How to properly remove the spare tire on a Nissan Pathfinder R51: instructions with photos and tips

Spare wheel in Nissan Pathfinder R51 (2005–2012 model year) is mounted under the body - this is a standard solution for most crossovers of that time. However, the fastening design has its own characteristics that can cause difficulties for inexperienced drivers. For example, the fixing bolt often sticks due to corrosion, and access to the mechanism is complicated by plastic protection or dirt.

In this article you will find step by step instructions taking into account all the nuances of the model R51, including necessary tools, typical mistakes And ways to make the process easier (for example, how to deal with a rusted bolt without damaging the threads). We will also look at when you can do without a jack, and when it is necessary to use it.

Preparation: what you will need to remove the spare tire

Before you get started, make sure you have everything you need. Standard Pathfinder R51 The spare wheel is secured using central bolt to 19mm, but some versions (eg with factory cover) may require additional keys.

Standard set of tools:

• 🔧 Balloon wrench (usually included with the machine, size 19 mm).
• 🔩 Extension pipe (length ~50 cm) to increase the leverage if the bolt does not budge.
• 🧴 Penetrating lubricant (For example, WD-40 or Liqui Moly MoS2) - if the fastening is rusty.
• 🧤 Gloves (protection from dirt and sharp metal edges).
• 🔦 Flashlight (lighting under the car, especially if you work in the dark).

If the spare tire is located under the trunk (as in most R51), additionally check:

• 🚗 Jack And stops (if you plan to change the tire right away).
• 🔄 Wheel chocks (for fixing the car on slopes).
• 🧹 Metal brush (to clean the bolt thread from dirt).

⚠️ Attention: Never try to remove the spare tire Pathfinder R51 with the engine running or on an uneven surface. Vibrations from a running engine can move the jack, and the slope can cause the car to roll.

Where is the spare tire located in the Nissan Pathfinder R51

Depending on the year of manufacture and configuration Pathfinder R51 The spare wheel can be located in three places:

Location	Features	Typical problems
Under body (rear)	Standard for most versions. Mounted on a special bracket with a central bolt.	The bolt rusts, access is complicated by plastic protection.
On the trunk door	Rare, but found in export versions (for example, for the Middle East).	Requires removal of the door trim, difficult to dismantle alone.
In the trunk (horizontally)	In some restyled models (2010–2012) or during tuning.	Occupies useful space and may interfere with cargo.

To determine exactly where the spare tire is located in your car:

1. Open the trunk and inspect the floor - if there is a hatch with a handle, the wheel is under the body.
2. Check the inside of the tailgate - if the outline of the wheel is visible, it is mounted on the outside.
3. Look under the rear bumper - on some R51 the end of the fixing bolt is visible.

In 90% of cases, the spare tire on the Pathfinder R51 is located under the body and is secured with a 19 mm bolt, which is unscrewed counterclockwise. The exception is models with factory tuning or after an accident, where the fastening could have been changed.

Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the spare tire from a Nissan Pathfinder R51

If the spare tire is located under the body (the most common option), follow this algorithm:

1. Provide access to the bolt. In the trunk Pathfinder R51 there is a hatch (usually under the rug). Lift it by pulling the handle or prying it with a screwdriver. If the hatch is glued, carefully separate it with a knife.

2. Treat the bolt with lubricant. Direct the stream WD-40 or an analogue at the junction of the bolt and the bracket. Wait 5-10 minutes - this will reduce the resistance when unscrewing.

3. Place the wheel wrench on the bolt. The car comes with a key with a socket head 19 mm. If the bolt does not budge, use an extension pipe (place it on the wrench to increase leverage).

4. Unscrew the bolt counterclockwise. Start with light tugs to move the threads. If the bolt “sticks”, do not use excessive force - it is better to repeat the treatment with lubricant.

5. Remove the bracket with the spare wheel. After unscrewing the bolt, the bracket should go down. Carefully pull it out along with the wheel. Spare wheel weight Pathfinder R51 - about 15–20 kg, so it’s better to work with an assistant.

