Pathfinder LE spare tire theft

moria · Dec 15th, 2003, 09:51 AM

I have a 2002 Pathfinder LE with 17-inch alloy wheels that also has a full size spare with an identical wheel. The spare tire has been stolen twice from the back of my SUV by what appear to be professionals since no damage was detected on the vehicle apart from the broken mounting. While I have locks on my wheels the spare has no mechanism to prevent it from being stolen from the outside. I believe that by just inserting a bar between the spare and the body anyone can apply enough force to easily remove it and walk away with the goods.

I was wondering if any of you had experienced the same problem and if you have any suggestions on how to prevent this from happening in the future.

Ag Bullet · Dec 15th, 2003, 06:33 PM

I have never had that problem, but here is what I did to prevent it. It should be easy enough for you to find a similar point on your frame to lock the wheel around.

Sorry about the angle....

aaronford · Dec 15th, 2003, 06:36 PM

A friend had a similar problem with his truck, so he began ripening his crab bait in the bed. He was the only one with the stomach enough to get within 50 feet of the truck. Pilfering problem solved. (and you could tell if you missed him in the last 20 minutes by the smell)

Could the above idea be used? Or perhaps a lock snapped through the mounting holes? Not sure it would prevent it from being stolen, but it would be a PITA for someone else to remove! Wish I could be more help....

PS, Look for the jerk running around town with two really nice wheels on his truck.....

moria · Dec 16th, 2003, 08:32 AM

The suggestion from Jeb of using a locking cable is appealing. My only concern is that I live in an area that gets lots of snow in the winter and the city uses salt on the roads to improve traction. I will have to investigate if a stainless or composite part can be purchased that will do the job.

Another idea coming from one of my friends is to install a trailer hitch. It appears that this item covers the spare sufficiently making it more difficult for thieves to insert anything between the body and the tire from the back of the vehicle. This is a more expensive proposition and since I do not usually do any towing I think I will try the cable lock for now.

Thanks for your ideas.

Ag Bullet · Dec 16th, 2003, 07:11 PM

The hitch merely hides it and a thief will still know it it is there. Nissan should offer a spare tire lock of sorts that locks into the hole where the crank goes. The cable lock is cheap. Most are designed for outdoors, just check it frequently and lube it maybe even cover the lock mechanism with some tape. Glad I could help.

Here is the OEM type, though I cannot find one for a Pathy, the ones for the Frontiers may work. Talk to your local parts guy and see if they can let you try one....

http://www.courtesyparts.com/Merchan...Category_Code=

1997XETruck · Dec 16th, 2003, 10:22 PM

Give my buddy Joe a call at Infiniti/Nissan of Scottsdale (www.everythingnissan.com) 1-888-216-5328. I'd think there's a factory solution to this, and he'd be able to find it and sell it to you at a wholsale price. He's also a sponsor of this site... I've worked with him for years on the Qs and the truck.

Heath