Spare Wheel Bracket Failure

[PopDorset]

Hi Folks,

I had a near miss tonight on the way home. I heard a thump and looking behind in the mirror thought I saw something disappear under the car behind. We both stopped and as I walked back the guy came out from behind his car rolling my spare wheel. I was astounded. I attach a photo of the end of the bracket so that you can check yours. Both of the flanges at the bottom have given way due to rust.

I am just so lucky that it was a country road and speeds were moderate; the following car was a Freelander with high clearance (it just took out one of his fog lamps); the guy was so good about it.

I post this so that you may check yours now, to avoid a catastrophic incident. Imagine if this had happened on a motorway!!!!! It could write off a smaller car or cause a major pile up.

My Sharan is a 1998 model. How this had been overlooked by the garage during an MOT I don't know, but ultimately, I guess it's my responsibility. That's why I'm telling you guys...

PopDorset

[seatkid]

Oops!

Yeah, you would have thought someone would have noticed at the MOT....but they will just say that it isnt part of their remit....

[u]Advise everyone to check the spare wheel winch at least every two years[/u]. Give it a good soaking with WD40 or similar and most importantly, don't overtighten it!

A little attention every now and then will save a lot of grief later. Check the spare wheel and tyre out at the same time.

[gregers]

take a look on ebay for a replacement they come up every now and then,and will be a lot less then getting 1 from the dealers.

[sainot]

I'm really suprised at how flimsly the spare wheel is attached to these cars. The first thing I thought was what would happen if it dropped off on the motorway and bounces up and through someones windscreen. Very bad design if you ask me. I'm suprised they wern;t all recalled an fitted with a different mechanism.

[Bigjeeze]

Looky Here

[url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Ford-Galaxy-Spare-Wheel-Carrier-2000-2006_W0QQitemZ360156077773QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item53daf99ecd&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Ford-Galaxy-Spare-Wh...34.c0.m14.l1262[/url]

[tim-spam]

[quote name='sainot' post='144026' date='Aug 3 2009, 23:48:23']I'm really suprised at how flimsly the spare wheel is attached to these cars. The first thing I thought was what would happen if it dropped off on the motorway and bounces up and through someones windscreen. Very bad design if you ask me. I'm suprised they wern;t all recalled an fitted with a different mechanism.[/quote]
This is the first time I have heard of one falling off - if this was a major problem, the manufacturer would have changed it. However, it should be checked at every service to ensure that the mechanism is safe, that it works and that the spare wheel and tyre are serviceable. Mine has given no problems at all, and still works very well, but then again it has never been overtightened, which is the main cause for the vast majority of problems experienced.

[wolves]

[quote name='Bigjeeze' post='144041' date='Aug 4 2009, 10:26:06']Looky Here

[url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Ford-Galaxy-Spare-Wheel-Carrier-2000-2006_W0QQitemZ360156077773QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item53daf99ecd&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Ford-Galaxy-Spare-Wh...34.c0.m14.l1262[/url][/quote]



[url="http://www.partsgateway.co.uk/presults/sampleprices.php?Make=Ford&VehicleType=Modern"]http://www.partsgateway.co.uk/presults/sam...icleType=Modern[/url]

found this site deals with ford parts and this

[url="http://www.fordpartsuk.com/default.htm"]http://www.fordpartsuk.com/default.htm[/url]
according to there webb sites say a lot cheaper than going to main dealer