Spare Tire Carrier Hinge Lubrication

Lubrication of the hinge is NOT a normally required maintenance item. The procedure below should only be performed if the hinge exhibits a stiff or binding condition.

Important:  Under normal conditions, the hinge assembly will NOT require lubrication.

Important: All H2 spare tire carrier hinges are currently equipped with a zerk fitting for greasing the hinge. Earlier built vehicles may be equipped with a 1/4 inch plug in place of the zerk fitting. The steps below instruct you to add the zerk fitting to the existing hinge if not equipped.

1. Remove the M6 set screw (4).
2. Remove the 1/4 inch plug above the set screw (If equipped).
3. Install a grease (zerk) fitting (3) where the 1/4 inch plug was (if equipped), apply grease, rotate the swing arm to ensure a uniform coating over the internal bushing.
4. Once the grease is seen exiting the set screw hole: stop, reinstall the set screw (4).

Tighten
Tighten the set screw to 9 N·m (80 lb in).

5. Again, grease via the zerk fitting (3), continue articulating the swing arm until grease is just visible on the casting grease seal (2). DO NOT ALLOW THE SWING ARM TO LIFT DURING LUBRICATION.

If the swing arm lifts, remove the set screw (4) and apply downward pressure while rotating the swing arm. Continue until the swing arm makes contact with the casting.

6. The hinge is now primed with the correct amount of grease.

You are not required to remove the zerk fitting on vehicles which required upfitting. It is allowable to re-install the 1/4 inch plug if the customer objects to the zerk fitting.

Tighten
Tighten the set screw to 9 N·m (80 lb in).

The following lubricant is in stock at GMSPO.

Please use the following for vehicles repaired under the New Vehicle Warranty.