If the wheel is stuck in the bracket (for example, due to deformation after an accident), lightly tap it with a rubber hammer or use the tire iron as a lever.

⚠️ Attention: On some Pathfinder R51 with all-wheel drive, the spare tire can be located cardan shaft. Do not drop the wheel suddenly - this may damage the shaft or its boots.

What to do if the spare tire bolt is rusty or broken

Corrosion is the main problem when removing the spare tire on Nissan Pathfinder R51, especially if the car was operated in conditions of high humidity or salty roads. If the bolt does not come off even after applying lubricant, try the following methods:

• 🔥 Heating Use a gas torch or heat gun to heat the bolt. The metal will expand and the rust will loosen its grip. Be careful — do not direct the flame at plastic body parts!
• 🔨 Impact load. Place the extension pipe on the wrench and give it several sharp blows with a hammer (not the bolt!). The vibration will help move the threads.
• 🔧 Replacing the bolt. If the bolt head is licked, use extractor or drill out the bolt with a drill (you will need a new fastener with the same thread M12x1.25).

If the bolt breaks when unscrewing:

1. Assess how deeply the remainder has broken off. If it sticks out at least 2–3 mm, you can try to capture it pliers or bolt cutter.
2. If the piece is flush with the bracket, use metal drill (diameter 10 mm) and drill out the remaining parts, then tap new threads.
3. As a last resort, contact the service - specialists use welding machineto weld a new nut to the piece.

After removing the old bolt, be sure to clean the threads in the bracket and apply graphite lubricant or Liqui Moly Kupfer-Paste - this will prevent corrosion in the future.

How can I avoid bolt problems in the future?

Regularly (once every 6 months) treat the spare wheel bolt with lubricant, even if you do not remove the wheel. Use silicone spray - it repels moisture and does not attract dirt. After washing the car, check whether water has accumulated in the recess under the bolt (dry with compressed air).

Nuances for different Pathfinder R51 configurations

The spare tire mounting design may vary depending on the year of manufacture and vehicle options. Let's look at the key features:

2005–2007 models

In earlier versions R51 the spare tire bracket was often attached to two bolts (and not on one, as in the later ones). The second bolt may be hidden under a plastic protection - it needs to be removed by prying it off with a screwdriver. Also, in these machines the problem with bracket deformation due to corrosion.

Models 2008–2012 (restyling)

After restyling, engineers Nissan simplified the design: now the spare tire is fixed with one bolt, but its head has become recessed deeper into the body. To access it you may need extension with universal joint (for example, from a suspension repair tool kit).

Versions with all-wheel drive (4WD)

In cars with 4WD goes under the spare tire cardan shaft, so be careful when removing the wheel. If the spare tire bracket is deformed, it may touch the shaft - this will lead to vibrations when driving. After installing the wheel back, check the gap between it and the shaft (must be at least 2–3 cm).

Models with factory canopy or roof rack

In such cars, the spare tire can be mounted on additional clamps (except for the central bolt). They are usually located on the sides of the bracket and are bolted to the 10 mm. Don't forget to unscrew them before removing the wheel!

If you are unsure about the mounting design of your Pathfinder R51, look into instruction manual (section “Spare wheel”) or check VIN code on the website Nissan.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced drivers sometimes make mistakes when removing the spare tire. Pathfinder R51. Here are the most common ones and how to prevent them:

• 🔄 Trying to unscrew the bolt clockwise. B Nissan used reverse thread only on some models (for example, Patrol), but on Pathfinder R51 the bolt is unscrewed counterclockwise (as on most machines).
• 🚗 Working on uneven surfaces. If the vehicle is parked on a slope, the bracket may jam or become deformed after removing the spare tire. Always use wheel chocks and put it into gear.
• 🔧 Using the wrong key. Spare wheel bolt on R51 has the size 19 mm, but some drivers try to unscrew it with a key on 17 mm or 21 mm, tearing off the edges. Always check the size before starting work.
• 🧴 Ignoring lubrication. If a bolt is tight, many people simply apply more force, risking breaking it. Always machine the thread first WD-40 or analogue.

