Spare wheel in Nissan AD is not just an emergency kit, but an important safety element that should always be ready for use. However, many owners encounter problems when trying to secure it, from not having the right tools to not understanding how to properly secure the wheel under the body or in the trunk. In this article we will look at all the ways to attach a spare tire to AD, including factory solutions, alternative options and common mistakes that can lead to the loss of a wheel while running.
Feature Nissan AD (especially in bodies Wagon And Vanette) lies in the non-standard location of the space for the spare tire - often it is located under the bottom or in a special niche in the trunk. This requires not only knowledge of the fastening pattern, but also an understanding of how to avoid corrosion of fasteners and provide quick access in an emergency. We will also look at what tools you will need, how to check the reliability of the fixation, and what to do if the standard mount is damaged.
Where is the spare tire located in Nissan AD: location options
Depending on the modification and year of manufacture Nissan AD The spare wheel can be located in three main areas:
- 🔧 Under the body - the most common option for AD Wagon And AD Vanette. The wheel is fixed to a special bracket using a bolt or cable.
- 🚗 In the trunk - typical for some versions with a high roof or tuned models. The wheel lies horizontally or vertically, secured with belts or metal brackets.
- 🔄 On the trunk door - a rare option found in early versions AD (until 2000). The wheel is mounted on the outside of the door, making access easier but increasing the risk of theft.
To accurately determine the location of the spare tire on your model, check:
- Operating instructions (section
"Emergency equipment"). - An inscription on the trunk lid or under the hood often indicates the storage location.
- The presence of a hatch under the rear bumper (if there is a wheel under the bottom).
If you purchased Nissan AD from hand, the previous owner could have moved the spare tire to another place. In this case, inspect the trunk for signs of fastenings or additional brackets.
- Under the bottom
- In the trunk
- On the trunk door
- I don't know
- Another option
Tools for mounting a spare tire on a Nissan AD
To install or remove the spare wheel on AD you will need a minimum set of tools that should come with the car. However, these tools often get lost or become unusable. Here is a complete list of what may be required:
| Tool | Purpose | Where to look in the car |
|---|---|---|
| Balloon wrench | Unscrewing/twisting the spare tire mounting bolt | In the trunk, under the floor or in the tool niche |
| 17 or 19 mm head | For the bracket mounting bolt (if the wheel is under the bottom) | Often attached to a wheelbrace |
| Rope or chain with hook | Fixing the wheel when lifting/lowering | In a tool bag or on a bracket |
| Jack | Lifting the car to remove/install a wheel | In the trunk, in a special slot |
| WD-40 or similar lubricant | Makes it easier to unscrew a rusty bolt | It is recommended to take with you |
If in your Nissan AD There is no standard tool, it can be replaced with analogues:
- 🔩 Instead of a wheel wrench, any wrench with a head of a suitable size will do (usually
17 mmor19 mm). - 🔗 The cable for lowering the wheel can be replaced with a strong rope or belt, but this is a temporary solution.
- 🛠️ The jack must be designed for the weight AD (no less 1.5 tons for Wagon And 2 tons for Vanette).
⚠️ Attention: Never use a jack that is not designed for your model. Nissan AD. An incorrect jack may slip or deform the sills, causing the vehicle to fall.
Step-by-step instructions: how to secure a spare tire under the bottom of a Nissan AD
If in your AD The spare tire is located under the bottom, follow these instructions to install or remove it. The process may seem complicated, but after the first time you will complete it in 5-10 minutes.
Inspect the bracket for rust or damage|
Check that all tools are present (wrench, cable, socket)|
Make sure the car is on a level surface|
Clean the bolt threads from dirt (use WD-40 if necessary) -->
Step 1: Lowering the spare tire.
- Open the trunk and locate the hatch under the rear bumper (usually it is covered with a plastic cover).
- Insert the wheel wrench into the hole and turn counterclockwise to loosen the bolt.
- Hang the cable or chain on the bracket hook and slowly lower the wheel while holding it with your hand.
Step 2. Putting the wheel in place.
- Lift the wheel and place it under the bracket, aligning the hole in the wheel with the bolt.
- Screw the bolt in by hand, then tighten it with a wrench. all the way (but do not overtighten so as not to strip the thread).
- Check that the wheel does not wobble and is securely fixed.
Step 3. Check fixation.
After installation, pull the wheel down with force - if it does not move, the mount is secure. If the wheel is "wobbly", re-tighten the bolt or check the condition of the bracket for wear.
If the spare tire bolt does not come off, do not use excessive force - this may break the key or strip the thread. Treat the bolt with penetrating lubricant and wait 10-15 minutes.
Typical mistakes when attaching a spare tire to a Nissan AD and how to avoid them
Even experienced drivers sometimes make mistakes that can lead to the loss of a spare tire or damage to the vehicle. Here are the most common of them:
- 🔧 Insufficient bolt tightening — the wheel may fall off while driving, especially on uneven roads. Always check the fixation after 100–200 km.
- 🚫 Using non-standard fastening — homemade brackets or cables may not withstand the load. Use only original parts or certified replacements.
- 💦 Ignoring Corrosion — a rusty bolt or bracket can jam at the most inopportune moment. Treat fasteners regularly
WD-40or grease. - 🔄 Incorrect wheel position - if the disc is installed upside down, this may prevent future removal. Follow the marks on the tire and wheel.
Critical error: many owners Nissan AD They forget that the spare tire needs to be replaced every 2-3 years, even if it has not been used. The rubber loses its elasticity, and the disc can corrode due to contact with moisture under the body.
