Can we mix A/T tire with regular tires/

[pixologics]

Hi,

I recently purchased 4runner. I've been trying to post multiple questions on this forum for possible cause of vibration while accelerating for speeds between 25-45 mph.

The earlier owner had replaced one of the rear tire with some brand (unknown to me) new Provider A/T tire. The rest of the 3 tires are non A/T and have around 5-7k miles life left in them.

The owner replaced it due to some damage to one of the tires and maybe was trying to go cheap route since he was selling it.

My question is: Is this mix-up of tires setup cause of Vibrations that I am feeling in my gas pedal while accelerating? I don't feel it while its cruising.

Any suggestions?

 

[Swipter]

That actually sounds dangerous to me. Being an A/T it will be stiffer than the other three and probably different in diameter, even though it may be the same size. I would replace it with one like the others or do all, if you are looking to upgrade your tires.

 

[Boort]

I can't say if it is the source of your vibrations but I once introduced problems on my 97 Taco by having different tires on the front and back. Both the same size but different levels of wear and tred patterns. Truck could not engage 4wd. and had this giddy-up (up down up down fore aft motion ) feel when accelerating.

I've been told that on the 4th gen you gotta limp out if you have a street tire spare with a set of AT tires.

I'd strongly suggest getting all 5 tires swapped for a matching set.

 

[MAST4R]

I agree with the others, if that is AWD you absolutely want matching tires. My understanding is that the 4Runner/GX AWD system is not as sensitive to tire differences as Subaru's (with which I am much more familiar), but it is still a full time system.

So identical tires all around and hope no damage has been done.

As for the part time systems, I am running two newer and two older P-metric Wildpeak. The dealership just told me to keep the new ones in the rear longer than usual so I am rotating side to side instead of front to back right now. Everything, including crawl control works normally.

 

[pixologics]

I agree with the others, if that is AWD you absolutely want matching tires. My understanding is that the 4Runner/GX AWD system is not as sensitive to tire differences as Subaru's (with which I am much more familiar), but it is still a full time system.

So identical tires all around and hope no damage has been done.

As for the part time systems, I am running two newer and two older P-metric Wildpeak. The dealership just told me to keep the new ones in the rear longer than usual so I am rotating side to side instead of front to back right now. Everything, including crawl control works normally.

I can't say if it is the source of your vibrations but I once introduced problems on my 97 Taco by having different tires on the front and back. Both the same size but different levels of wear and tred patterns. Truck could not engage 4wd. and had this giddy-up (up down up down fore aft motion ) feel when accelerating.

I've been told that on the 4th gen you gotta limp out if you have a street tire spare with a set of AT tires.

I'd strongly suggest getting all 5 tires swapped for a matching set.

That actually sounds dangerous to me. Being an A/T it will be stiffer than the other three and probably different in diameter, even though it may be the same size. I would replace it with one like the others or do all, if you are looking to upgrade your tires.

Thanks for your quick response guys. I'll see if I could replace all new sooner. Somehow not happy with the truck due to gas pedal vibrations. Took it to mechanic and he honestly told me there's nothing he could do with Vibrations!! He's a very experienced mechanic a Toyota Specialist.

More about car: Its a 2004 RWD model with 109000 miles.

Given that I feel not putting more money on it with new tires. I might replace the one in spare tires for now. Even though its less tread but at least its same pattern and type.

Really bugged when mechanics turns you down by saying "There's nothing I can do" Can't find out source of vibrations. He did acknowledge he could feel it between 25-40 mph.

 

[L8Shift]

Really bugged when mechanics turns you down by saying "There's nothing I can do" Can't find out source of vibrations. He did acknowledge he could feel it between 25-40 mph.

When you say mechanic, is he an alignment/tire type specialist as oppose to an engine type mechanic..?

If not I would consider taking the T4R to a shop that specializes in that type of problem and has the proper equipment to do that type of diagnostic.

Good Luck! :wink2:

 

[pixologics]

When you say mechanic, is he an alignment/tire type specialist as oppose to an engine type mechanic..?

If not I would consider taking the T4R to a shop that specializes in that type of problem and has the proper equipment to do that type of diagnostic.

Good Luck! :wink2:

He's an engine and mechanical repair Toyota specialist. Does not do tire alignment/balancing etc. Very experienced guy, always seen him working on Land Cruisers, Tundras, 4runner, Lexus GX and others.
I am not sure why he said nothing he could do. Maybe not worth his time/effort to figure out. He did test drive with me on 2 occasion but said same there's nothing I could do.

