A couple weeks ago I was driving to work and when I stopped at a red light, some lady pulled up next to me and said my spare tire was bouncing around. I jumped out of the truck and went to check it but it was locked in place so I thought maybe she was just messing with me. Well last night I was driving down the same street (pretty bumpy) and I heard a weird "thud" noise, then looked out my rear view and I couldnt see my spare tire. I then looked out my passenger mirror and sure enough, there is was swinging on the rack. I stopped to go lock it back in place but it swung shut when I hit the brakes (didnt want it to do that). I went to check it and it locked so i pulled on it really hard but it didnt come loose. Every time I close up the rear hatch and put the tire back I ALWAYS pull on it hard to make sure its locked in place so this has me thinking maybe the locking mechanism is messed up and somehow unlocked while going over that bumpy road. I have had 2 other 2 door blazers in the past with the same spare tire rack ('88 and '95) and i have never had this issue. Has anybody else ever had this problem and if so, do you know how I can fix it? I already used WD-40 on it when I bought the truck (about a month ago) so im sure its not rusty. But I will say that it doesnt seem to lock easily, I have to use a little force for it to grab otherwise it will just bounce off. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

this wont fix the real issue but i have always ran mine with a bike cable and lock ....just to control the swing if it comes undone. just enough slack to unlatch and remove the lock.

 

Thanks for the info, that is something I should look into if I cant figure out how to fix it. Im thinking i should just buy a new lock, if thats even possible.

 

I was worried about it coming open when I put mine on my 4 door. I considered running some kind of backup like warthog mentioned, but it closes so easily and soundly that I've never had to.

See if any of the components of the latching mechanism are worn. I don't know if there is any adjustment you could make to bring things back into tolerance, if something is worn. Maybe one of the springs in it have gotten soft and you can replace it?

 

The latch mechanism is fully adjustable, including the rubber bumpers. If/when the two bushings on the right 1/4 panel wear, it allows the carrier to drop down at the latch. If/when that happens, it usually squeeks like crazy and you have to slam it to get the latch to hold the carrier, not good The latch adjusts up and down and the bumpers adjust in and out. Gotta leave the tire on when adjusting. 10 minute job to adjust it.

 

Thank you. I will try adjusting the lock. I dont think the bushings are worn out because there is no sag in the rack when i swing it open, also when open and I grab the handle and try lifting it upward, there is no play in the hinges, plus there is no squeaking so that leads me to believe the bushings are good.

 

Latch

 

Dude, you rock! I'm going to pm him to see if he still has any. Thanks!

 

Im not sure if the guy is even going to check the messages because it says he hasnt been online in about 2 years, lol. I gotta find that latch kit.