Have never had a set=up for a spare tire on a cradle with the lowering bolt inside the trunk area. Had to completly empty the area as the wrench to turn the bolt is the lug wrench with a standard right angle bend; this allowed about a half turn on the bolt and then reposition the wrench for the next half turn and it "seems" like a long threaded bolt. Have not seen the little cargo container, however, I would be willing to bet that there was no consideration for an opening directly to the bolt, therefore the entire container will probably have to be removed .
To get the cradle back into place, even empty since the flat, regular tire is too big for the cradle and must be placed inside your car for transport, is a 2 person job. One, laying on the ground underneath the car lifting the cradle and lining the bolt, spacer, and cradle holder up so the bolt will line up properly. The other person must have the wrench and be ready to turn and tighten. Even at the shop, where the guy had the advantage of lying on a creeper, he needed me to turn the bolt as there was no way he was going to be able to reach up and around the bumper and into the cargo well.
I will definitely purchase the correct size socket for the bolt, (probably about 3/4) and an appropriate extension and a bigger rachet as it was a bit of a chore to break loose the bolt and it has not even been in sever weather yet. This will be so much more efficient than the lug wrench and may even allow for fewer items to be removed from the storage area.
So now that I have had my first flat tire in the last 15 years, and had this experience, hopefully I am good for the next 30 years,
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
First Flat tire -- a 2 person job
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