Fixing Tire Rub on Your Lifted 2020 Toyota 4Runner

How to Address Tire Issues

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner is known for its off-road capabilities and reliability. Many owners modify their trucks with larger tires and lift kits to enhance these capabilities. However, issues can arise with tire fitment and performance, especially in varying weather conditions. As one owner shared: "Lifted with some new wheels Got my TRD ORP Hybrid lifted with some new wheels and tires" (source). Understanding these potential problems and their solutions can help you maintain your 4Runner's performance and safety.

Symptoms

Tire rub is a common symptom, especially after installing larger tires or a lift kit. This occurs when the tire comes into contact with the vehicle's body or suspension components during turns or when the suspension is compressed. You might hear a rubbing sound, or notice wear marks on the tires or the wheel wells.

Another reported symptom is a shaking or vibration, which can be caused by several tire-related issues. An imbalanced tire, improper tire inflation, or even a damaged tire can lead to vibrations that are felt through the steering wheel or the entire vehicle. If the shaking is new and only occurs at certain speeds, this indicates a tire issue.

Performance in snow and slushy conditions can also be indicative of tire problems. If your tires lack adequate tread or are not designed for winter conditions, you may experience reduced traction, difficulty steering, and increased stopping distances. One owner emphasized the importance of proper tires for winter driving: "Even able to jump into the unplowed passing lane to pass up slower cars without worrying about losing traction. I did put it into 4hi in some of the hairier parts, but I feel like the tires definitely did their job as an AT tire." (source).

Finally, keep an eye on the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) light. This light indicates that one or more of your tires has significantly low pressure. While this might simply be due to a slow leak, it could also point to a larger problem, such as a puncture or a faulty TPMS sensor. Ignoring the TPMS light can lead to uneven tire wear and a safety risk.

Most Likely Cause

The primary cause of tire issues in your 2020 Toyota 4Runner, based on owner reports, stems from tire modifications, particularly tire size and type. Many owners choose to install larger or more aggressive tires for off-roading. These modifications are to make it more reliable in various conditions, as TechnikalKP said in a forum: "And now the 5th Gen is what everyone references for reliability. If you listen to some of the folks on these forums, we'd still be in horse drawn wagons arguing over the reliability of those fancy pneumatic tires." (source). When owners chose non-OEM sizes, this impacts performance negatively if not properly accounted for.

However, these changes can sometimes lead to tire rubbing if the tires are too large for the wheel wells or if the vehicle's suspension is not properly adjusted. Choosing the wrong type of tire for specific driving conditions, such as using all-season tires in heavy snow, can also lead to reduced traction and control. Incorrect tire pressure, whether too high or too low, can contribute to uneven wear, poor handling, and even tire failure.

How to Diagnose

Diagnosing tire issues in your 2020 Toyota 4Runner involves a combination of visual inspection, listening for unusual noises, and using basic tools to check tire pressure and tread depth.

Tools Required:

• Tire pressure gauge
• Tread depth gauge or ruler
• Jack and lug wrench (if you need to remove the wheels)
• Flashlight

Step-by-Step Diagnosis:

1. Visual Inspection: Start by visually inspecting all four tires for any signs of damage, such as cuts, bulges, or uneven wear. Pay close attention to the sidewalls and tread area.
2. Check Tire Pressure: Use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure in each tire. Compare the readings to the recommended tire pressure listed on the sticker located on the driver's side doorjamb. Adjust the pressure as needed.
3. Measure Tread Depth: Use a tread depth gauge or ruler to measure the tread depth in multiple locations on each tire. Check how worn the tires are. The minimum legal tread depth is 2/32 of an inch. If your tires are close to or below this limit, they need to be replaced.
4. Inspect for Rubbing: If you suspect tire rubbing, turn the steering wheel fully to both sides and inspect the wheel wells for any signs of contact between the tires and the vehicle's body or suspension components. Look for wear marks or shiny spots.
5. Listen for Noises: Drive your 4Runner at various speeds and listen for any unusual noises, such as rubbing, humming, or vibrations. Try to identify the source of the noise.
6. Check Wheel Balance: If you experience shaking or vibration, your tires may be out of balance. Take your 4Runner to a tire shop to have the wheels balanced.
7. Inspect Suspension Components: If you have a lift kit or modified suspension, inspect all components for damage or wear. Make sure everything is properly installed and tightened.
8. Check the TPMS: If the TPMS light is on, use a scan tool to read the TPMS sensor data. This will help you identify which tire has low pressure or if there is a faulty sensor.

Step-by-Step Fix

Addressing tire issues on your 2020 Toyota 4Runner depends on the specific problem. Here are some common fixes, based on owner experiences:

1. Adjust Tire Pressure: If your tires are over- or under-inflated, adjust the pressure to the recommended level. Use a tire pressure gauge to ensure accurate readings.

2. Rotate Tires: Regular tire rotation helps to ensure even wear. Rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles, following the recommended rotation pattern in your owner's manual.

3. Balance Tires: If you experience shaking or vibration, have your tires balanced at a tire shop. This involves adding small weights to the wheels to ensure they rotate smoothly.

4. Replace Worn Tires: If your tires are worn beyond the legal tread depth limit, or if they have significant damage, replace them with new tires. Consider the type of driving you do most often when selecting new tires. As one owner reported, tires are very important if driving in winter conditions: "If you have a house and live where it decently snows, you should be owning a set of winter steelies for any car all the time. Anything in between is a trade off for folks who live in apartments or store Christmas lights in the garage (so no place for winter tires)." (source).

