Adding air to the Spare Tire

[killthrash]

Hey Guys,

The temps dropped to below zero this last weekend, and my TPMS went off. I checked all four tires and the PSI is around 32-34 in all of them. It must be the spare that triggered the light.

Is it difficult to add air to the spare while it's mounted? Can I get up in there with a standard gas station air compressor hose?

Thanks Guys!

 

[ZandT4R]

My spare loses air like crazy. I have to fill it every month or so. I typically drop the tire and fill it with my compressor at home. If my memory serves me correctly it would be impossible to fill it without lowering it because the valve is not pointing down.

 

[mrcooley]

That's correct - you must lower it unless you have one of the chucks that allows you to reach it from below. I would recommend putting nitrogen in it - you might get less drop.

 

[ALLEGRO]

I usually get the light once a year, around the time that the temp has fallen for several weeks. Usually happens when the 4Runner has been out in the cold overnight vs being in the garage. It usually trips when the pressure is about 27lbs.

Drop the spare, hit it with some air, raise it back up, put up the tools and enjoy. Total time: 4 minutes tops.

All-in-all it is worth the piece of mind that your tires are at or near proper inflation and you and your family are safe.

 

[SkylineGTRracer]

I dont carry my spare so all I do is take it to discount tire and they fill it with air. I'd say I do it every two-three months. whats weird is that I don't see the TPMS thing on the rim. then again I don't look for that hard. ;p

 

[offshorebear]

Just drop it and add air. You want to do this at least once a year to keep the system lubed and functional.

 

[chaz]

i dont have to drop it to fill it, then again, i have my own pump that runs off the cig lighter, but some stations have a connector that fits fine.

 

[jetboy1975]

You don't need to drop the spare to air it. You just need a long double headed chuck:frisky:. Although it doesn't hurt to drop the spare once and a while and hit the cable and crank with some lube.(area prone to rusting)

 

[audiqtr]

Def. drop the spare and refill. This way, you'll also learn how to change a tire and not try to figure it out in an emergency

 

[killthrash]

Thanks for the replies everyone. You're all right about dropping it just to keep everything running smoothly and to prevent build up or rust. I've actually never changed a 4Runner tire, so this'll be a good time to learn how to drop the tire down.

Thanks again!

 

[PlanetAlaska-]

i dont have to drop it to fill it, then again, i have my own pump that runs off the cig lighter, but some stations have a connector that fits fine.

WOW, you guys are flexible. I can hardly go underneath and get to the valve stem even if it was facing downward.

 

[L01D]

I got my 4runner about 2 months ago and the inflation light came on three different times. It was always the spare tire and I didnt feel like lowering the spare every time the light came on. I eventually disconnected the light because I just got tired of having the damn orange light blinking on my dash

 

[nated05]

I am able to check the pressure and fill the spare without dropping it. I usually use my small compressor at home for the spare, dont really feel like laying on the ground at the gas station.

 

[Sporin]

You don't need to drop the spare to air it. You just need a long double headed chuck:frisky:. Although it doesn't hurt to drop the spare once and a while and hit the cable and crank with some lube.(area prone to rusting)

Exactly, I need to do that more often, all my old trucks those things rusted up bad. Planning to drop mine and lube the chain and mechanism at every oil change.

 

[chaz]

"WOW, you guys are flexible. I can hardly go underneath and get to the valve stem even if it was facing downward." LOL! you've gotta be kidding me! im an old, fat, disabled dude, & have no problems. ha,ha

 

[SkylineGTRracer]

"WOW, you guys are flexible. I can hardly go underneath and get to the valve stem even if it was facing downward." LOL! you've gotta be kidding me! im an old, fat, disabled dude, & have no problems. ha,ha

Naw I bet most of these guys find a big rock and flex the truck. lol

 

[PlanetAlaska-]

Let me ask this to those who can fill their spare without dropping it: is your valve stem facing down or up?

 

[Bamaskeet]

I can lay on my back and add air to my spare. It's not my favorite thing to do but it's tolerable.

 

[nated05]

Let me ask this to those who can fill their spare without dropping it: is your valve stem facing down or up?

Stem facing up!

 

[jetboy1975]

stem faces up.