Microl Toyota

Take a close look at the picture on the left. Which of the lugnuts in the picture would you install on that rim?

Hints: Vehicle is a Toyota 4 Runner.

A = 12mm x 1.5, 1" Long Shank
B = 14mm x 1.5, Standard Acorn
C = 12mm x 1.5, Extra Long Acorn
D = 12mm x 1.5, ½" Short Shank
E = 12mm x 1.5, ½" Short Shank
F = 14mm x 1.5, Extra Long Shank
G = 12mm x 1.5, Acorn Shank
H = 14mm x 1.5, 1/3" Short Shank

Here is another big hint… "D" was the lugnut installed on this rim by the owner. It was the original lugnut that was on the vehicle when it was purchased. The owner had modified the vehicle. It was "lifted" (the body was raised) to accommodate larger tires. The original rims (15" by 7") were replaced with these15" by 10" rims.

Let's take a closer look at the rim and lugnut the owner installed.

While the lugnut was close to what it should have been, it wasn't correct. It is amazing that they lasted as long as they did without causing major problems.

The damage shown in the picture on the right was caused by the improper lugnut. Over a period of time, the lugnuts worked loose and the wheel began to vibrate, damaging one rim beyond repair.

That particular lugnut belongs on this type of rim (the original equipment rim)…

What the owner's rim needed was this lugnut…

Here it is installed on the owner's rim, a safe and secure match…
The extra long head on the lugnut allows for easy access with a standard lug wrench. The lug hole is rather deep and would be hard to get at if a standard acorn lugnut was used.

It is very important to remember that each lugnut must be tightened to a specified torque. For most Toyota's, that specification would be 76 to 80 foot-pounds of torque. Torque specifications do vary between different vehicle manufacturers and even by different models. Be sure to double check the correct torque specification for your vehicle and to double check each lugnut.

We now have the right tire, matched to the correct rim and secured with the proper lugnut and torque specification. We are almost ready for the road. The last thing we need to do is double-check the air pressure in the tire. Remember that it was specified on the door column tag? It is also marked on the sidewall of the tire for easy reference. Proper air pressure is important for several reasons. First, it supports the vehicle and adds a degree of comfort to the ride of the vehicle. Second, it keeps the tire and the rim together by pressing out against the tire walls. Third, it decreases tire drag on the road; increasing gas mileage and decreasing tire wear.

Next we are going to take a look at different tread wear patterns on tires and associate them with the problems that cause them.