Replace Just One Tire?

[wiseguy]

In the subaru AWD world, it is not recommended that one tire be replaced as the minor tread depth difference is thought to be detrimental to the AWD system. Having just finished reading the owners manual for my 06 Runner, I don't see mention of any similar restrictions for the 4runner. Any thoughts on this from you experienced owners?

Also wondering if I should mount a Michelin Cross Terain on my spare so I would be able to do a 5 wheel rotation. The tire that is on there now is the correct size, but a different brand and a tread pattern that seems more performance oriented. Nice that Toyota decided to mount the spare on an alloy wheel to allow the 5 tire rotation.

The final thing I wondered about was the rotation pattern recommended in the owners manual as it has the spare only being rotated to the right side. Seems like the tires on the left side would wear out sooner.

 

[jharris2]

In the subaru AWD world, it is not recommended that one tire be replaced as the minor tread depth difference is thought to be detrimental to the AWD system. Having just finished reading the owners manual for my 06 Runner, I don't see mention of any similar restrictions for the 4runner. Any thoughts on this from you experienced owners?

Also wondering if I should mount a Michelin Cross Terain on my spare so I would be able to do a 5 wheel rotation. The tire that is on there now is the correct size, but a different brand and a tread pattern that seems more performance oriented. Nice that Toyota decided to mount the spare on an alloy wheel to allow the 5 tire rotation.

The final thing I wondered about was the rotation pattern recommended in the owners manual as it has the spare only being rotated to the right side. Seems like the tires on the left side would wear out sooner.

When I bought the Revos, I bought 5 so that all tires would be the same. At that point, I also started doing a 5-tire rotation.

You can search for more information. Here is one thread that covers rotation.

 

[Casper]

while im sure that it might affect things on a marginal basis...most of those comming from the AWD Scooby world are looking for performance. Although I believe fully that half of anyone in that realm could actually feel the difference between swapping all 4 and just one or two (unless major wear was present or changing performance categories)

You probably should replace both F or R tires at the same time if using the same make and model tire but for all out swaps, i recommend changing all 4 at the same time.

 

[wiseguy]

Just got done looking at my spare and it is a directional tire. According to the Falken website, it is a street SUV tire. However, the tread looks much different than the Cross Terains which is why I am not sure it would be good to rotate in with the other 4. Does anyone know if the Falken directional tires were stock on the spare, or did the previous owner just replace one of the Michelins with the original spare?

 

[jharris2]

Just got done looking at my spare and it is a directional tire. According to the Falken website, it is a street SUV tire. However, the tread looks much different than the Cross Terains which is why I am not sure it would be good to rotate in with the other 4. Does anyone know if the Falken directional tires were stock on the spare, or did the previous owner just replace one of the Michelins with the original spare?

Toyota uses Dunlop and Michelin as original equipment. Sounds like the owner changed the tire.

 

[Casper]

sounds like the ole' spare switch was done.

 

[Koz]

It's always best to change tires as a full set (4/5). If you have to get another tire because of a problem it's best to get a pair and put them on the same axle, unless the tires are new. I personally change them in sets of 4. To me, when you introduce the spare on the first rotation you now have 3 worn tires and 1 new one. From that point on you will never have 4 tires with the same amount of wear. I also rotate my tires in an X pattern with full time 4wd. I don't care what the manual says.

Koz