tires TOYOTA 4RUNNER 1998 User Guide

4RUNNER (1998)
Tire surface and wheel nuts
Check the tires carefully for cuts,
damage or excessive wear. See Chap-
ter 7- 2 for additional information.
When checking the tires, make sure
no nuts are missing, and check the
nuts for looseness. Tighten them if
necessary.
Tire rotation
Rotate the tires every 12000 km (7500
miles). See Chapter 7- 2 for additional
information.
Fluid leaks
Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil,
water or other fluid after the vehicle
has been parked for a while. If you
smell fuel fumes or notice any leak,
have the cause found and corrected
immediately.
Doors and engine hood
Check that all doors including back
door operate smoothly and all latches
lock securely. Make sure the engine
hood secondary latch secures the
hood from opening when the primary
latch is released. INSIDE THE VEHICLE
Items listed below should be
checked regularly, e.g. while per-
forming periodic services, cleaning
the vehicle, etc.
Lights
Make sure the headlights, stop lights,
tail lights, turn signal lights, and other
lights are all working. Check headlight
aim.
Service reminder indicators and
warning buzzers
Check that all service reminder indica-
tors and warning buzzers function
properly.
Steering wheel
Check that it has the specified free-
play. Be alert for changes in steering
condition, such as hard steering or
strange noise.
Seats
Check that all seat controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc.
operate smoothly and that all latches
lock securely in any position. Check
that the head restraint move up and
down smoothly and that the locks hold
securely in any latched position. For
folding- down rear seatbacks, swing- up
rear seat cushions and detachable
temporary third seat, check that the
latches lock securely.Seat belts
Check that the seat belt system such
as buckles, retractors and anchors op-
erate properly and smoothly. Make
sure the belt webbing is not cut,
frayed, worn or damaged.
Accelerator pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation
and uneven pedal effort or catching.
Clutch pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation.
Brake pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation
and that the pedal has the proper
clearance. Check the brake booster
function.
Brakes
At a safe place, check that the brakes
do not pull to one side when applied.
Parking brake
Check that the lever has the proper
travel and that, on a safe incline, your
vehicle is held securely with only the
parking brake applied.

4RUNNER (1998)
Part 7
DO- IT- YOURSELF
MAINTENANCEÐ
Chapter 7- 2
Engine and Chassis
Checking the engine oil level
Checking the engine coolant
level
Checking brake fluid
Checking power steering fluid
Checking tire pressure
Checking and replacing tires
Rotating tires
Installing snow tires and
chains
Replacing wheels
Aluminum wheel precautions
Checking the engine oil level

4RUNNER (1998)
Checking tire pressure
Keep your tire pressures at the
proper level.
The recommended cold tire pressures,
tire size and the cargo weight rating
are given in Part 8.
You should check the tire pressures
every two weeks, or at least once a
month. And do not forget the spare!
Incorrect tire pressure can reduce
tire life and make your vehicle less
safe to drive.
Low tire pressure results in excessive
wear, poor handling, reduced fuel
economy, and the possib ility of blow-
outs from overheated tires. Also, low
tire pressure can cause poor sealing
of the tire bead. If the tire pressure
is excessively low, there is the possi-
bility of w heel deformation and/or tire
separation.
High tire pressure produces a harsh
ride, handling problems, excessive
wear at the center of the tire tread,
and a greater possibility of tire dam-
age from road hazards.
If a tire frequently needs ref illing,
have it checked by your Toyota deal-
er. The following instructions for
checking tire pressure should be
observed:
The pressure should be checked
only when the tires are cold. If
your vehicle has been packed for
at least 3 hours and has not been
driven for more than 1.5 km or 1
mile since, you will get an accurate
cold tire pressure reading.
Always use a tire pressuregauge. The appearance of a tire
can be misleading. Besides, tire
pressures that are even just a few
pounds off can degrade handling
and ride.
Do not bleed or reduce tire pres-
sure after driving. It is normal for
the tire pressure to be higher after
driving.
Never exceed the vehicle capac-
ity weight. The passenger and lug-
gage weight should be located so
that the vehicle is balanced.
Be sure to reinstall the tire infla-
tion valve caps. Without the valve
caps, dirt or moisture could get
into the valve core and cause air
leakage. If the caps have been
lost, have new ones put on as
soon as possible. Checking and replacing tires

