I received my spare tire kit today from PerformanceSpare.com for my 2009 sedan.
I decided to do a run through in my driveway, simulating changing the tire on some boondock road (
cue the Deliverance music), instead of waiting for hours for a road service to arrive. That means also carrying a couple pieces of wood to act as a base for the jack and a piece between the jack head and the frame rail. I used one of my Katech jacking pucks in my driveway, but didn't like it. Not as stable as I prefer. And there wasn't enough room to fit wood under the jack, so I left it out and paid for that mistake when I made a depression in my new asphalt driveway. :thepan:
Regarding the scissors jack... like most scissors jacks -
they suck! It is a difficult, time consuming process using it, even though you are only jacking the car high enough to get the tire clear of the ground. Hard work!.... given the limited mechanical advantage the jack provides.
Then there are the sockets and breaker bar included with the package. Meh... I didn't like the fit of the Chinese made sockets on the wheel nuts, and I couldn't break loose my wheel nuts, which are torqued to 140 lbs, with the included breaker bar, so I will be carrying my own sockets and breaker bar.
So after finally getting the RF wheel jacked up, the provided spacer attaches securely to the hub with the nuts provided.
I used part of the handle from the jack inserted in the rotor vent slots to prevent the rotor from turning.
The spare wheel/tire fits fine. No clearance issues. I just drove it around the block and never got over 25 mph, so I can't comment on balance issues at this point.
As far as trunk installation, I eliminated the pump and sealant. Personal preference - I would never use it.
The tools fit under the tire.
Hopefully I'll never need to use the spare, or be in an urban area where I can call road service to assist in making the change - using a good jack.
But I do feel more comfortable now knowing that I have a spare tire and there won't be any surprises if I have to install it. I may do some research and look for an alternate jack to replace the scissor type. Maybe a small hydraulic one. I just don't want stuff loose in the tire well rattling. Right now everything is cinched down and no rattles.