Chevrolet Forum - Chevy Enthusiasts Forums

Chevrolet Silverado 2007-2013: How to Remove Spare Tire

Know how to remove the spare tire in the event of a flat tire.

By Piyush Kayastha - June 15, 2015

This article applies to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2007-2013).

Car manufacturers equip all of their vehicles with typically two things: A jack kit and a spare tire. These are usually stored securely under a rear seat and also in the trunk under the rear carpet cover. Often, the spare tire is sometimes mounted under the rear of the truck bed on most trucks. You may need to use the jack handle in your jack kit to release the spare tire from under the car and disconnect from a cable wire that keeps it from falling straight down. There is also a secondary latch to consider.

Materials Needed

  • Jack kit
  • Flat tip screwdriver

Step 1 – Unlock plug

There is a plug at the back of the bumper which has a lock affixed to it to keep your spare tire secure.

  • Use flat tip screwdriver to open the plastic cover.
  • Use your spare key to unlock the plug and pull the plug out.
Figure 1. Plug at back of bumper.

Step 2 – Release spare tire

Now that the hole is exposed, you'll need to use the jack handle to release the spare tire.

  • Insert jack handle into hole.
  • Turn the handle repeatedly until the spare tire has come down and the cable is fully slacked.
  • Remove retaining clip from cable to free spare tire.
  • Figure 2. Jack inserted into hole.
  • Figure 3. Cable attached to released tire.
  • Figure 4. Removing spare.

Pro Tip

If the spare tire seems to only come down part way, the secondary latch may have engaged and needs to be released.

Step 3 – If spare tire will not release

Often, mud and other debris can cause the spare tire to get stuck. The secondary latch is engaged and needs to be released.

  • If cable is visible, rotate wrench to release clip.
  • If it is not visible, position your jack under the spare tire in the center.
  • Position your jack on top of the 2 wheel blocks with backs facing each other.
  • Rotate the handle to raise the jack until the tire stops raising back in to its recess.
  • Wiggle the wheel as you lower the jack carefully to release the wheel from the secondary latch.
    • Figure 5. Raising tire.
    • Figure 6. Wiggling wheel.
  • Nudge wheel and it should drop down off the cable.
Figure 7. Nudging spare.

Pro Tip

You can also find this information in the owner's manual.

Step 4 – Restore spare tire and jack kit

Once you're done using the spare tire and kit, you should secure them back into place.

  • Attach retaining clip and cable to spare tire.
  • Use jackhandle to rotate wrench to raise tire back up into its recess.
  • Restore plug and bumper hole cover.
  • Secure jack kit back to the bottom of the rear seat.
Figure 8. Securing jack kit.

Pro Tip

It is worth taking the time to place all parts of the jack kit back in its original carry bag and securing it to its original location to avoid the frustration of listening to the tools bounce around mile after mile.

Featured Video: How to Remove Spare Tire from Silverado

Related Discussion and Site