Problem With Wheel Lug Bolts and Spare Tire Carrier

[Picasso]

Yesterday I tried to change a flat tire on my sister's 1999 Landcruiser and ran into two unexpected problems.

1. The spare tire carrier wouldn't work and I initially couldn't lower the spare. I checked the directions in the manual and they are similar to my Tundra. The point that you insert the hook end of the jack handle was covered with a smooth plastic funnel. The manual says to lightly press in and turn to lower the tire. No amount of pressure on my part could get this to budge. I broke off the plastic funnel and pried apart the metal funnel under that which gave the hook something to grab. Even after that, it was not easy to lower the tire. There are two slots in the metal funnel like my Tundra but there is a center bolt that prevents the hook from going all the way into engage them.

2. Two of the 5 lug nuts came off without any problems. Three did not come off at all. The three initially losened and started to unscrew. After about 2 turns they began to feel as if they were tightening and got to the point where I couldn't turn them. At this point the wheel is lose on the hub but the three lugs aren't coming off without more force thatn I can provide with my wrench in a parking lot.

We eventually got the vehicle to a dealership a couple blocks away but they won't be able to look at it until after the 4th of July weekend.

I've never heard or experienced anything like this before. Are these known/common issues with Landcruisers?

Many thanks.

[Lalo]

sounds like the last person who worked on the wheels may have cross threaded them.

[Uncle Buck]

The spare tire carrier has an anti-theft device. There is a matching "key" piece that fits onto the jack handle, similar to a wheel lock.

[Picasso]

Originally Posted by Lalo

sounds like the last person who worked on the wheels may have cross threaded them.

I also think that is what happened. My sister bought it used about a year ago and I don't think that anyone has taken the wheels off since then. Is this simply a case of unskilled use of an impact wrench?

Originally Posted by Uncle Buck

The spare tire carrier has an anti-theft device. There is a matching "key" piece that fits onto the jack handle, similar to a wheel lock.

I was wondering if that's what it was but the owner's manual makes no mention of this and I didn't see anything in the tool kit that resembled a key of any kind. What does the key look like (size/shape/color)?

Thank you very much for the help.

[Uncle Buck]

It's not mentioned in the owner's manual because it's an add on. Here is a picture of mine.


Good Luck!

Steve

[Picasso]

Originally Posted by Uncle Buck

It's not mentioned in the owner's manual because it's an add on. Here is a picture of mine.


Good Luck!

Steve

When my sister gets her vehicle back, I'll look for that key.

Excellent photo.

Thank you.