Tire tread variance
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BlackWorksInc
New member
Supposedly Toyota would like something like no more than 2~3/32" difference in tire tread on side to side or all 4 for 4WD vehicles. Not sure what the real world effects are to be honest...
It could affect handling because the new one will have more traction than the others, especially on snow. It could confuse the ABS system, but it's unlikely because it's not that sensitive. It could also put a bit more stress on the differentials, mainly the center, but I don't think it will break anything.
I like everything to be perfect, so I would probably get it shaved down if it was mine. But I don't think it will break anything if you don't do anything about it.
I like everything to be perfect, so I would probably get it shaved down if it was mine. But I don't think it will break anything if you don't do anything about it.
tire rotation will be a bit different if you have more thread. if you use it and you don't seem to have any problem like ABS is suddenly turning on, then you will be okay with it. it should not affect your 4wd from what I understand.
I have the same question after a rotation just this weekend, I am wearing the shit out of the fronts and now have two good ones back on the front and the rears are worn..
But maybe the wear is mainly the edges and the overall circumference is not too far off.... My 5 TIRE rotation is shot to hell with shoddy upkeep of rotation schedule by ME!
But maybe the wear is mainly the edges and the overall circumference is not too far off.... My 5 TIRE rotation is shot to hell with shoddy upkeep of rotation schedule by ME!
nevada
Senior Member
you shouldn't have any issues. 1/2 worn equates to what, less than 1/4"? that's not very much.
strathcona
New member
What's your spare like? Were you including it into the rotation?
You will have absolutely no issue. None. There is no reason at all to worry. You have open differentials on your axles and an open center differential. There is no way that you could possibly have an issue that would harm your drivetrain.
It is an old wives tale that different size tires would harm a 4wd system. While it would be true that it could if all 4 corners were locked and you were driving on pavement, that scenario would cause the same harm if you turned at all because the problem comes from different rotation rates left to right. If one side spins more than the other, the driveline will bind. That is the reason we have differentials.
Tire size difference can impact things like ABS and traction control, but you would need more than a few 32nd of an inch difference for that to even be a remote consideration.
It is an old wives tale that different size tires would harm a 4wd system. While it would be true that it could if all 4 corners were locked and you were driving on pavement, that scenario would cause the same harm if you turned at all because the problem comes from different rotation rates left to right. If one side spins more than the other, the driveline will bind. That is the reason we have differentials.
Tire size difference can impact things like ABS and traction control, but you would need more than a few 32nd of an inch difference for that to even be a remote consideration.
The center differential is limited slip, but it's Torsen, so apparently there is nothing to wear out.
Lesser AWD systems (cough, Subaru, cough) might use clutches or viscous couplings that could wear out or overheat if you have mismatched tire sizes.
A differential is a differential in terms of the context of this topic. It doesn't matter if it is limited slip, open, mechanical locking, etc. When it is open, it is open. It takes a lot of spinning to trigger a limited slip to lock up, and a slight variation won't even come close to activating it.
AWD is not 4wd and means nothing to the OP asking the question, but you are correct in the statement.
I think Torsen differentials might be different. I've been reading about them a bit, and I still don't fully understand them.
It sounds like with a Torsen LSD, more torque is applied to the slower moving wheel/axle. It doesn't really lock and unlock. I think it's continuous and instant (ignoring any play or backlash in the gears). So a slight speed difference will mean slightly more torque split. If it's free spinning and not being driven by the input shaft, then I think it works like a normal differential.
If one of the tires on the rear is bigger, the input to that axle will turn slightly slower, so the center differential will apply more torque to the rear. I think that would slightly change the torque distribution, but it shouldn't break anything since there is nothing in the differential to wear out. From the point of view of the center and rear differentials, it's like you are always turning very slightly in one direction.
I mentioned AWD systems because you mentioned an old wives tale that different size tires would harm a 4wd system. The only context I've heard that in is AWD vehicles, particularly Subaru. I wasn't sure if some people think that applies to 4WD, too.
I remember my dad never rotated a tire. if it gets bald, he only replaces that one, not both. so tires are pretty much have different threads and brand. never had a problem. 
I guess, I should do the same thing and never to worry about tire rotation and replace only the worn tires.
I remember my dad never rotated a tire. if it gets bald, he only replaces that one, not both. so tires are pretty much have different threads and brand. never had a problem.
poncharello
New member
I just had a screw on the very outer edge of the top of my rear tire (approx 15k mi on them, measured at -2/32" from a brand new tire). 4 out of the 5 shops I went to. said they wouldn't be able to patch due to the location of the screw, and that I would have to replace all 4 tires. The reasoning was that since the new tire would be more than 1/32 difference than the other tires it could damage my transmission and gearing.
I have a V8 limited, full time 4 wheel drive. The 5th shop patched the tire for me. I haven't had any problems since. If I had to replace the tire, I would've considered Tire Rack's shaving service vs. 4 brand new tires.
I have a V8 limited, full time 4 wheel drive. The 5th shop patched the tire for me. I haven't had any problems since. If I had to replace the tire, I would've considered Tire Rack's shaving service vs. 4 brand new tires.