Another common problem is loss of bolt or nuts after removing the spare wheel. To avoid this:

• Put all the parts in magnetic bowl or plastic container.
• If you work outside, close the trunk hatch ragsso that the bolts do not fall to the ground.
• After installing the wheel back, check tightening torque bolt (recommended value - 80–100 Nm).

If you break a bolt or lose a fastener, do not use the spare tire without fixing it - it may fall out while driving and cause an accident. Workaround: Lock the wheel safety rope or a belt, but replace the bolt with a new one as soon as possible (part number for Pathfinder R51 — 40520-4M000).

When to contact service

In most cases, remove the spare tire Nissan Pathfinder R51 You can do it yourself, but there are situations when it is better to trust professionals:

• 🔧 The bolt broke flush with the bracket. Drilling requires a special tool (for example, left hand drill), and an error can damage the threads in the body.
• 🚜 The bracket is deformed or rusted. If the metal is brittle, attempting to remove the wheel may cause it to break. At the service center, the bracket will be cut off with a grinder and a new one will be installed.
• 🔩 The threads in the body are damaged. If the threads break off when unscrewing a bolt, you will need screwdriver or replacing a body part (in rare cases).
• 🛠️ The spare tire is stuck to the bracket. This happens after a long period of use without removing the wheel. Masters use hydraulic puller or heat to separate parts without damage.

The cost of work in the service for removing the spare tire on Pathfinder R51 usually amounts to 1,000–2,500 rubles (depending on complexity). If a bolt or bracket needs to be replaced, the price will increase by 500–1,500 rubles for the details. However, it is cheaper than repairing the body or driveshaft after an unsuccessful attempt on your own.

Before going to the service center, call and check:

• Do they have experience working with Nissan Pathfinder R51 (not all masters know the nuances of this model).
• Do they use original spare parts or replacement parts (for example, bolts from Toyota may not fit the thread).
• Do they provide a guarantee for the work (especially when it comes to thread restoration).

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to drive without a spare tire if the bolt is broken?

Short term - yes, but it's not safe. Without fixation, the bracket may fall off on bumps, damaging the driveshaft or suspension elements. Temporary solution: fix the bracket steel cable to body parts (for example, to the towing eye). Replace the bolt as soon as possible.

What is the spare tire bolt size on Pathfinder R51?

A standard bolt has a size M12 x 1.25 mm with turnkey head 19 mm. Bolt length - approx. 50–60 mm. When replacing, select a bolt with zinc coating for protection against corrosion.

What to do if the spare tire is stuck to the bracket?

Do not try to knock it off with a hammer - this may deform the disc. Better:

1. Process the joint WD-40 or PB Blaster and wait 15–20 minutes.
2. Lightly tap the wheel rubber mallet from different sides.
3. Try to loosen the wheel by rocking it up and down.
4. If that doesn't help, use mount like a lever resting against a bracket.

If the wheel cannot be removed, do not use excessive force - contact service.

Where can I buy a new spare tire bolt or bracket?

Original parts can be ordered from your dealer Nissan (see articles above) or find analogues in stores:

• Exist.ru (search code: 40520-4M000 for a bolt).
• Autodoc or Emex (search by model Pathfinder R51).
• Aftermarket markets (e.g. Automotors in Moscow) - they often sell used parts in good condition.

The cost of a new bolt is approx. 300–500 rubles, bracket - 2,000–4,000 rubles.

Is it possible to install a spare tire from another Nissan model on the Pathfinder R51?

Theoretically yes, but you need to consider:

• Wheel size. On R51 there's usually a spare tire R17 or R18 (depending on the configuration). The diameter must match the main wheels.
• Mounting type. Brackets on X-Trail or Murano may not fit the hole sizes.
• Weight. Spare wheel from Patrol heavier, and the bracket Pathfinder may not withstand the load.

It is better to use an original spare tire or a similar option from Infiniti QX4 (this is a platform of the same family).