Removing the spare tire from a 2013 Ford F-150 is a fundamental maintenance task that every truck owner should understand. Whether you are preparing for a long road trip, replacing a damaged tire, or clearing space for a new accessory, knowing the exact procedure saves time and prevents damage to your vehicle.
Locating the Spare Tire and Components
The 2013 F-150 typically stores the spare tire underneath the rear cargo bed, secured by a steel harness and a nylon strap. Before you begin, you must gather the essential tools, which usually include a tire iron, a lug wrench specific to your wheel nuts, and a jack rated for the weight of the truck. You will also need a piece of plywood to provide a stable surface for the jack if you are working on uneven ground.
Safety Protocols and Vehicle Preparation
Safety is the absolute priority when lifting any vehicle. You should park the truck on a level surface, engage the parking brake firmly, and turn off the engine. Placing wheel chocks behind the front tires prevents rolling, and wearing safety glasses protects your eyes from debris. Never place any part of your body under the vehicle while it is supported only by a jack.
Removing the Tire Cover and Strap
Before the tire can descend, you must remove the protective cover. This cover is usually held by several Phillips-head screws around the rim. Once the cover is off, you will see a nylon strap that holds the tire in place. This strap is secured to the bed of the truck; to release it, you simply pull the strap’s free end through the retaining loop until the tension is gone.
Releasing the Steel Harness
With the strap removed, the steel cable harness is the next obstacle. This cable runs through a series of clamps and is tightened by a specialized tool, often resembling a large ratchet. Loosening this requires patience; you must turn the tool to reduce the tension until the cable becomes loose enough to slide off the tire. Do not force the cable, as damaging the clamps will create a more difficult situation later.
The Jacking Procedure
With the restraints removed, position the jack beneath the designated lift point on the rear axle of the truck. Slowly pump the jack handle until the tire clears the ground by a few inches. It is crucial to lift the vehicle evenly; if the tire tilts, it can bind against the wheel well. Once the tire is off the ground, you can fully remove the lug nuts and take the tire off the vehicle.
Inspecting the Spare Tire
Now that the tire is free, take a moment to inspect it. Check the tread depth for wear and look for any cracks or dry rot in the rubber. The 2013 F-150 often came with a temporary "donut" spare, which is strictly for short-term use and has strict speed limitations. If this is your spare, ensure you replace it with a full-size tire as soon as possible for safe driving.
Reassembly and Torque Specifications
When you are ready to reattach the tire, whether it is the original or a replacement, the process reverses. Clean the mounting surface, place the tire on the hub, and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Using the lug wrench, tighten the nuts to the manufacturer’s specified torque setting; for the 2013 F-150, this is generally around 100-120 foot-pounds. Lower the vehicle carefully, remove the jack, and give the lug nuts a final check to ensure they are secure.
