the ground, you can remove it from the cable. Simply slide the tire off the cable and place it on the ground.
Step 5: Reinstall the Spare Tire Carrier
With the spare tire removed, you can now reinstall the spare tire carrier onto the tailgate of the Jeep. Make sure that all of the bolts or screws are tightened securely, and that the carrier is aligned properly with the tailgate.
Step 6: Raise the Spare Tire
Once the carrier is installed, you can now raise the spare tire back up to its original position. To do this, use the tire iron to turn the winch mechanism clockwise. As you turn the mechanism, the cable will begin to tighten, and the spare tire will slowly rise up to its original position.
Step 7: Secure the Spare Tire
Once the spare tire is back in its original position, you will need to secure it to the carrier. To do this, simply tighten the wing nut that is located at the base of the cable. This will secure the tire in place, and prevent it from bouncing around while you’re driving. If you want to install the spare tire, you will need to jack up the car.
Conclusion
Removing the spare tire on a Jeep Wrangler JL is a relatively simple process that can be completed in just a few minutes. By following these steps, you can ensure that your spare tire is in good condition and easily accessible in the event of an emergency. Regularly inspecting and maintaining your spare tire is an important aspect of owning a Jeep Wrangler JL, and will help to ensure that you’re always prepared for whatever the road ahead may bring.