How to Remove the Undercarriage Spare Tire on a Prado?

[Raphael]

Open the trunk to locate a rotary switch, then turn the cover of this rotary switch to the right. You will see a nut that secures the undercarriage spare tire. Use a nut spinner to rotate the nut clockwise to loosen it. Then pull out the spare tire, rotate the plastic plug in the center of the wheel to remove it, and disconnect the attached cable. At this point, the spare tire is successfully removed.

[LaJayden]

Last year when I drove my Prado into Tibet, I encountered this issue. Actually, the under-mounted spare tire is quite easy to remove. First, locate the L-shaped crank handle in the left storage compartment of the trunk. Squat down at the rear of the vehicle and look underneath—you'll see a small square cover in the middle of the chassis. Pry it open with your key. Insert the crank handle into the square hole of the winch, remembering to turn it slowly counterclockwise. You'll hear the sound of the chain rattling as you turn. While turning, use your hand to support the bottom of the spare tire to prevent it from suddenly dropping and potentially hitting your foot. Here's the key point! Toyota factory models come with anti-theft bolts, so you'll need to use the hexagonal head at the end of the crank handle to insert into the center hole of the spare tire and loosen the anti-theft bolt. If the chain is rusty and stuck, spraying some WD-40 lubricant will make it much easier. Finally, remember to check the tire pressure before reinstalling the spare tire.

[DiKathryn]

We female drivers dread getting our hands dirty when retrieving the spare tire. Here's a clean method: First, lay a cloth in the trunk. Take out the folded dedicated crank handle – there's even a pair of anti-scratch gloves hanging on the small hook inside the left tailgate. Instead of awkwardly crawling under the car, simply use your phone's flashlight to locate the silver reel on the chassis. Insert the crank into the coin-sized hole and turn counterclockwise about ten times. When the spare tire descends to knee height, use your knee to support the tread before fully releasing the chain. Key reminder: There's a rubber plug on the spare tire bracket – you must remove it to access the anti-theft bolt. Forcing it without removing this may damage the bracket. After retrieval, wipe the crank clean and return it to its place, otherwise road bumps may cause rattling noises.

[MaryLynn]

To remove the spare tire from the bottom-mounted carrier on a Prado, follow the procedure: 1. Retrieve the L-shaped tire removal tool from the trunk; 2. Locate the coin-sized metal cover under the rear bumper; 3. Turn counterclockwise until the chain loosens; 4. Release the spare tire by flipping the carrier lock. Special note: Mud and sand during rainy seasons can jam the winch—it's recommended to spray anti-rust lubricant on the chain every six months. When handling the spare tire, grip the side tread grooves with both hands for easiest maneuverability, and keep the steel rim facing outward to prevent paint scratches. After removal, remember to retighten the empty chain to avoid ground dragging and damage during off-road bumps. Newer Prado models feature an anti-detachment hook on the spare tire carrier—always flip open the red safety pin before tire removal.

[LeEvan]

Buddy, I've taken out the spare tire over a hundred times off-roading. Here are three tips for you: Don't stupidly lie on the ground looking for the winch—squat near the rear wheel and look towards the exhaust pipe for a notched cover plate; when turning the crank, do it smoothly like rolling up a car window—sudden force can make the chain gear skip teeth; most importantly, don’t lose the anti-theft bolt! The Prado's spare key is tucked under the VIN stamp—used car buyers, remember to check. The spare tire weighs about 25 kg—flip it 90 degrees sideways when it touches the ground for the easiest pull-out. Modified exhaust note: quad exhaust tips may block the access—remove the tailpipe decorative cover.

[VanIsla]

As a twenty-year auto repair veteran, here are some safety reminders: Always engage the handbrake and shift to Park before removing a tire, and it's best to use wheel chocks against the rear wheels. When using a winch, clean off any mud or sand before inserting tools to prevent grit from jamming the lock mechanism. While turning, hold the crank handle with one hand and support the spare tire with the other to avoid sudden weight release causing the handle to rebound and injure your arm. For older models, consider using a jack to lift the spare tire carrier slightly to relieve chain tension for easier operation. During annual rainy season maintenance, inspect the wire rope for fraying and apply grease to prevent corrosion. Lastly, avoid leaving the spare tire mounted underneath for extended periods; reposition it every six months to prevent bracket deformation.