4RUNNER (1998)
Tread wear indicator
CHECKING YOUR TIRES
Check the tire tread for the tread
wear indicators. If the indicators
show, replace the tires.
The tires on your Toyota have built- in
tread wear indicators to help you
know when the tires need replace-
ment. When the tread depth wears to
1.6 mm (0.06 in.) or less, the indica-
tors will appear. If you can see the
indicators in two or more adjacent
grooves, the tire should be replaced.
The lower the tread, the higher the
risk of skidding.
The effectiveness of snow tires is
lost if the tread wears down below
4 mm (0.16 in.). Check the tires regularly for dam-
age such as cuts, splits and cracks.
If any damage is found, consult
with a technician and have the tire
repaired or replaced.
Even if the damage does not appear
serious, a qualified technician should
examine the damage. Objects which
have penetrated the tire may have
caused internal damage.
Any tires which are over six years
old must be checked by a qualified
technician even if damage is not
obvious.
Tires deteriorate with age even if they
have never or seldom been used.
This also applies to the spare tire and
tires stored for future use.REPLACING YOUR TIRES
When replacing a tire, use only the
same size and construction as origi-
nally installed and with the same or
greater load capacity.
Using any other size or type of tire
may seriously affect handling, ride,
speedometer/odometer calibration,
ground clearance, and clearance be-
tween the body and tires or snow
chains.

4RUNNER (1998)
CAUTION
Do not mix radial, bias belted,
or bias- ply tires on your ve-
hicle. It can cause dangerous
handling characteristics, result-
ing in loss of control.
Do not use tires or wheels oth-
er than the manufacture's rec-
ommended size.
Toyota recommends all four tires,
or at least both of the front or rear
tires be replaced at a time as a set.
See ºIf you have a flat tireº in Part
4 for tire change procedure.
When a tire is replaced, the wheel
should always be balanced.
An unbalanced wheel may affect ve-
hicle handling and tire life. Wheels
can get out of balance with regular
use and should therefore be balanced
occasionally.
When replacing a tubeless tire, the
air valve should also be replaced
with a new one. Rotating tires

4RUNNER (1998)
To equalize tire wear and help ex-
tend tire life, Toyota recommends
that you rotate your tires approxi-
mately every 12000 km (7500 miles).
However, the most appropriate tim-
ing for tire rotation may vary ac-
cording to your driving habits and
road surface conditions.
See ºIf you have a flat tireº in Part
4 for tire change procedure.
When rotating tires, check for uneven
wear and damage. Abnormal wear is
usually caused by incorrect tire pres-
sure, improper wheel alignment, out-
of- balance wheels, or severe braking. WHEN TO USE SNOW TIRES OR
CHAINS
Snow tires or chains are recom-
mended when driving on snow or
ice.
On wet or dry roads, conventional
tires provide better traction than snow
tires.
SNOW TIRE SELECTION
If you need snow tires, select the
same size, construction and load
capacity as the original tires on
your Toyota.
Do not use tires other than those
mentioned above. Do not install
studded tires without first checking lo-
cal regulations for possible restric-
tions.SNOW TIRE INSTALLATION
Snow tires should be installed on
all wheels.
Installing snow tires on the front
wheels only can lead to an excessive
difference in road grip capab
ility be-
tween the front and rear tires which
could cause loss of vehicle control.
When storing removed tires, you
should store them in a cool dry place.
Mark the direction of rotation and be
sure to install them in the same direc-
tion when replacing.
Installing snow tires
and chains

4RUNNER (1998)
CAUTION
Do not drive with the snow
tires incorrectly inflated.
Never drive over 120 km/h (75
mph) with any type of snow
tires.
TIRE CHAIN SELECTION
Use the tire chains of correct size.
Regulations regarding the use of
tire chains vary according to loca-
tion or type of road, so always
check them before installing chains.
CHAIN INSTALLATION
Install the chains on the rear tires
as tightly as possible. Do not use
tire chains on the front tires. Re-
tighten chains after driving 0.5Ð1.0
km (1/4Ð1/2 mile).
When installing chains on your tires,
carefully follow the instructions of the
chain manufacturer.
If wheel covers are used, they will be
scratched by the chain band, so re-
move the covers before putting on the
chains.
CAUTION
Do not exceed 50 km/h (30
mph) or the chain manufactur-
er 's recommended speed limit,
whichever is lower.
Drive carefully avoiding bumps,
holes, and sharp turns, which
may cause the vehicle to bounce.
Avoid sharp turns or locked-
wheel braking, as use of chains
may adversely affect vehicle
handling.
Replacing wheels
WHEN TO REPLACE YOUR WHEELS
If you have wheel damage such as
bending, cracks or heavy corrosion,
the wheel should be replaced.
If you fail to replace damaged wheels,
the tire may slip off the wheel or they
may cause loss of handling control.
WHEEL SELECTION
When replacing wheels, care should
be taken to ensure that the wheels
are replaced by ones with the same
load capacity, diameter, rim width,
and offset.
Correct replacement wheels are avail-
able at your Toyota dealer.
A wheel of a different size or type
may adversely affect handling, wheel
and bearing life, brake cooling,
speedometer/odometer calibration,
stopping ab ility, headlight aim, bumper
height, vehicle ground clearance, and
tire or snow chain clearance to the
body and chassis.

