Had a puncture the other day and once again I struggled to put the spare back in the holder. Especially after pumping it up to the required psi.
I really had to push it really hard to get it to the clip where from then I could bolt it up tight. The wheel seemed to be pushing against the wire hangers that hinge the holder (2+3 in image)
Could they have become bent in a previous life?? Can't see how unless someone's been swinging on them.
What is the size of the tyres?
185R14 reach the tensioners in about 2 inches before the front lip clicks in. If you swing the tray from the bottom, it will click easy, but much harder to close it on lowered vans.
Zoltan
1986 Multivan ex-Caravelle. Van since 2006, running mTDi 1Z since 2008 with Fiat Croma 1.9 TDid pump 2008-2019, custom pump since 2019
5spd custom box 4.57 diff + 0.74 5th
You want the wheel to be held in under tension. 'erselfs Pug has the spare in a cage under the boot floor, but not under much tension. If the spare deflates, even just a little bit, it rattles like a bugger... This _could_ be viewed as a low pressure warning system, I guess...
Ah. so that's why the hinge is held on with those long thick wire looking supports rather than just bolted to the chassis. It's too hold the spare wheel securely when closed.
At least I know that my van is no different to others. I'll just have an extra weatabix next time