I will start by apologizing because I am almost positive I have seen a similar thread on this forum but I must be searching for the wrong terms or something so sorry if this is repetitive but I'm coming up empty handed for a solution..

So I bought a 2001 Blazer 2DR (4x4) last year and the spare tire carrier is sagging. The bottom hinge is pushing into the body causing a small dent into the quarter panel. The carrier itself my girlfriend can't close on her own because you have to actually lift up on the tire and carrier assembly and slam it pretty hard to ensure it actually latches; if you just try closing it nice and easy then the latch hits the plate and won't close.

I have not yet disassembled the carrier or anything so my questions are..do you think the carrier arm itself is bent? Is there a way for me to reinforce the carrier at the quarter panel to first off get the dent out of it and two to make it easier to open and close?

Overall the Blazer is in great shape but the spare tire carrier itself is faded and has a little rust on it so maybe something happened and it has been replaced with an older one or something..it's hard to tell when you buy used.

Sorry again if I sound like a broken record and thank you for any help you can offer!