Rusted spare tire lock: 2009 F150 XLT
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Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2024
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From: Rustbelt
Rusted spare tire lock: 2009 F150 XLT
Hey, been lurking for a couple years picking info as needed, but having some trouble finding parts or even info on that silly spare tire access hole lock on the back bumper, so I'm finally forced to pipe up.
I was about to drop the spare tire in the driveway to get better access at the FPDM to check for corrosion, but I couldn't get the damn lock to turn. I hit it with some PB Blaster, and after a few minutes of gently wiggling the key in there, it loosened up and I was able to get it off. I cleaned it up, but it's too far gone.
I don't want that to happen again when it counts, so I was hoping to find a replacement part but my search is coming up empty. I would take a consolation prize of not having a lock as well, maybe just a grommet or something.
Anybody else have this issue?
If you haven't used it for a while (or ever, like me) I recommend giving yours a turn as well to see if it works, especially if you're in the rustbelt like us.
I was about to drop the spare tire in the driveway to get better access at the FPDM to check for corrosion, but I couldn't get the damn lock to turn. I hit it with some PB Blaster, and after a few minutes of gently wiggling the key in there, it loosened up and I was able to get it off. I cleaned it up, but it's too far gone.
I don't want that to happen again when it counts, so I was hoping to find a replacement part but my search is coming up empty. I would take a consolation prize of not having a lock as well, maybe just a grommet or something.
Anybody else have this issue?
If you haven't used it for a while (or ever, like me) I recommend giving yours a turn as well to see if it works, especially if you're in the rustbelt like us.
Community Team
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 8,907
Likes: 7,444
From: Vermont
They just need to be lubed once a year and they’ll work forever. My old 2008 F150s spare lock still worked fine when I sold it at 14 years old. My 2017 F150s spare lock also works just fine.
Dropping the tire yearly, checking the pressure, working the winch and lubing the lock should be a yearly maintenance item.
Dropping the tire yearly, checking the pressure, working the winch and lubing the lock should be a yearly maintenance item.
Just leave it off. Unless you live somewhere that spare tire theft is an issue. You can find a nice cap for the hole on Esty if the opening bothers you that much. And lets be honest here, a simple flat head screwdriver will pry the lock out of the hole with very little effort, so what is it really protecting.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2024
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Rustbelt
Ok, thanks for the advice ya'll. I was leaning that way, but I am still surprised I couldn't find a replacement part. Found some .STL printer files on thingiverse, I think I'll have someone print em for me. I'll post the link for posterity...hope that's ok.
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3102669
Again, thanks for the replies.
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3102669
Again, thanks for the replies.
