Spare Wheel lock nut warning

[spara Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close spara]

We were in Coolah Tops NP over Easter
2 x 150 Prados = 1 with 60k on the clock and one with 2 k
1 X patrol ute
We had a flat tyre in the older Prado not having had to remove the spare in the 60k (so I assume fitted at the factory with a rattle gun) started to do all the normal things chock wheels, loosen wheel nuts, jack up to remove tyre while someone was removing the spare from the rear door. The top two nut came off fine but the lock nut was VERY tight and in trying to remove it it snapped at the base of the hexagon leaving a rounded surface only, leaving an impossible task in the bush. we manged to get out of trouble but taking the spare off the other 150 and driving back to camp we then found two holes in the start of the side wall and did a repair all OK there but the spare is still stuck on the vehical.

So i guess what i am trying to say is if you have not ever removed your spare you should at least ensure the locking nut is not to tight so it can be removed safely.

There is not much metal at the end of the hexagon where it sheared off

The outcome for us was OK but if you had a family or no other similar Vehical and as this was right on dusk it could have been a lot worse

Spara

[Silvo Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Silvo]

This is a good warning too!! i bent mine when i was trying to remove it for the first time, the metal is quite soft, and i didn't "crack" the nut properly, so it just bent. replacement cost is ridiculous.

[DAdeGroot Member Find all posts View Profile Close DAdeGroot]

I too havebent mine and had to get it replaced.

ALWAYS tell your service people to only attach that nut by hand (I forgot on the time it was too tight).

[Guest Close Guest]

There is already a thread about it.
http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...Spare-Lock-Nut.

[Stephen77 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Stephen77]

Guys,

I couldn't get the locking cap back on after changing a tyre, so I must have only just burred it. There is an updated part. Toyota have admitted that the metal the nut is made from is too soft. My was replaced under warranty.

Steve..

[Doctor Dog Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Doctor Dog]

just checked mine
it was the same
Local dealer has never heard of it either ????
booked in for fix on Wednesday

[Riv39 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Riv39]

I'm off for a service tommorow and will also bring this up as my local dealer does not know of it either. I'll be taking that photo from the other thread as a reference for them.

[Riv39 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Riv39]

Well they checked mine and it was not over tight. They undid the bolt then re-torqued it to 43nm so all should be good (I hope).

[Doctor Dog Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Doctor Dog]

Apparently there is a pre-delivery service note to check the torque settings on the spare wheel lock nut back from 90 Nm to 30-40 . Obviously mine missed that or the note came after I picked mine up late Dec 09.
My lock nut is being replaced under warranty.

[vk2ss55 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close vk2ss55]

Spare wheel cover .

What a PITA this thing is ! I firstly couldn't get the catch to unlock so had to pull the cover off with the catch still done up . I tried bending the catch a little so that it would come off but now it won't latch up properly .
Any ideas please ?

Cheers

Ross

[Crisp Image Member Find all posts View Profile Close Crisp Image]

What a PITA this thing is ! I firstly couldn't get the catch to unlock so had to pull the cover off with the catch still done up . I tried bending the catch a little so that it would come off but now it won't latch up properly .
Any ideas please ?

Cheers

Ross

Did you open the door to release the catch? It is an anti theft thing that you have to open the door so the catch releases.
Regards
Crisp Image

[bruggie Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close bruggie]

should have listened..... had a flat tyre tonight with my 3 Month old Prado. Never thought I would need RACV to replace a tyre.... The wheel cover lock nut was impossible to remove and I wrecked the spanner. Luckily someone with better tools assisted. Next challenge was to jack it up. As I was on a hill, the factory jack ket on falling over. Even the RACV guy had difficulties with his garage jack. So, as per the original post TRY TO LOSEN THE LOCK NUT before you're in a difficult situation (in pitch black) like myself.....

[Brains Find all posts View Profile Close Brains]

When I damaged my nut, Toyota replaced it under warranty. I too urge you to get it checked.