Change just one tire?
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 151
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From: New Hampshire
Change just one tire?
Bought new MXV4's for our 04 RX330 AWD about 9K ago and now have one with a leak/or hole.Can one tire be changed or will that affect the AWD transfer unit as it does in other AWD cars?I have seen other makes units that where smoked by doing this.
I know its critical that all of them wear evenly and a new tire would be a different tread depth then a worn one.Hate to bite the bullet and buy all four ,again(they where close to $800 !),but if it damages the drivetrain it is the lesser of two evils
Have other AWD RX owners run into this issue?
Thanks in advance
I know its critical that all of them wear evenly and a new tire would be a different tread depth then a worn one.Hate to bite the bullet and buy all four ,again(they where close to $800 !),but if it damages the drivetrain it is the lesser of two evils
Have other AWD RX owners run into this issue?
Thanks in advance
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 17,336
Likes: 212
From: Miami, Florida
I agree you shouldn't have that much of an issue. If you were in Mexico, I would say differently given the roads.
Keep in mind the front tires will wear at a faster rate given weight distribution.
I have had to do this when I had a busted tire once, and did not encounter an issue.
Also, if you haven't done so, use nitrogen in your tires.
Keep in mind the front tires will wear at a faster rate given weight distribution.
I have had to do this when I had a busted tire once, and did not encounter an issue.
Also, if you haven't done so, use nitrogen in your tires.
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: New Hampshire
I will have to check to be sure of miles since they where put on it may be a bit more,Gman.I do rotate the tires not quite a 5k but 7500.The road we live on in NH is not very good either Lexmex.You bought a new tire for the one that busted and put it one with the other three worn ones?
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 12,398
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From: GA
As long as you buy the same tire, same pattern and design, one that's worn out will not affect performance. Running a bald tire is a safety issue, in terms of blow out, etc.. 9k miles is pretty young, can they plug or patch it? Is it on the sidewall, or do you even know?
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 17,336
Likes: 212
From: Miami, Florida
I will have to check to be sure of miles since they where put on it may be a bit more,Gman.I do rotate the tires not quite a 5k but 7500.The road we live on in NH is not very good either Lexmex.You bought a new tire for the one that busted and put it one with the other three worn ones?
I also wondered about mandyfig's question. Normally, then can 'worm' a tire if not on the sidewall (they can patch these).
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,580
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From: Austin, TX
Or, bring out the spare and patch the one with leak and put away as spare. I would also check the spare tire pressure frequently to ensure the patch is good.
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Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
From: New Hampshire
Wife has car and I will check miles and pressure tonight.It lost 5lbs in two days over weekend and was low this morning.I looked it over and could not see a puncture but will have more time this evening.
The spare was the best of the 5 when I bought new ones earlier this year so thats out.There must be some sort of "tread depth variance" scale to insure no damge to transfer unit.I will say the ones I have seen go bad are Dodge/Chy AWD and Jeep AWD units,in one case same size tire but different brand was enough to smoke the unit.Way lower quality cars but still same concept at work in drivetrain.
I don't mind one tire replaced but to have to do all 4 again would not be fun.
The spare was the best of the 5 when I bought new ones earlier this year so thats out.There must be some sort of "tread depth variance" scale to insure no damge to transfer unit.I will say the ones I have seen go bad are Dodge/Chy AWD and Jeep AWD units,in one case same size tire but different brand was enough to smoke the unit.Way lower quality cars but still same concept at work in drivetrain.
I don't mind one tire replaced but to have to do all 4 again would not be fun.
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 17,336
Likes: 212
From: Miami, Florida
Wife has car and I will check miles and pressure tonight.It lost 5lbs in two days over weekend and was low this morning.I looked it over and could not see a puncture but will have more time this evening.
The spare was the best of the 5 when I bought new ones earlier this year so thats out.There must be some sort of "tread depth variance" scale to insure no damge to transfer unit.I will say the ones I have seen go bad are Dodge/Chy AWD and Jeep AWD units,in one case same size tire but different brand was enough to smoke the unit.Way lower quality cars but still same concept at work in drivetrain.
I don't mind one tire replaced but to have to do all 4 again would not be fun.
The spare was the best of the 5 when I bought new ones earlier this year so thats out.There must be some sort of "tread depth variance" scale to insure no damge to transfer unit.I will say the ones I have seen go bad are Dodge/Chy AWD and Jeep AWD units,in one case same size tire but different brand was enough to smoke the unit.Way lower quality cars but still same concept at work in drivetrain.
I don't mind one tire replaced but to have to do all 4 again would not be fun.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 20
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From: WA
dandg - If you're not comfortable with the options of reparing the tire, reparing AND swapping with spare wheel, another option would be to buy two new tires rather than four. You could put the new ones on on the same axle - front or back.
Personally, if the tire can be fixed I would do that. Not about the money, but I think it's very low risk (assuming the tire is fixed properly of course and no defects).
Personally, if the tire can be fixed I would do that. Not about the money, but I think it's very low risk (assuming the tire is fixed properly of course and no defects).