If a wheel is bent, cracked, severely corroded, or otherwise structurally damaged, it should be replaced rather than repaired for continued use. A defective wheel can prevent the tire from remaining properly seated and may contribute to tire separation or a loss of vehicle control.
Wheel selection
When replacing a wheel on the Toyota Tacoma, make sure the replacement matches the original wheel in essential specifications, including load capacity, diameter, rim width, and inset*. Using a wheel with different dimensions or load characteristics can adversely affect fitment and vehicle handling.
Suitable replacement wheels can be obtained through your Toyota dealer, who can verify that the wheel is appropriate for the vehicle.
*: Inset is also commonly referred to as wheel offset.
Toyota does not recommend using any of the following types of wheels:
- Wheels that differ from the specified size, design, or type
- Used wheels whose previous service history or condition may be unknown
- Bent wheels that have been straightened or otherwise reshaped after damage
When replacing wheels
The wheels fitted to the Toyota Tacoma incorporate tire pressure warning valves and transmitters that communicate with the tire pressure warning system. These components enable the system to monitor tire inflation pressure and provide advance warning when pressure loss is detected.
Whenever one or more wheels are replaced, compatible tire pressure warning valves and transmitters must also be installed so the monitoring system can continue operating correctly.
WARNING
When replacing wheels
- Do not install wheels of a size different from those specified in the Owner's Manual or shown on the certification label. Incorrect wheel dimensions can adversely affect handling and may cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
- Never install an inner tube in a wheel designed for a tubeless tire as a way to compensate for air leakage.
Using an inner tube in this manner may create an unsafe tire and wheel combination and could contribute to an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
When installing the wheel nuts
Never apply oil, grease, or another lubricant to the wheel bolts or wheel nuts. Lubrication changes the tightening characteristics and can cause the nuts to be tightened excessively, which may damage the wheel bolts or disc wheel.
Oil or grease may also reduce the ability of the wheel nuts to remain securely tightened. If the nuts loosen while driving, the wheel could separate from the vehicle and cause a serious accident resulting in death or severe injury. Remove all oil or grease from the wheel bolts and wheel nuts before installation.
Use of defective wheels prohibited
Do not drive with wheels that are cracked, bent, deformed, or otherwise damaged. A defective wheel may allow tire pressure to escape during operation and can compromise the stability of the tire and wheel assembly, potentially leading to an accident.
NOTICE
Replacing tire pressure warning valves and transmitters
- Tire removal, repair, or replacement can affect the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters. Have tire service performed by your Toyota dealer or another qualified repair facility familiar with these components. Replacement tire pressure warning valves and transmitters should be obtained from your Toyota dealer.
- Use genuine Toyota wheels on the Toyota Tacoma whenever replacement is required.
Tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not communicate or operate correctly when installed with non-genuine wheels that are not fully compatible with the system.
Aluminum wheel precautions (if equipped)
- Use only Toyota wheel nuts and wheel nut wrenches designed specifically for the aluminum wheels installed on the vehicle.
- After tires have been rotated, repaired, removed, or replaced, check that the wheel nuts remain properly tightened after driving 1000 miles (1600 km).
- When fitting or using tire chains, take care to prevent the chains or installation tools from scratching, gouging, or otherwise damaging the aluminum wheels.
- When balancing the wheels, use Toyota genuine balance weights or equivalent components, together with a plastic or rubber hammer to avoid damaging the aluminum wheel surface.