5. Address Tire Rubbing: If you experience tire rubbing, there are several potential solutions:

   • Trim Wheel Wells: Carefully trim the plastic wheel well liners where the tires are rubbing. Use a utility knife or rotary tool.

   • Install Wheel Spacers: Wheel spacers can push the wheels further out, creating more clearance between the tires and the suspension components.

   • Adjust Suspension: If you have a lift kit, you may need to adjust the suspension to provide more clearance. This may involve installing longer control arms or adjusting the ride height.

   • Downsize Tires: If the rubbing is severe and cannot be resolved with other methods, consider downsizing your tires to a smaller size.

6. Repair or Replace TPMS Sensors: If the TPMS light is on and you have a faulty sensor, replace the sensor with a new one. You may need to use a scan tool to program the new sensor to the vehicle.

7. Check Alignment: Have the alignment checked and adjusted. Misalignment can cause uneven tire wear and poor handling.

Parts and Tools Needed

• New Tires: (If replacing worn tires) Tire size will vary depending on your specific vehicle and modifications. Refer to your owner's manual or consult with a tire professional.
• TPMS Sensor: (If replacing a faulty sensor) Part number will vary depending on your vehicle.
• Wheel Spacers: (If addressing tire rubbing) Size will depend on the amount of clearance needed.
• Utility Knife or Rotary Tool: (If trimming wheel wells)
• Tire Pressure Gauge
• Tread Depth Gauge or Ruler
• Jack and Lug Wrench
• Scan Tool (For reading TPMS data)

Real Owner Costs

• Tire Rotation: Typically costs between $25 and $50 at a tire shop. DIY cost is minimal if you have the necessary tools (jack and lug wrench).

• Tire Balancing: Costs between $10 and $20 per tire at a tire shop. DIY balancing requires specialized equipment and is not recommended.

• New Tires: The cost of new tires varies widely depending on the size, brand, and type of tire. Expect to pay between $150 and $400 per tire. Installation typically costs between $20 and $50 per tire.

• TPMS Sensor Replacement: A new TPMS sensor costs between $50 and $150. Installation and programming typically costs between $50 and $100 per sensor.

• Wheel Alignment: A wheel alignment typically costs between $75 and $150 at an alignment shop.

Prevention

Preventing tire issues on your 2020 Toyota 4Runner involves regular maintenance, careful driving habits, and choosing the right tires for your needs.

• Regular Tire Pressure Checks: Check your tire pressure at least once a month, and before any long trips.

• Regular Tire Rotation: Rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles to ensure even wear.

• Proper Tire Balancing: Have your tires balanced whenever you notice shaking or vibration.

• Avoid Overloading: Do not exceed the vehicle's maximum load capacity, as this can put excessive strain on the tires.

• Careful Driving Habits: Avoid harsh acceleration, braking, and cornering, as these can contribute to premature tire wear.

• Choose the Right Tires: Select tires that are appropriate for the type of driving you do most often. If you live in an area with heavy snow, consider using winter tires.

• Inspect Suspension: Regularly inspect the suspension components for wear or damage.

What Owners Say

Real experiences from TOYOTA owners:

Owner Experiences

"Lifted with some new wheels Got my TRD ORP Hybrid lifted with some new wheels and tires." — HawaiianSpaghettii (source)

"Got my TRD ORP Hybrid lifted with some new wheels and tires. Wescott pre collar lift to level it off" — HawaiianSpaghettii (source)

"When the 5th Gen came out, everyone complained about the lack of reliability since they dropped the v8. And now the 5th Gen is what everyone references for reliability." — TechnikalKP (source)

Pro Tips from Owners

💡 "If you have a house and live where it decently snows, you should be owning a set of winter steelies for any car all the time. Anything in between is a trade off for folks who live in apartments or store Christmas lights in the garage (so no place for winter tires)." — ctjack (source)

Real Repair Costs

"I get that it costs a ton to have a 2nd set of tires but for the amount of $80k trucks I see driving around on all season or AT in the winter? Doesn’t make sense to me." — LordFarthington7 (source)

"I’ve driven 4x4s in the winter that have AT tires and they didn’t even come close. I get that it costs a ton to have a 2nd set of tires but for the amount of $80k trucks I see driving around on all season or AT in the winter?" — LordFarthington7 (source)

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to fix tire rubbing?

A: The time it takes to fix tire rubbing varies depending on the severity of the rubbing and the chosen solution. Trimming wheel wells may take an hour or two, while installing wheel spacers or adjusting the suspension may take several hours. If you are not comfortable performing these tasks yourself, it is best to take your 4Runner to a professional.

Q: Can I drive with tire rub?

A: While you can technically drive with tire rub, it is not recommended. Continued rubbing can damage the tires and the vehicle's body or suspension components. It can also be a safety hazard if the rubbing interferes with steering or braking.

Q: Is this a common issue on the 2020 Toyota 4Runner?

A: Tire issues, particularly tire rubbing, are a common issue on the 2020 Toyota 4Runner, especially for owners who have modified their trucks with larger tires or lift kits.

Q: DIY vs mechanic - what's recommended?

A: Some tire-related tasks, such as checking tire pressure, rotating tires, and replacing TPMS sensors, can be performed by a DIYer with basic tools and knowledge. However, more complex tasks, such as tire balancing, wheel alignment, and addressing tire rubbing, are best left to a professional mechanic or tire shop. As DirtKing747 mentions in a forum, there are resources for owners: "Tinkerer’s Adventure has a YouTube channel with tons of detailed info. Specifically, he has a playlist called “Toyota Suspension” that I think will help you find an answer" (source). Ultimately, the decision of whether to DIY or hire a mechanic depends on your skill level, experience, and comfort level.