In most Chevrolet Tahoe models, the spare tire is stored under the rear cargo floor and lowered with a hand crank; you lower the tire from its carrier, pull it out, and swap it in as needed.
The exact arrangement can vary by year and trim, but the general idea is the same: locate the spare, retrieve the lowering tool, and gently lower the tire before removing it. This guide explains how to identify your setup, how to release and remove the spare, and how to reinstall it if needed, with safety notes and tips.
Identify your spare-tire setup
Before you can remove the spare, you must know where it sits and how it’s held in place. Tahoe models typically use one of two configurations: a floor-mounted spare under the rear cargo area or a traditional undercarriage mounting. The tool kit and lowering crank are usually stored with the spare or in the nearby cargo area.
Most common: under-floor spare with a crank
In the typical under-floor arrangement, a floor panel conceals a hoist and a crank or handle that threads into the spare’s center post. Access the floor panel, locate the tool, and prepare to lower.
Important safety reminder: Park on level ground, engage the parking brake, and chock the wheels if you have them to prevent rolling while you work.
- Open the rear hatch and lift the floor panel or carpet to reveal the spare hoist and the toolkit.
- Remove any cover from the spare and locate the hand crank or wind-down tool that attaches to the spare’s center post.
- Attach the crank to the center post and turn counterclockwise to release the spare from the hoist; you’ll see the cable unwind as it lowers.
- Lower the spare until it is resting on the ground and can be pulled out of the carrier construction.
- Slide the spare out from under the cargo area and place it on the ground in a safe, clear area.
The spare is now fully released and outside the carrier, ready to be installed onto the hub or kept as a temporary replacement while you address a flat.
On-road tire change: if you need to swap a flat now
The steps below assume you’re changing a wheel on the side of the road and that you have access to the spare and the vehicle’s jack tools. This procedure helps you safely lift the vehicle, remove the flat, and install the spare.
- Pull safely to a stable location, turn on hazard lights, and apply the parking brake. Place wheel chocks if available.
- Loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire about a half-turn while the vehicle is still on the ground.
- Raise the vehicle with the jack to the point where you can remove the flat, then remove the lug nuts and wheel.
- Mount the spare onto the hub, hand-tighten the lug nuts, and lower the vehicle to the ground.
- Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to the manufacturer’s specified torque using a torque wrench, then stow the removed wheel and tools securely.
After installation, check the spare’s air pressure and ensure the lug nuts are torqued to spec. Spare tires are typically temporary and may have speed or distance limitations; drive cautiously and replace with a full-size tire as soon as possible.
What to do if you can’t locate the tool or spare
If you can’t find the spare or the lowering tool, refer to the owner’s manual for your exact year and trim to locate the spare and the toolkit. If the kit is missing, contact a dealer or roadside assistance for guidance or a replacement tool set.
Safety and maintenance notes
Always verify lug-nut torque, replace any covers, and ensure the spare is properly stored after use. Inspect the spare and the hoist mechanism if you’ve used it recently or notice any wear or corrosion.
Summary
The Chevy Tahoe typically stores a spare tire under the rear cargo floor, lowered by a hand crank. Identify your spare setup, retrieve the lowering tool, and carefully lower the tire before removing and installing it. For on-road changes, loosen lug nuts, lift the vehicle, swap the tire, and torque the nuts to spec. If you can’t locate the spare or tool, consult the owner’s manual or a dealer for exact instructions for your model year.
How to release a Chevy spare tire?
Here. Place it in the hole. And just kind of twist till you feel it catch. Now it might take a second but we got it right there take the open part of the wrench. Slide it over. And just start turning.
How to release a Chevy Tahoe spare tire?
And you're going to put it right here. And very gently pry it outward. Okay so it swings out. And it's held on by this right there okay so inside you have a little lock here for the spare tire.
What is the best engine in a Tahoe?
If your towing is occasional and you prefer the sharper punch of a gas engine, the 6.2-liter V-8 is an excellent match. Technology adds convenience on every trip. All Tahoe models include a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen angled toward the driver, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and wireless charging.
How to remove spare on 2020 Tahoe?
Access simply insert. And turn clockwise. And pull out to release to lower the spare tire you're going to need your wheel wrench extensions you'll want to connect them like. So.