⚠️ Attention: If you find that the spare tire mounting bolt is broken or the bracket is deformed, do not attempt to repair it yourself. Contact the service - a faulty fastening can lead to an accident.
Alternative methods of mounting a spare wheel for Nissan AD
If the standard location for the spare tire does not suit you (for example, due to corrosion of the bracket or inconvenience of access), you can consider alternative options. Here are the most reliable of them:
- 🔩 Roof mount - suitable for AD Vanette with a high body. You will need a special trunk and securing straps. Minus: aerodynamics deteriorate and fuel consumption increases.
- 🚐 Installation in the trunk — if there is no space under the bottom, the wheel can be secured vertically along the wall of the trunk using metal brackets or belts.
- 🔧 Transfer to the back door — for this you need to install an external bracket (as on Nissan Patrol). It is important to choose a model that is compatible with ADso as not to damage the door hinges.
When choosing an alternative mounting, consider:
- Wheel weight (usually
15–20 kgfor AD) - the mount must withstand a load 3-4 times greater. - Availability in an emergency - the spare tire should be removed in 1-2 minutes.
- Protection against theft - it is better to equip external fastenings with a lock.
How to make a mount for a spare wheel in the trunk with your own hands?
For making a homemade mount in the trunk Nissan AD you will need:
1. Metal corners (thickness not less than 3 mm).
2. M8 or M10 bolts with nuts.
3. Straps for fixation or rubber pads for shock absorption.
4. Drill and metal drills.
Procedure:
- Try the wheel on the trunk wall and mark the places where the corners are attached.
- Drill holes in the body (pre-treat them with anticorrosive).
- Secure the corners with bolts, then install the wheel and secure with straps.
- Check the reliability by pulling the wheel towards you with a force of 20–30 kg.
Important: Do not drill holes in the load-bearing frame of the body - this will weaken its rigidity.How to protect the spare tire mount from corrosion
One of the main enemies of attaching a spare tire to Nissan AD — corrosion. This is especially true for brackets under the bottom, which are constantly in contact with moisture and salt. To extend the life of your mount, follow these tips:
- 🛡️ Regular processing - once every 6 months, clean the bolt and bracket from dirt and apply
WD-40, solid oil or special anti-corrosion lubricant. - 🔧 Replacing rusty parts — if a bolt or bracket is covered with red spots, replace them with new ones. The cost of the original bracket for AD - about 1500–2500 rubles.
- 🚿 Washing after winter - salt and reagents accelerate corrosion. In spring, rinse the mount thoroughly with water and dry.
- 🔩 Use of stainless bolts - replace the standard bolt with a stainless steel analogue (for example,
A2 or A4).
If corrosion has already damaged the bolt threads, you can try to restore them using threading set. However, this is a temporary solution - it is better to install a new bracket.
Preventing corrosion of the spare tire mount will save you time and money. Replacing a rusted bracket at a service station will cost 3–5 times more than timely treatment with lubricant.
What to do if the spare tire cannot be removed from a Nissan AD
The situation when the spare tire refuses to be removed is familiar to many owners. AD, especially if the car is operated in high humidity conditions. Here is the algorithm for action if the wheel is stuck:
- Treat the bolt with penetrating lubricant (
WD-40,Liqui Moly MoS2) and wait 10–15 minutes. - Try to unscrew the bolt with force, but without jerking. If the key turns, use an extension pipe.
- Tap the bolt with a hammer (through a wooden spacer) to break up the rust.
- If the bolt breaks, you will need to drill it out or use an extractor. In this case, it is better to contact the service.
If the problem is a stuck bracket (for example, the wheel won't go down due to corrosion on the guides), try:
- 🔧 Rock the wheel to the sides while pulling it down.
- 💦 Pour warm water over the fastening area (this will help expand the metal).
- 🔩 Use a pry bar to carefully pry up the wheel (do not use excessive force to avoid bending the bracket).
⚠️ Attention: If you were able to remove the spare tire using a hammer or pry bar, be sure to inspect the bracket for cracks. A damaged bracket will not withstand the load when moving and may fall off.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about mounting the spare tire on Nissan AD
Is it possible to drive without a spare tire if it interferes with ground clearance?
Technically it is possible, but it is highly not recommended. The spare tire will not only save you in case of a puncture, but also serves as ballast, improving the weight distribution of the car. If ground clearance is critical (for example, off-road), consider moving the wheel to the trunk or roof.
What is the size of the spare wheel bolt on a Nissan AD?
Most models AD a threaded bolt is used M12×1.25 or M14×1.5. The exact size can be checked in the instruction manual or measured with a caliper. The bolt length is usually 40–50 mm.
What to do if you lose the spare tire key?
Instead of a standard key, you can use:
- head on
17 mmor19 mmwith a collar. - Adjustable wrench (if access to the bolt allows).
- Gas wrench (as a last resort, but carefully so as not to tear off the edges of the bolt).
If the bolt has a non-standard head (for example, an asterisk), you will have to buy a new wrench from a spare parts store. Nissan.
Is it possible to store a spare tire in the Nissan AD?
Technically yes, but it is inconvenient and unsafe:
- The wheel will take up a lot of space and will interfere with passengers.
- In the event of an accident, a loose wheel can become a dangerous projectile.
- Dirt and oil stains from the wheel will ruin the upholstery.
If there is no other option, secure the wheel with straps to the seat or use a cover.
How often should you check the spare tire mounting?
The minimum frequency of checking is once every 6 months or before long trips. Also inspect the fastening after:
- Strong impacts on the bottom (for example, after off-road driving).
- Car washes (water can get into the mechanism and cause corrosion).
- Winter season (salt and reagents accelerate metal wear).