Factory equipment

A wheel is a part of a car. It allows the car to move and transfers the vertical load of the vehicle to the ground. Softens mechanical impacts, dampens vibrations from contact with the road. The maneuverability, controllability, and aerodynamics of the car depend on the wheel.

In Toyota assembly shops, cars are equipped with wheels of the original, factory configuration. When engineers develop a car model, they know what requirements it will meet. On the Toyota RAV4, the wheel size meets the requirements of a parquet SUV.

Crossover modifications are divided into 5 generations. Each is equipped with its own standard wheels.

Wheel size by generation:

• the first - since 1994 16 inches;
• the second - from 2001 17 inches, from 2005 - 18;
• third - 18 inches;
• fourth and fifth - from 2021 18-19 inches.

All versions use stamped wheels as standard. Changing them to cast and forged ones is acceptable.

Wheel size Rav 4 5th generation

The bolt pattern (PCD) on new Toyota SUVs is similar to that on cars from previous years of production – 5×114.3. The diameter of the drill in the center is left the same - 60.1. The tightening torque of the nuts is 103 N*m. Options for combinations of wheel and tire sizes for the 5th generation Toyota Rav 4 (these combinations take into account both front-wheel drive vehicles and all-wheel drive versions of the Japanese SUV):

• 225/65R17 7Jx17;
• 235/55R19 7.5Jx19;
• 225/60R18 7Jx18.

The standard tire pressure is 2.4.

Main settings

The manufacturer indicates the wheel parameters in the technical passport of the vehicle. To understand the letter and numerical designations, we understand the components of the wheel:

• The disk is a structural element; a tire is mounted on it. It is connected to the rim and transmits the rotation of the axle to the tire.
• Hub - needed to mount the disk on the axle.
• Rim – connects the tire to the disk.
• Reach - wheel protrusion. The smaller it is (in mm), the more the wheel protrudes outward. The higher the protrusion value, the deeper the disc is recessed into the machine.

If we take the 2014 Toyota RAV4 modification, the standard parameters are deciphered by components.

Tire 225/65 R17:

• 225 – tire width, in mm;
• 65 – ratio of profile height to width, in%;
• R17 - tire diameter, in inches. R – denotes radial type.

Disc 7 x 17 ET39:

• 7 – rim width, in inches;
• 17 – rim diameter, in inches;
• ET39 – offset value.

PCD (Drilling): 5*114.3 – number of holes for fastening*circle diameter of their centers.

What tire sizes does the manufacturer recommend to install?

The manufacturer gives fairly clear recommendations regarding the installation of tires of certain sizes. For 2021, current models are equipped with the following modifications:

• PCD 4*100 with a diameter of 14-17 inches and a profile width from 5.5 to 6.5;
• PCD 4*114.3 with a diameter from 16 to 18 inches and a profile width from 6 to 7.5.

It should be noted that the modifications listed above are installed on different machines. Important factors are the year of manufacture, as well as the type of engine installed. It is advisable to study the recommended parameters in advance. This is the only way to prevent standard installation errors. It should be noted: using tires more widely or more than specified by the manufacturer can cause serious problems.

Most frequently encountered:

• deterioration in controllability;
• damage to the car itself;
• increased load on the vehicle chassis.

It is important to note: the more the wheel weighs, the more difficult it will be to maneuver. Moreover, the absence or presence of power steering does not matter. It is worth noting: the presence of a heavy wheel leads to increased fuel consumption. Sometimes up to 100 g for every 100 km of travel. Using larger, heavier tires can reduce handling.

The car itself may also be damaged. For example, when installing rubber whose width is significantly larger than the standard one, it begins to scrape against the surface of the fender liner. As a result, it is damaged. The wheel tread often suffers. If the car owner plans to install wheels of a non-standard diameter, then it is advisable to try on a wheel of a similar diameter before purchasing. This will make sure it fits.

The use of oversized wheels can also cause rapid failure of various elements of the chassis. For example, the load on the wheel bearings increases significantly. The first sign of their failure is extraneous noise.

When to replace wheels and tires

The condition of the wheels is a constant concern for the driver. Change tires, rims or the entire wheel.

Tires provide connection between the car and the road surface. They expel water and soil from under the wheel at the point of contact with the road. They provide traction and help control vehicles.

The outer part of the tire, the tread, serves these purposes. The relief pattern absorbs friction and mechanical impacts from impacts. This is how the tread saves the tire.

In the off-season, tires are changed: winter - for summer, and vice versa.

The difference between seasonal tires is the size and tread pattern.

On winter tires it is rough, deep, with studs, which ensures good contact with slippery roads. Replacing seasonal tires is prescribed in the traffic rules, and inspectors monitor compliance.

But tires are changed for other reasons:

• Tire wear. The protectors have worn off and become 1.6 mm. This is a critical indicator, after which you cannot ride on tires. “Bald” tires will not hold the car on a wet road. Measure the tread height with a device or at a service station.
• Uneven wear. When tire pressure is not monitored, the edges or center of the treadmill wear out. If one side is worn, the wheel alignment is off. Unevenly worn tires affect the vehicle's directional stability. This is a common cause of accidents.
• Mechanical damage. During use on bad roads, tires get holes and ruptures. The cord is exposed and the frame delaminates. These tires are replaced.
• Tire age. The state standard determines the service life of tires at 5 years. The protector may not yet wear off, but exposure to sunlight, temperature changes, and chemical reagents lead to loss of elasticity. Such a tire will not save you on a winter road.
• Geometry violation. When the cord is deformed, the car shakes, throws from side to side, and an emergency situation is possible. The cord runs along the edge of the tire and holds the tire to the rim. The geometry is checked as follows: run the wheel on a flat surface. If it rolls to the side, the tire is disposed of.

