Jeep Grand Cherokee Spare Tire

Grand Cherokee spare tires mount underneath the cargo floor, accessed by lowering the cable mechanism. If you own a Jeep Grand Cherokee spare tire, you already know it’s not like a standard car tire setup. The spare is stored under the vehicle, which keeps cargo space clear but requires a specific process to remove and replace. Understanding how this system works saves you time and frustration on the side of the road.

You don’t need to be a mechanic to handle a flat tire on your Grand Cherokee. The spare tire system is designed for basic DIY access, but many owners overlook it until they actually need it. Let’s walk through everything from locating the spare to maintaining it properly.

The spare tire on a Grand Cherokee is mounted underneath the rear cargo area. It hangs from a cable mechanism that lowers it down when you turn a bolt in the cargo floor. This design keeps the spare out of sight and frees up interior space for gear.

Most Grand Cherokee models from 1999 to 2023 use this under-floor storage. The system includes a winch-like mechanism, a cable, and a bracket that holds the tire in place. You access the lowering point through a small panel in the cargo floor, usually near the rear hatch.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll find:

Spare tire stored under the vehicle
Lowering mechanism accessed from inside the cargo area
Jack and tools stored under the cargo floor or in a side compartment
Tire size matches the factory tires on most models

How To Access The Spare Tire

Accessing the spare tire is straightforward once you know the steps. First, open the rear hatch and lift the cargo floor cover. You’ll see a small plastic plug or panel near the center.

Remove that panel to reveal a hex bolt or a hole for the jack handle. Insert the jack handle into the hole and turn it counterclockwise. The cable will unwind, and the spare tire will lower to the ground.

Follow these steps precisely:

Open the rear hatch fully
Remove the cargo floor mat or cover
Locate the access plug near the rear latch area
Pull out the plastic plug
Insert the jack handle into the hex socket
Turn the handle counterclockwise until the tire touches the ground
Pull the tire out from under the vehicle
Disconnect the cable from the tire bracket

Some models have a different setup where you need to use the lug wrench instead of the jack handle. Check your owner’s manual if you’re unsure which tool to use.

Tools You Need For Spare Tire Removal

Your Grand Cherokee came with a basic tool kit. It should include a jack, a lug wrench, and a jack handle. The jack handle doubles as the tool for lowering the spare tire.

If you lost any of these tools, you can buy replacements at any auto parts store. Make sure the jack handle fits the hex socket in your cargo floor. Some aftermarket handles are too short or have the wrong shape.

Here’s what you need:

Jack handle (for lowering the spare)
Lug wrench (for removing wheel nuts)
Scissor jack (for lifting the vehicle)
Wheel chocks or blocks (for safety)
Gloves (optional but helpful)

Keep these tools in the vehicle at all times. You never know when you’ll need them, and being unprepared turns a minor issue into a major hassle.

Common Issues With The Spare Tire System

The under-floor spare tire system works well, but it has some common problems. The cable can rust or seize up, especially in areas with road salt. The hex socket can strip if you use the wrong tool or apply too much force.

Another issue is the tire getting stuck due to corrosion on the bracket. If the spare hasn’t been lowered in years, the mechanism might be hard to turn. Regular maintenance prevents these problems.

Here are typical issues and solutions:

Seized cable: Spray penetrating oil on the cable and let it sit for 10 minutes
Stripped hex socket: Use a socket wrench with a hex bit instead of the jack handle
Rusty bracket: Clean the bracket with a wire brush and apply anti-seize compound
Tire won’t lower all the way: Check for debris under the vehicle blocking the tire

If the cable snaps, you’ll need to replace the entire winch assembly. This is a job best left to a mechanic unless you have experience with vehicle undercarriage repairs.

Spare Tire Location And Size

The spare tire location is consistent across most Grand Cherokee generations. It hangs underneath the rear of the vehicle, just behind the rear axle. This location keeps it out of the way but exposes it to road debris and weather.

The spare tire size usually matches the factory tires on your vehicle. For example, a 2020 Grand Cherokee with 18-inch wheels has a full-size spare of the same size. Some models use a compact temporary spare, but most have a full-size spare.

Check your spare tire size by looking at the sidewall. It should match the other four tires. If it doesn’t, you might have a different spare than what came with the vehicle.

Here’s a quick size reference for common Grand Cherokee models:

1999-2004: 225/75R16 or 245/70R16
2005-2010: 245/65R17 or 245/60R18
2011-2021: 265/60R18 or 265/50R20
2022-present: 265/60R18 or 265/50R20

Always verify your specific tire size by checking the driver’s door jamb sticker or your owner’s manual.

Full-Size Spare Vs Compact Spare

Most Grand Cherokees come with a full-size spare tire. This means you can drive normally after installing it, without speed or distance restrictions. A compact spare, also called a donut, is smaller and lighter but limits your driving.

If you have a compact spare, you should not exceed 50 mph. You should also replace it with a full-size tire as soon as possible. Compact spares are meant for temporary use only.

Here’s how to tell which one you have:

Full-size spare: Same size as other tires, normal tread depth
Compact spare: Smaller diameter, narrower width, often has a warning label

Some Grand Cherokee models with larger wheels (20-inch or 22-inch) use a compact spare to save space and weight. Check your spare before you need it so you know what to expect.

How To Change A Flat Tire On A Grand Cherokee

Changing a flat tire on a Grand Cherokee is similar to most vehicles, but the spare tire location adds a step. You need to lower the spare first, then lift the vehicle, remove the flat, and install the spare.

