dandg

I am trying to find the maximum allowable tread depth variation for my 08GX470.It has 29k on and and its second set of tires (at 14K by first owner). The tires now all are 7/32 and I have one with a small gouge in the side wall. My firs thought was to replace with spare (new@ 11/32's) but concerned about drive train strain as they are 4/32 deeper.

Do I need to replace all 4 ( would then be third set at less then 30k miles) to prevent future drive train damage ?

thanks in advance for any info you have found,can't seem to get that info from Lexus

mitsuguy

iTrader: (2)

Are GX's full time 4wd / AWD?

if they aren't, it won't be as much of a concern, but if they are, the general allowable difference is 2 to 3/32" of an inch...

how about that small gouge? whats wrong with it? are we sure it is a concern at all?

dandg

Hi Mitsuguy,

and thanks for the reply,
yes its full time 4WD.The gouge is on the side wall,so far no air leak and I don't drive it much but I do take it on a long trip when I do. If the allowable variation is that small,2-3 /32's,and I think it might be but can't seem to get the definitive answer out of Lexus.That pretty much makes the spare useless.Makes me wonder if I should have gone with the BMW X5,it has no spare and run flat tires.

mitsuguy

iTrader: (2)

None of this stuff will hurt on a short term basis, which is what the spare is meant to be used for... in reality, there have been people go longer than they should without ill effects, but, I've also seen the repercussions of not keeping them matched and that is $$$$$$$

Can you take a picture of the cut? If it doesn't penetrate to the cords, it shouldn't require replacement...

zig@tr

This is common problem, the most simple solution is to shave the new tire. Some garages can shave a tire down to match the tread of your 3 remaining tires. Any tire ordered from The Tire Rack can be shaved down to your exact tread depth for $25-35 depending upon how much tread needs to be removed.

dandg

Thank you both for the reply,

I may have to go with the shaved tire route,is there a way to look up local garages that do that ?I was an office manger for a trans shop and also saw several transfer units that where ruined (mostly Chy AWD min vans if I recall) by mismatched tires (adding two new ones for instance)


I will also take a picture of the cut. I like the GX470 a good bit but this has really put a damper on my enthusiasm.

zig@tr

I don't have a list, you would have to call a few places and see if they have a tire shaving machine.

dandg

Here is a picture of the gouge,so far she's holding air but I do need to address it