4RUNNER (1998)
Replacement with used wheels is not
recommended as they may have been
subjected to rough treatment or high
mileage and could fail without warning.
Also, bent wheels which have been
straightened may have structural dam-
age and therefore should not be used.
Never use an inner tube in a leaking
wheel which is designed for a tube-
less tire. Aluminum wheel precautions
After driving your vehicle the first
1600 km (1000 miles), check that
the wheel nuts are tight.
If you have rotated, repaired or
changed your tires, check that the
wheel nuts are still tight after driv-
ing 1600 km (1000 miles).
When using tire chains, be careful
not to damage the aluminum
wheels.
Use only the Toyota wheel nuts
and wrench designed for your alu-
minum wheels.
When balancing your wheels, use
only Toyota balance weights or
equivalent and a plastic or rubber
hammer.
As with any wheel, periodically
check your aluminum wheels for
damage. If damaged, replace im-
mediately.

4RUNNER (1998)
BRAKES
Minimum pedal clearance when de-
pressed with the pressure of 490 N (50
kgf, 110 lbf) with the engine running,
mm (in.): 75 (2.9)
Pedal freeplay, mm (in.): 3Ð6 (0.12Ð0.24)
Pad wear limit, mm (in.): 1.0 (0.04)
Lining wear limit, mm (in.): 1.0 (0.04)
Parking brake adjustment when pulled
with the force of 196 N (20 kgf, 44 lbf): 7Ð9 clicks
Fluid type: SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT
3
STEERING
Wheel freeplay: Less than 30 mm (1.2 in.)
Power steering fluid type: Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON II or III Tires
Tire size
Tire pressure
kPa (kgf/cm 2
or bar, psi)
Front Rear
P265/70R16
P225/75R15 220 (2.2, 32) 220 (2.2, 32)
200 (2.0, 29) 200 (2.0, 29) Wheel size
7J
16 *
1
7JJ16 *
2
7J
15 *
1
7JJ15 *
2
* 1
: Vehicles with steel wheels
* 2
: Vehicles with aluminum wheel
Wheel nut torque, N
Vm (kgf Vm, ft Vlbf):
110 (11.5, 83)

4RUNNER (1998)
Uniform tire quality grading
This information has been prepared in
accordance with regulations issued by
the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration of the U.S. Department
of Transportation. It provides the pur-
chasers and/or prospective purchasers
of Toyota vehicles with information on
uniform tire quality grading.
Your Toyota dealer will help answer
any questions you may have as you
read this information.
DOT quality gradesÐAll passenger
vehicle tires must conform to Fed-
eral Safety Requirements in addition
to these grades. These quality
grades are molded on the sidewall.
Treadwear ÐThe treadwear grade is a
comparative rating based on the wear
rate of the tire when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example,
a tire graded 150 would wear one and
a half (1- 1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of
their use, however, and may depart
significantly from the norm due to
variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road char-
acteristics and climate. Traction A, B, C
ÐThe traction
grades, from highest to lowest, are A,
B, and C, and they represent the
tire's ability to stop on wet pavement
as measured under controlled condi-
tions on specified government test
surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A
tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
Warning: The traction grade assigned
to this tire is based on braking
(straight ahead) traction tests and
does not include cornering (turning)
traction.
Temperature A, B, C ÐThe tempera-
ture grades are A (the highest), B,
and C, representing the tire's resis-
tance to the generation of heat and its
ability to dissipate heat when tested
under controlled conditions on a speci-
fied indoor laboratory test wheel. Sus-
tained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and
reduce tire life, and excessive temper-
ature can lead to sudden tire failure.
The grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Mo-
tor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109.
Grades B and A represent higher lev-
els of performance on the laboratory
test wheel than the minimum required
by law. Warning: The temperature grades for
this tire are established for a tire that
is properly inflated and not over-
loaded. Excessive speed, underinfla-
tion, or excessive loading, either sepa-
rately or in combination, can cause
heat buildup and possible tire failure.