Wheel carrier

[Kheopsz]

Hi everyone,

Yesterday we got a flat tyre, so I tried to replace it, but it was a pain in the butt.
A tried to lower it down for half an hour...It made a ticking noise, and the wheel stopped in the first 10 cm...
After this I decided to take the whole mech off with the wheel, but I couldn't loose one of the bolts, so finally I tried to cut the wire
I reached it, but I couldn't cut it, I couldn't sqeeze strong enough.
After 20 min I decided to try to lower it again, with pulling the wheel in the same time, and finally in the 55. min I got the spare in my hand, and replaced it in another 10 min...

So... I am looking for someone, who can replace the inner plastic parts with metal, I saw it is not that easy, so I wouldn't start alone with an ebay repair kit.

Anyone knows who replaces the plastic parts with metal?

Thanks

[brianh]

I think the ones off the mk1 are supposed to be better constructed (you have a mk2 if its a 2002 model as listed in your profile, mk1 is pre 2000 models). Can't say for sure as mine never had the carrier in place.

[Kheopsz]

Yes, I got a 2002 with probably a plastic gears etc.
So you think if I get a carrier before 2000 (like 1998 or 1996) it should be a full metal construction?

[brianh]

As far as i know yes, I can't confirm that as not personally had one on my mk1 as it had been removed to put a lpg tank in its place. I believe the gears are metal at least which tends to be the problematic bit.

[brianh]

Alternatively this might fix your problem > https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ford-Galaxy-Seat-Alhambra-VW-Sharan-Spare-Wheel-Carrier-Gear-Repair-Fix-Kit/253150072812

Best bet would be have a good look at yours and work out which bits are broken to proceed, if you had to resort to drastic measures (cutting bits) they might need either welding back together or replacement.

[Kheopsz]

Thanks, I'll try to remove it and open it.
Until its not fixed I don't think I would put the wheel back on its place. This time I was lucky, we were at home in the car park, and we didn't want to go anywhere.

[brianh]

No me neither, mine on the mk1 lived in the boot anyway but didn't have all the seats in that one so wasn't an issue.

[SilverBeast]

MK1 mechanism bolts into the same holes as the MK2 - I've done it on mine.  It has all metal gears but isn't enclosed in the "box".  It can corrode and rust too so you need to make sure it's good to start with and maintain it.

I intend to fix my MK2 mechanism at some point using the ebay repair kit, but have loads of other bits I need to do first!

[SilverBeast]

Alternatively this might fix your problem > https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ford-Galaxy-Seat-Alhambra-VW-Sharan-Spare-Wheel-Carrier-Gear-Repair-Fix-Kit/253150072812

Best bet would be have a good look at yours and work out which bits are broken to proceed, if you had to resort to drastic measures (cutting bits) they might need either welding back together or replacement.

I believe you have to drill out some spot welds to open the carrier to replace the gear.  I suspect the bolts are to fix it back together without having to weld it again.