Discs are changed when they receive mechanical damage on a bumpy road or if you want to change the appearance of the car. Their condition is affected by reagents and “meeting” with curbs.

What kind of wheels can be installed on Toyota RAV4

The abbreviation in the name of the crossover “RAV” means that the car is intended for recreation and hiking. “4” – four-wheel drive.

There are special requirements for the wheels of such machines.

What kind of disks are there:

• Stamped - the most common option, comes as standard for the Toyota RAV4. They do not split when they fall into a hole, and if they bend, they are easy to repair. These discs are made of steel. Disadvantage: heavy weight. And the unsightly appearance is covered with caps.
• Cast light alloys - lighter in weight than stamped ones, made of aluminum and magnesium alloy. When they fall into a hole, they split and cannot be restored. Outwardly they are attractive, manufacturing technology helps to give them any shape. Thermally conductive material cools the brake system well. Light alloy wheels are more expensive than stamped ones.
• Forged ones are light and durable. They do not crack when the wheel falls into a hole. But all the impact energy falls on the suspension. The choice of configuration is limited by manufacturing technology. The cost is at the level of light-alloy analogues.

Wheels are selected for the car according to the characteristics recommended by the manufacturer. The car suspension is designed for wheels, so all parameters are observed.

The technical data sheet indicates “native” and acceptable options.

Car owners with RAV4 take larger tires. The wheels are of a different diameter, different offset, smaller tire width. But the PCD must not be violated: the mounting holes of the discs and the car must match perfectly.

When choosing new disks, make sure that the center hole (the central hole of the disks) matches the factory one.

Parameters of standard nuts

In the basic configuration of the Toyota RAV4, alloy wheels are secured with studs and nuts. This is not a universal fastener; it can be replaced with M12x1.25 threaded bolts.

When they are used to replace a rim, make sure that the parameters of the disks (old and new) match. If you replace a stamped disk with a cast one, use longer fasteners, be it bolts or studs. Cast products are thicker than steel.

Also monitor the contours of the recesses in the holes of the disk. They must fit perfectly to the supporting surface of the fastener. It is located immediately under the head of the bolts and nuts, and can be conical or spherical in shape.

If the pressing surface does not line up, when you tighten the bolts and nuts, everything seems to be screwed in securely. But when moving, the seat becomes deformed and crumbles, and the new disk will be irretrievably lost.

Locks are used to prevent wheel theft. In place of one of the fasteners, a bolt with a unique head or a non-standard nut is installed. For RAV4 they are suitable from the Farad 20156SL or McGard 21156 model range. The secrets must have a standard crossover thread size of 12x1.5 mm.

Detailed instructions for DIY replacement

Changing a wheel is a simple operation and is accessible to almost every driver. Its implementation is carried out in several steps:

• park the car on level ground;
• loosen the wheel bolts;
• lift the required part of the car with a jack, having previously secured it with a hand brake and wheel stands for insurance;
• unscrew the bolts;
• remove the wheel;
• install a new one (spare tire or spare tire);
• tighten the fasteners without tightening, it is advisable to apply a lubricant such as lithol to the threads;
• lower the car;
• tighten the bolts to the torque recommended by the manufacturer.

After a few kilometers, it is better to stop and check the tightness of all the bolts on the replaced wheel. To prevent uneven wear on the wheel bearings, the bolts on all wheels must be tightened equally. Why is it advisable to purchase a torque wrench?

What is the effect of installing non-standard dimensions on a Toyota RAV4?

Wheels are changed to improve the appearance of the vehicle (tuning) or to change the dynamic performance of the car.

For a vehicle this does not go unnoticed. The following characteristics change:

• steering response;
• tire grip, tire wear;
• noise level;
• fuel consumption.

Lightweight titanium and aluminum wheels improve vehicle handling and reduce fuel consumption. Tire and wheel sizes are interrelated. Wide tires are suitable for dry asphalt. On a muddy road and snow, the car skids sideways.

Aluminum wheels are softer than steel. Immediately after installation, the material begins to compact and the fasteners weaken. Therefore, after the first trips, the fastenings are tightened with a torque wrench. But without much effort, so as not to tear off the studs.

Tire pressure sensor Toyota Rav 4

One common problem is the pressure sensor. It is installed in all 4 wheels, located next to the valve. It is necessary to remember the presence of such a sensor during installation. Otherwise it may be damaged.

The cost of one sensor is more than 2 thousand rubles. Often the cause of failure is a dead battery. The system simply does not find sensor 4 within range and sends an error message to the panel. The only way to deal with the problem is to turn it off. This can be done in a certified center.

Today, purchasing tires for a Toyota RAW 4 car is an exciting quest. Since there is an extensive list of different models from different brands on sale. It is advisable to buy tires that fit correctly.