Original design was to use the lug wrench.  It is 19mm.  And it's a big
bolt, I think 14mm, so you can really go at it withoug worrying of braking
it off.  But make sure, you are turning it the correct way.  It's easy to
miss the direction when you are upside down to it.  The wd40 won't help much
if it's not going on the threads.  Try to use a socket that has six sides
instead of twelve. Those don't brake of the edges.
Zoltan

----- Original Message -----
From: "David M" <covrambles@YAHOO.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, March 05, 2011 10:34 AM
Subject: How to get spare tire out??? Urgent!

> Nut looks to be like 19mm but my 19mm socket is a bit loose. Nut is very
> tight has not been removed in over 10 years but I desperately need to get
> my spare tire out and mounted. I tried WD40 but its real diffuicult to
> apply it and so far it refuses to yield and the socket continually slips.
> Anyone got any ideas? Personally, I think the whole concept of needing a
> special tool to access the spare tire is a dumb design.
>