Any recommendation for (T4R shop that specializes) mechanic or some fellow member who stay in Inland Empire, CA. I could get to them and they could give it a try.

 

[L8Shift]

Any recommendation for (T4R shop that specializes) mechanic or some fellow member who stay in Inland Empire, CA. I could get to them and they could give it a try.

I am on the East Coast, the folks I rely on are trained to use Hunter Equipment, to include Road Force Balancing....

Here's their site locator.
GSP9700 Full Screen

But getting your tire situation straighten out would be my first goal..

Can you temp swap/borrow another set of balanced match set of wheels/tires to isolate the issue?

 

[pixologics]

I am on the East Coast, the folks I rely on are trained to use Hunter Equipment, to include Road Force Balancing....

Here's their site locator.
GSP9700 Full Screen

But getting your tire situation straighten out would be my first goal..

Can you temp swap/borrow another set of balanced match set of wheels/tires to isolate the issue?

Thanks for suggesting about Hunter equipment based balancing. I'll try to get it done this weekend. Not sure if I can find out 4 tires of same size somewhere to swap on temp basis. Let me see what works out. I'll get back with results.

 

[blackjackck]

Thanks for suggesting about Hunter equipment based balancing. I'll try to get it done this weekend. Not sure if I can find out 4 tires of same size somewhere to swap on temp basis. Let me see what works out. I'll get back with results.

If you're looking for something pedestrian look at the "used" market. I got a set of 255/75/17 with 100miles from a Jeep takeoff for $250. It came with stock Jeep wheels which I have no use for but the tires alone is well worth it. Since 80% of my driving is on pavement (Daily Driver) I don't need anything aggressive.

Just a thought.

 

[pixologics]

If you're looking for something pedestrian look at the "used" market. I got a set of 255/75/17 with 100miles from a Jeep takeoff for $250. It came with stock Jeep wheels which I have no use for but the tires along is well worth it. Since 80% of my driving is on pavement (Daily Driver) I don't need anything aggressive.

Just a thought.

Yes, I am trying to find out in used as well over craigslist. I've 16'' wheel. Don't feel need for 17".

Other question: Does all 4runners vibrate/pulsate to some extent at freeway speeds as well. I do have a Honda CRV I know its not same size but it has not vibration issues.

 

[alextmullis]

Are you paying him to diagnose it?

 

[pixologics]

Are you paying him to diagnose it?

Told him to keep the truck in shop and fix it, I am ready to pay. He says same nothing he could do :ybrick:

 

[grave]

I agree with the others, if that is AWD you absolutely want matching tires. My understanding is that the 4Runner/GX AWD system is not as sensitive to tire differences as Subaru's (with which I am much more familiar), but it is still a full time system.

not AWD, full-time 4WD.

 

[MAST4R]

not AWD, full-time 4WD.

Right, which works as AWD on road :thumb:

 

[chaz]

if people just called it what toyota does there would be no bickering. seems to me blackworks explains it fairly well Why is V8 Full Time AWD?

 

[2016 4Runner SR5]

If you want a cheap set of good used tires, let me know. I have a set of 265/70/17 Goodyear Wrangler Fortitude tires off an F150 with about 35,000 miles on them. $150 for all 4 of them picked up in Jessup MD They still have plenty of tread, only replaced to go with a more aggressive AT tire. Just want them out of my way at this point!

 

[blackjackck]

Yes, I am trying to find out in used as well over craigslist. I've 16'' wheel. Don't feel need for 17".

Other question: Does all 4runners vibrate/pulsate to some extent at freeway speeds as well. I do have a Honda CRV I know its not same size but it has not vibration issues.

We use to own a 07 CRV and the 4Runner should not. 4Runner is a solid smooth driving machine. I have some vibrating (not much just at odd times) and knowing the year of mine and the milage I'll be replacing brake pads & rotors as well as the control arm bushings and ball joints. Not saying that's the exact cause of MY vibrations but I know those are part of maintenance and up keep.

 

[Run4Evr]

It would be best to keep all 4 the same imo. I would recommend getting new tires for even wear and tear

 

[pixologics]

If you want a cheap set of good used tires, let me know. I have a set of 265/70/17 Goodyear Wrangler Fortitude tires off an F150 with about 35,000 miles on them. $150 for all 4 of them picked up in Jessup MD They still have plenty of tread, only replaced to go with a more aggressive AT tire. Just want them out of my way at this point!

Hey thanks, but I am from Southern California. I can't come over to get them from your location I guess.