Follow these steps in order:

Park on a level surface away from traffic
Apply the parking brake firmly
Place wheel chocks behind the opposite wheels
Remove the spare tire from under the vehicle (see steps above)
Loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire while it’s still on the ground
Position the jack under the vehicle’s designated jack point
Raise the vehicle until the flat tire is off the ground
Remove the lug nuts and take off the flat tire
Mount the spare tire onto the wheel studs
Tighten the lug nuts by hand, then lower the vehicle
Tighten the lug nuts fully in a star pattern
Stow the flat tire under the vehicle in the spare tire position

Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Use jack stands if you need to get under the vehicle for any reason.

Jack Points On The Grand Cherokee

Using the correct jack points is critical for safety. The Grand Cherokee has specific locations where the jack can safely lift the vehicle. Using the wrong spot can damage the frame or cause the vehicle to fall.

The front jack point is located behind the front wheel, on the frame rail. The rear jack point is in front of the rear wheel, also on the frame rail. Look for a reinforced area with a notch or a flat surface.

Here’s how to find them:

Front: Behind the front tire, on the lower edge of the frame
Rear: In front of the rear tire, on the lower edge of the frame

Do not use the pinch welds or the plastic body panels as jack points. The jack should only contact the metal frame rail.

Torque Specifications For Lug Nuts

After installing the spare tire, you need to tighten the lug nuts to the correct torque. Over-tightening can damage the wheel studs, while under-tightening can cause the wheel to come loose.

The recommended torque for Grand Cherokee lug nuts is 100-110 foot-pounds. If you don’t have a torque wrench, tighten them as much as you can with the lug wrench, then have them torqued properly at a shop.

Tighten in a star pattern to ensure even pressure. This means tightening one nut, then skipping to the opposite nut, and continuing around the wheel.

Maintaining Your Spare Tire

Your spare tire needs maintenance just like the other four tires. It sits under the vehicle exposed to weather, road salt, and debris. Over time, the rubber can dry rot, and the air pressure can drop.

Check the spare tire pressure every time you check your other tires. The recommended pressure is usually the same as the front tires, but check your owner’s manual. Most Grand Cherokee spares should be at 35-40 psi.

Inspect the spare for cracks, bulges, or uneven wear. If the tire is more than six years old, consider replacing it even if it looks fine. Rubber degrades over time, and an old tire can fail when you need it most.

Here’s a maintenance checklist:

Check air pressure monthly
Inspect for cracks or dry rot every six months
Lower and raise the spare once a year to keep the mechanism working
Clean the cable and bracket with a wire brush and apply anti-seize
Replace the spare if it’s more than six years old

If you live in an area with harsh winters, pay extra attention to the spare tire mechanism. Road salt can cause the cable to corrode and seize up.

Replacing The Spare Tire Mechanism

If the cable mechanism fails, you can replace it yourself or have a shop do it. The replacement part is called a spare tire winch assembly. It costs between $50 and $150 depending on the model year.

To replace the winch assembly, you need to remove the old one from under the vehicle. This usually involves removing a few bolts and disconnecting the cable. Installation is the reverse process.

Here’s what you need:

New winch assembly (specific to your Grand Cherokee year)
Socket set and ratchet
Penetrating oil (if bolts are rusted)
Jack stands (for safety)

If you’re not comfortable working under the vehicle, have a mechanic do the replacement. It’s a straightforward job that shouldn’t take more than an hour.

Alternative Spare Tire Options

Some Grand Cherokee owners prefer not to use the factory spare tire system. You can carry a full-size spare in the cargo area, but this takes up significant space. Another option is to use a spare tire carrier that mounts to the rear bumper or hitch.

Aftermarket spare tire carriers are available for the Grand Cherokee. They mount to the trailer hitch receiver or bolt to the rear bumper. This keeps the spare accessible and out of the cargo area.

Here are some alternatives:

Hitch-mounted spare tire carrier
Rear bumper tire carrier
Roof rack spare tire mount
Cargo area spare tire (with tie-downs)

Each option has pros and cons. Hitch-mounted carriers can block the rear camera or make it hard to open the hatch. Roof-mounted spares require lifting the tire up high, which can be difficult.

Using A Donut Spare

If you have a compact spare, remember that it’s for temporary use only. Drive carefully and avoid high speeds. Replace the compact spare with a full-size tire as soon as possible.

Compact spares are lighter and easier to handle, but they limit your driving. Some Grand Cherokee models with 20-inch wheels come with a compact spare because a full-size tire won’t fit under the vehicle.

Check the maximum speed rating on your compact spare. It’s usually printed on the sidewall. Most are rated for 50 mph maximum.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Is The Spare Tire On A Jeep Grand Cherokee?

The spare tire is mounted underneath the rear of the vehicle, accessed by lowering a cable mechanism from inside the cargo area. You turn a hex bolt in the cargo floor to lower the tire.

How Do I Lower The Spare Tire On A Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Open the rear hatch, remove the cargo floor cover, and locate the access plug near the rear latch. Insert the jack handle into the hex socket and turn it counterclockwise until the tire lowers to the ground.

What Size Is The Spare Tire On A Jeep Grand Cherokee?

The spare tire size matches the factory tires on your vehicle. Common sizes include 245/65R17, 265/60R18, and 265/50R20. Check your driver’s door jamb sticker for the exact size.

Can I Drive On A Compact Spare Tire From A Grand Cherokee?

Yes, but only for short distances and at speeds under 50 mph. Replace the compact spare with a full-size tire as soon as possible. Compact spares are for temporary emergency use only.

How Do I Replace The Spare Tire Winch On A Grand Cherokee?

Remove the old winch assembly by unbolting it from under the vehicle. Install the new winch assembly and connect the cable. Lower and raise the spare to test the mechanism before storing it.

Keeping your spare tire in good condition ensures you’re never stranded with a flat. Check the pressure regularly, inspect the mechanism, and replace the tire when it ages out. A little maintenance now saves a lot of trouble later.