Spare tire question

[zerowkul98]

Lately ive been feeling and hearing a sound/slight vibration from the undercarriage of my 2003 T4R when i go over slight bumps. It's like the same sound / feeling you'd get if you were to hit a 1/2 inflated tired with a sledge (Rocky Balboa style!)

I went under the truck and tried to inflate the spare, as it was def. a little soft. I pushed on the sidewalls of the spare, and i could def. see cracks. It is the original Dunlop spare, and im wondering if there's protocol as for how long a spare should last? Im leaning towards getting it replaced, obviously, but should i just go to a tire-place and get one? Or does anyone know of a better way?

Thanks.

 

[20034RunnerV84x2]

I have a 2003 T4R too.

After inflating it I'd tighten it up with the cable ass. To be sure it on the tight.

I have a Bridgestone spare (I think it's the original) and its got cracks but it holds air just fine and drives just as good as new tires. I'd just inflate it and be sure it's tight, no need to replace it IMO.

 

[BCfish]

I would be worried about relying on a spare that has cracks in the tire. Remember that this is your spare tire that you need to rely on to get you safely home or to the tire shop. Best bet is just go find a tire store and buy a half decent used tire. I did that with mine when I moved up in tire size and paid about $40 for tire that I know I can count on when I need it.

 

[20034RunnerV84x2]

I would be worried about relying on a spare that has cracks in the tire. Remember that this is your spare tire that you need to rely on to get you safely home or to the tire shop. Best bet is just go find a tire store and buy a half decent used tire. I did that with mine when I moved up in tire size and paid about $40 for tire that I know I can count on when I need it.

I'm not too worried, it holds air and has good tread and I had it checked.

The cracks are from being to tight to the underbody.

 

[Redstone8]

A spare tire with cracks could potentially blow out while under the load of the vehicle. It might be just fine sitting under the car for years, but once you put it on the car and start driving then the risk factor increases and you could find yourself standed on the side of the road with a blown out tire, possibly a damaged rim or even worse cause an accident with one or more vehicles involved. If this happens then you would be looking at lot more than just the price of a tire if you walk away from it without bodily injury. Seriously it not worth the chance. If I were you I would get a used tire or an inexpensive new one and change it out just to be on the safe side.

 

[rebelbowtie]

I'm not too worried, it holds air and has good tread and I had it checked.

The cracks are from being to tight to the underbody.

no cracks are from the tires being dry rotted, its not safe to drive on that tire man. 5-6 years is pushing it on a tire regardless of mileage, you can find the date the tire was made on the sidewall but if it is the original tire that came with the truck i wold toss it ASAP.


*edit*

should even have a warning in your owners manual about this, all the major brands include them in the owners manual.

 

[zerowkul98]

Yeah, i figure i'll go and get a new one. Im more afraid of using the spare holder winch device, as its never been touched once in the 6+ years ive owned the vehicle. Hoping it isnt fused with rust or just frozen for whatever reason....or even BREAK if i attempt to drop the spare. :::gulp:::

 

[MrTom]

Yeah, i figure i'll go and get a new one. Im more afraid of using the spare holder winch device, as its never been touched once in the 6+ years ive owned the vehicle. Hoping it isnt fused with rust or just frozen for whatever reason....or even BREAK if i attempt to drop the spare. :::gulp:::

OP is talking about the 2003 4Ruuner. If you haven't touched the spare in the 6 years you have owned it , the spare is probably the original 2003 tire. The 2003' s were introduced in Sept of 2002. That tire is probably 9+ years old and dry rotted...