Does anyone have any idea what it is, and if there is a quick and obvious fix? I can see nowhere obvious that the black attachment fixes, nor where the frayed steel rope came from.
it sounds like the spare wheel carrier assy.look for a bolt at the o/s rear door,remove that and the wind down mechanism is accessed in that access hole.
cdc
May 2013
Automatic Answer
While you wait for answers, we may have found some information which could help you.
howtomendit.com for free repair help, information and advice.
Try fixfault.com to fix vans.