How to Replace a Winch Rope

A winch is an aftermarket option that can help with you when you vehicle is stuck or immobilized. A winch is basically a motor with a metal rope, or cable, attached to it. As the motor turns, it releases or pulls the rope depending on its rotation. These ropes eventually wear out and need to be replaced.

Things You'll Need

• Ratchet
• 1/2-inch socket
• Winch line

Instructions

1. Place the winch setting to "free spool" and remove all the winch line so the end of the rope or cable is exposed.

2. Use a ratchet and 1/2-inch socket to remove the bolt that anchors the winch line to the winch roller. Some winch cable may use a different size bolt due to cable thickness, cable material or cable length.

3. Attach the new winch line to the roller and reinsert the anchor.

4. Place the winch setting to spool. Tighten down the bolt and begin to wrap the first layer of cable around the roller.

5. Wrap each layer of cable as tight as possible. The cable should wrap around the roller until about a foot of cable remains exposed. Secure the end of the winch to a tow hook, bumper or d-ring and tighten the remaining slack out of the winch line.

References

• winch line replacement