GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 1504084  Size: SH
  1. Unlatch and open the spare tire carrier swing arm.

  2. Object Number: 1455913  Size: SH
  3. Remove the spare tire stowage cover nut (1).
  4. Remove the spare tire cover (2).

  5. Object Number: 1455916  Size: SH
  6. Remove the spare tire mounting nuts.
  7. Remove the spare tire from the spare tire carrier.

  8. Object Number: 1455917  Size: SH
  9. Remove the spare tire carrier assembly, perform the following steps:
  10. 6.1. Disconnect the license plate lamp harness electrical connector.
    6.2. Remove the spare tire carrier bolts.
    6.3. Remove the spare tire carrier assembly.

Disassembly Procedure

Important: The following components of the spare tire carrier can be replaced, license plate lamp harness, carrier swing arm, hinge, striker/sleeve, and latch mechanism and housing. Refer to the following information for the disassembly of the spare tire carrier. These components can either be disassembled on the vehicle or on a work bench.


    Object Number: 1504075  Size: SH
  1. Remove the license plate lamp screws.

  2. Object Number: 1504078  Size: SH
  3. Remove the license plate lamp harness from the clips on the carrier.
  4. Remove the harness.

  5. Object Number: 1504080  Size: SH
  6. Remove the spare tire carrier swing arm from the hinge.

  7. Object Number: 1504082  Size: SH
  8. Remove the striker bolt and sleeve.

  9. Object Number: 1504086  Size: SH
  10. Remove the latch mechanism bolts, nuts, and spacers.
  11. Remove the latch mechanism.
  12. Remove the latch mechanism isolator bolts.
  13. Remove the latch mechanism isolator.

Service/Maintenance Information

Important: The spare tire carrier requires items inspected and/or replaced at scheduled vehicle service intervals.


Object Number: 1504097  Size: SH

Check the carrier swing arm articulation and latching performance as follows:

    • The swing arm closing effort is not to be excessive.
        Adjust the latch assembly, as required.
    • The swing arm is to kick back beyond the latch casting after the latch handle is operated.
        Adjust the latch assembly, as required.

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


Object Number: 1504093  Size: SH

Hinge assembly--If the hinge assembly needs to be greased, due to removal, the plug needs to be removed and lubricated as stated below using GM P/N 89022180 (Canadian P/N 89022181).

  1. Remove the M6 set screw (4).
  2. Remove the 1/4 inch plug above the set screw.
  3. Install a grease (zerk) fitting (3) where the 1/4 inch plug was, apply grease, rotate the swing arm to ensure a uniform coating over the internal bushing.
  4. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  5. Once the grease is seen exiting the set screw hole: stop, reinstall the set screw (4).
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the set screw to 9 N·m (80 lb in).

  7. 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.
  8. 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.

  9. The hinge is now primed with the correct amount of grease.
  10. Remove the zerk fitting (3) and reinstall the 1/4 inch plug.
  11. Reinstall the set screw (4).
  12. Tighten
    Tighten the set screw and plug to 9 N·m (80 lb in).

Hinge assembly--Visually check the grease seal (2) for damage, replace as required.

Hinge assembly--Check the hard stop pad (1), replace as required.


Object Number: 1504095  Size: SH

Latch assembly--Check the latch isolator (2) for damage, replace as required. Thoroughly clean the latch casting surfaces and bond the NEW isolator in place using LOCTITE Black Max 380® adhesive or equivalent.


Object Number: 1504091  Size: SH

Latch assembly--Check for operation and apply Teflon dry lube GM P/N 12371287 (Canadian P/N 10953437) to the latch mechanism (1) as required.


Object Number: 1504087  Size: SH

Carrier frame--Check the endgate bump stop (2) rubber for damage, replace if required. Thoroughly clean the surfaces and bond the NEW bump stop in place using LOCTITE Black Max 380® adhesive or equivalent.

Carrier frame--Check the striker sleeve (1) for wear, replace as required.

Carrier frame--Check the lamp (3) for operation.

Service Alignment Procedure

    Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1504088  Size: SH
  1. The carrier should be loose installed to the vehicle.
  2. Align the latch casting square, and tighten the bolts to specifications using the sequence shown.
  3. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 95 N·m (70 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1504100  Size: SH
  4. Swing the carrier into the latch pocket so the striker pin touches the latch mechanism.
  5. Insert a shim (1) between the striker bottom and the latch pocket.
  6. Early carriers with a red striker sleeve will require a 5 mm shim, all other carriers with a yellow sleeve will require a 3 mm shim.
  7. Secure the hinge bolts using the specification shown above.
  8. Remove the shim (1), the carrier is now aligned and ready for use.

Assembly Procedure


    Object Number: 1504086  Size: SH

    Important: Thoroughly clean the latch casting surfaces and bond the NEW isolator in place using LOCTITE Black Max 380® adhesive or equivalent.

  1. Install the latch mechanism isolator, if necessary.
  2. Install the latch mechanism isolator screws.
  3. Tighten
    Tighten the screws to 9 N·m (80 lb in).

  4. Install the latch mechanism, if necessary.
  5. Install the latch mechanism bolts, spacers, and nuts.
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1504082  Size: SH
  7. Install the sleeve and striker bolt, if necessary.
  8. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 22 N·m (16 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1504080  Size: SH
  9. Install the spare tire carrier swing arm to the hinge, if necessary.

  10. Object Number: 1504078  Size: SH
  11. Install the license plate lamp harness, if necessary.
  12. Install the license plate lamp harness to the clips on the carrier.

  13. Object Number: 1504075  Size: SH
  14. Install the license plate lamp screws, if necessary.
  15. Tighten
    Tighten the screws to 2.5 N·m (22 lb in).

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 1455917  Size: SH
  1. Install the spare tire carrier to the vehicle. Perform the following steps:
  2. 1.1. Position the spare tire carrier to the rear bumper.
    1.2. Loose install the carrier bolts. Refer to the Service Alignment Procedure above for alignment.
    1.3. Connect the license plate lamp harness electrical connector.

    Object Number: 1455916  Size: SH
  3. Install the spare tire to the spare tire carrier.
  4. Install the spare tire mounting nuts.
  5. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts to 95 N·m (70 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1455913  Size: SH
  6. Install the spare tire cover (2).
  7. Install the spare tire stowage cover nut (1) until snug.
  8. Close and ensure that the spare tire carrier is latched.