Spare wheel carrier

[Peter Burgess]

I had to use my spare wheel today on my 2003 1.9tdi.

It wound down ok, but when I wound it back up again, it stopped about 2 inches short & then would wind no further up, but also wouldn't wind down again either!

I've jammed foam between the wheel & floor to stop it moving around so I can drive the car.

Is this a simple fix?

How do I get the cradle down again to remove the wheel in the cradle?

Thanks for any advice,

Peter.

[brianh]

The whole thing will unbolt if you can get to the bolts. They are a known problem on the mk2 - the failure you describe is what usually happens to them.

I think from what others have said it strips the teeth off the gears inside, which are plastic.

Have a look through the various threads listed below, you should be able to fix it with the info there, I'd suspect the most difficult bit might be getting to the bolts (a torch shined through the holes in the wheel might help there, with a long extension bar and socket)

[Peter Burgess]

Thank you,
I think the long bolt option will be easiest.
regards,
Peter.

[Mirez]

Bin it and replace with a Mk1 version, they are much more reliable and a direct fit!

[DonovanPorter]

i had the same issue on my MK2 Sharan.
i managed to remove the carrier with a ratchet and an extension. chances are you will find the smaller gear inside has stripped. i had a new one machined out of Nylon. works like magic. i had one 3D Printed, did not work well, as you can see from the pics.

the last pictures shows where the gear is situated.

[alanco22]

I too have this problem. I saw for a brand spankers new unit was like Ã,£200. Reconditioned @ Ã,£80-90. A online uk based company sell an aluminium gear cog and bolts(to replace the rivits) and a metal drill bit (to take out the rivits) for Ã,£27 including vat/delivery. I'll find the link. It has a step by step guide on a YouTube video as well. I'm fitting mine next week.

Hope this helps.
Al

https://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/For-Ford-Galaxy-Seat-Alhambra-VW-Sharan-Spare-Wheel-Carrier-Gear-Repair-Fix-Kit/222309727232?ul_ref=http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-53481-19255-0/1?ff3=2&pub=5575376664&toolid=10001&campid=5338268676&customid=4962ab79-fb6c-4c45-b14d-f0faf589383f&lgeo=1&item=222309727232&srcrot=710-53481-19255-0&rvr_id=1866591667887&rvr_ts=0fa779c51690aada8cd30fd8ffe744e5&_mwBanner=1&_rdt=1&ul_noapp=true&pageci=7f53b0bc-cc8f-4f02-a11d-5b7758a2ec02

[DonovanPorter]

i have seen the steel replacement Helical Gear's are very popular. the price seems pretty good aswell

[brianh]

I too have this problem. I saw for a brand spankers new unit was like Ã,£200. Reconditioned @ Ã,£80-90. A online uk based company sell an aluminium gear cog and bolts(to replace the rivits) and a metal drill bit (to take out the rivits) for Ã,£27 including vat/delivery. I'll find the link. It has a step by step guide on a YouTube video as well. I'm fitting mine next week.

Hope this helps.
Al

https://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/For-Ford-Galaxy-Seat-Alhambra-VW-Sharan-Spare-Wheel-Carrier-Gear-Repair-Fix-Kit/222309727232?ul_ref=http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-53481-19255-0/1?ff3=2&pub=5575376664&toolid=10001&campid=5338268676&customid=4962ab79-fb6c-4c45-b14d-f0faf589383f&lgeo=1&item=222309727232&srcrot=710-53481-19255-0&rvr_id=1866591667887&rvr_ts=0fa779c51690aada8cd30fd8ffe744e5&_mwBanner=1&_rdt=1&ul_noapp=true&pageci=7f53b0bc-cc8f-4f02-a11d-5b7758a2ec02

And I'd guess the brand new one has the original spec gears so definitely not a good option.