The plastic ring is a convenience piece, but not necessary to releasing the
clamshell.  Simply look up there and take note of where the ring tied into
the release lever.  Now push upward on the clamshell while simultaneously
pulling the lever toward the front of the van.  The clamshell should now be
available to lower to the ground, so long as you keep pulling the latch
forward.

On Mon, Mar 7, 2011 at 4:21 PM, David M <covrambles@yahoo.com> wrote:

> Finally got time to wrestle (very apt word) with this problem. After
> liberat applications of bolt-buster and wrist-crunching hammer blows and 1/2
> hour of back twisting contortions with a lug nut tool of unknown source (not
> VW but a perfect fit), I got the bolt off. Bolt says DERA 88 on the head if
> that means anything. I breathed a sign of relief and visions of bikini-clad
> babes on a tropical beach wafted before me. Then I pulled the plastic
> pull-tab thingie to release the mechanism and... snap. This pathetic piece
> of inadequate German engineering snapped in two. What a sorry excuse for a
> mechanism this is!. Now I am in need of even more urgent help as to how to
> release the spare tire. I now dare not even risk driving the van to a tire
> shop. I'm hoping there is some arcane trick to operating the release.
> H-E-L-P!
>

--
Casey