TC Spare Tire Key Assembly

[loustaller]

Would someone guide me as to how the spare tire knock off is assembled? I understand the pieces and how they fit together but I'm having a tough time figuring out the sequence of the assembly and fitment to the spare wheel. I'm either very tired or rapidly aging!

[Peter deBruyn]

Hi Lou -

Sequence as follows:

Slide the end washer onto the rod, then the long spring.
Shove the assy. into the K.O. housing - screw medallion onto protruding rod and insert cotter.
Go to other end, push down on washer and install second cotter.
(note) With key pointing down, medallion should be pointing up.

Safety Fast
Pete

[loustaller]

Hi Pete,
Thanks for your detailed response. I understand the assembly of the KO, key and medallion but I don't get how to install the assembled knock off onto the spare tire. Obviously the KO assembly just screw into the spare tire holder but what happens to the key, does it find it's way into the key hole as the KO begins to get tight? How do you prevent the medallion from scratching the KO once the key is in the key hole but the KO still need to be tighten? I haven't had the chance to physically do it so these questions are just thoughts. Thanks!

[Steve Simmons]

The key should find its own way in. If it doesn't, try a bit of grease. If it still doesn't, it will start to push away from the knockoff as the assembly threads in. At this point, simply rotate it by hand until it snaps into place.

The medallion should have a radius slightly flatter than the knockoff so the points of the octagon won't scratch. At least that's how I remember it. The two surfaces don't have a lot of friction anyway, and the part rarely comes off, so the potential for wear is low.

[loustaller]

OK, got it. I assembled the pieces per Pete's instructions and it all fell together as it should. Thanks to both of you for your help. I swear, some days it's like my brain takes a break and the simplest tasks confuse me. Thanks again!