Seat Alhambra spare wheel problem

Stugots

I have a 2003 Seat Alhambra and had the misfortune to get a flat the other night. It was my first time accessing the spare wheel but a quick check of the owner's manual showed how it was stored.

The spare wheel is stored under the rear of the car and held in place with a cable connected to a plastic insert. The cable is wound up or down using a bolt inside the car. When it is wound down completely, there is just enough length in the cable to allow the wheel to stand beside the car and the plastic insert can then be fed through the centre of the wheel to release it.

I got the spare out ok, but since it was raining, I just threw the flat in the back and wound up the cable. However, when I got a new tyre and tried to replace the spare the next day, the cable would not wind down.

I went to the local Seat main dealer and was quoted €198 for a replacement part + labour. I asked if it was still under warranty and was directed inside to the office. They said no, it was out of warranty since August and furthermore, the correct price of the part is €298!!!!

Obviously I'd like to avoid this extortion if at all possible. Has anyone had experience with this before? Is there any easy way to fix the problem rather than replace the part? Help!!!!

bazz26

You could try and source the parts from a scrap yard.

The Ford Galaxy and VW Sharan are basically the same as the Alhambra so they may use the same system.

Dilbert75

Maybe the cable needs the weight of the wheel to drop? Have you tried getting in under, pulling it down while someone else unwinds it? Don't part with your money so easily.

Stugots

Dilbert75 wrote:

Maybe the cable needs the weight of the wheel to drop? Have you tried getting in under, pulling it down while someone else unwinds it? Don't part with your money so easily.

Don't worry - I have NO intention of parting with my money that easily!!!

I tried tugging on the cable while unwinding, but to no effect.

I got underneath and detached the whole unit (only two bolts holding it in place). Tomorrow morning's task is to drill out the 4 rivets holding the sealed unit together. I expect there will be no problem unwinding the cable once I have the unit open. If that doesn't work out, at least I should be able to source a replacement unit from a scrap yard.

I'm still amazed at how easily it broke - severely defective design in my opinion.

I'll post an update once I have it.

coxy123

Hi Sugots,

I have exactly the same problem. Did you get the issue with Seat Alhambra sorted - I appreciate that this was a long time ago - I like you have detached unit from car but I cannot seem to re-engage cable mechanism?Tks.

BTW - It was fine up until the wheel replacement.

Stugots

coxy123 wrote: »

Hi Sugots,

I have exactly the same problem. Did you get the issue with Seat Alhambra sorted - I appreciate that this was a long time ago - I like you have detached unit from car but I cannot seem to re-engage cable mechanism?Tks.

BTW - It was fine up until the wheel replacement.

Once I drilled out the rivots, I was able to unwind the cable, rewind it again and put the unit back together with nuts and bolts in place of the rivots. It lasted through one more flat and then I could not get it to rewind - cable was just too tangled. Checked scrap yards all over (including UK) and could not get a replacement - they're like hen's teeth!! Ended up very begrudgingly dropping about €250 for a new unit from the Seat dealer. I'm still annoyed about it, but thankfully I haven't had a flat since.

coxy123

Thanks for reply.

Scouserfan

coxy123 wrote: »

Thanks for reply.

Our company had one replaced on Alhambra in Nobber motors (main seat dealer) last year for a lot less than that. Can't remember exact price. Give service a call on 046 9096100 or service@nobbermotors.ie