Spare wheel on Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 120 located under the bottom of the car - this is a standard solution for many SUVs, allowing you to save space in the trunk. However, this storage method creates additional difficulties when it is necessary to replace a wheel in the field. If you have never removed the spare tire Prado 120, the process may not seem obvious: where is the release mechanism located, how to lower the wheel correctly so as not to damage the mounts, and what to do if the spare tire is jammed?

In this article we will analyze the process of removing a spare tire on Toyota Prado 120 (2002–2009) step by step - from preparing tools to final installation of the jack. We will pay special attention to typical mistakes that can lead to cable breakage, loss of nuts or even car falling off a jack. You will also learn how to avoid corrosion of the release mechanism and what to do if the spare wheel does not lower due to rust.

The instructions are valid for all modifications Prado 120, including gasoline (1GR-FE, 2UZ-FE) and diesel (1KD-FTV) versions. If your car is equipped electric spare tire lowering (optional for some markets), the algorithm will be different - we will also mention this.

Preparation: Tools and Safety Precautions

Before you begin removing the spare tire, make sure that the vehicle is parked flat and hard surface. If you are on the side of the road, turn on your hazard lights and place a warning triangle at least 15 meters away (in the city) or 30 meters (outside the city).

You will need:

  • 🔧 Balloon wrench (usually included with the car, located in the trunk under the floor).
  • 🔩 17 mm socket wrench (to unscrew the spare tire mounting bolt).
  • 🛠️ Jack (use only original or certified Prado 120).
  • 🧤 Gloves (the escapement mechanism is often dirty and the metal parts may be sharp).
  • 💡 Flashlight (if you work in the dark or in poor visibility conditions).
  • 🧴 WD-40 or similar lubricant (if the mechanism is rusty).
⚠️ Attention: Never try to remove the spare tire Prado 120, if the car is parked on a slope or soft ground (sand, gravel, grass). This may lead to breaking the jack and serious injuries. As a last resort, place wheel chocks or heavy objects (stones, logs) under the wheels.

Before starting work, check:

  • 🔋 Availability spare wheel (sometimes previous owners remove it to save weight).
  • 🔄 Condition escapement cable - if it is torn or severely corroded, do not take risks, but contact service.
  • 🔧 Performance jack (check if it rises smoothly and if there are any gaps).
📊Where do you store your tire changing tools?
In the trunk of a car
In the garage
At home in the pantry
I don't know where they are
Another option

Where is the spare wheel release mechanism on the Prado 120?

On Toyota Prado 120 The spare wheel is mounted under the floor in the rear of the car, just behind the rear bumper. The release mechanism is located right (in the direction of travel) and hidden by a plastic plug. To access it:

  1. Open the rear trunk door.
  2. Lift the carpet in the trunk - under it you will see a hatch with a handle (usually black).
  3. Pull the hatch handle up to open access to square mechanism socket (for the key).

You need to insert it into the slot wheel wrench (the same one that comes with the car) and turn it counterclockwiseto lower the spare tire. If the key does not go in or turns, the mechanism may be rusty - we will talk about this in one of the following sections.

Important: on some versions Prado 120 (for example, for the Middle East market) the release mechanism can be electric. In this case, instead of a square socket, you will see a button or switch. It is usually located next to the 12V socket in the trunk. If you have such a modification, the algorithm for removing the spare tire will be simpler:

  1. Turn on the ignition (do not start the engine).
  2. Press and hold the spare tire release button (usually 3-5 seconds).
  3. The wheel will lower automatically.
What to do if the spare wheel release mechanism does not respond to the key?

If the key turns or won't turn, try the following steps:

1. Treat the mechanism socket with WD-40 and wait 10–15 minutes.

2. Try to turn the key with force, but without jerking.

3. If the mechanism is completely jammed, do not use force - contact service so as not to break the cable.

Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the spare tire from a Prado 120

Now let's move on to the process itself. Follow the instructions strictly step by step to avoid mistakes:

  1. Lower the spare tire:
    • Insert the wheel wrench into the square slot of the mechanism.
    • Turn the key counterclockwise (usually 10-15 turns required).
    • The wheel will begin to descend. If it gets stuck, shake the car slightly or press the wheel with your hand.
  2. Remove the wheel from under the car:
    • When the wheel goes all the way, pull it towards you and to the side (to the left in the direction of travel).
    • If the wheel does not come out, check whether it is completely lowered - sometimes the cable gets stuck in the lowest position.
  • Disconnect the mount:
    • Turn the wheel over and you will see central nut (usually 17 mm).
    • Unscrew it with a socket wrench (the nut may be too tight, so use a lever).
    • Remove the metal bracket holding the wheel.

    If the wheel has not been removed for a long time, the nut and bracket may be covered with rust. In this case:

    • Process the connection WD-40 or similar lubricant.
    • Wait 10-15 minutes, then try unscrewing again.
    • If the nut does not budge, do not use excessive force - it is better to contact a service center so as not to strip the thread.

    ☑️ Checklist before installing the spare tire

    Done: 0 / 4

    After removing the spare tire, inspect:

    • 🔍 Rope condition - if it is rusty or has burrs, replace it.
    • 🔧 Center nut thread - if it is damaged, the wheel may fall off while driving.
    • 🛞 Spare tire pressure (must be at least 2.5–3.0 atm for Prado 120).
    ⚠️ Attention: If you notice that release cable is torn or frayed, do not lift the wheel back to this state! This may lead to wheel falling off while driving and creating an emergency situation. Temporarily secure the spare tire in the trunk and replace the cable as soon as possible.

    Typical problems and their solutions

    When removing the spare tire Toyota Prado 120 owners often face the following problems:

    Problem Reason Solution
    The key turns but the wheel does not go down The mechanism or cable is rusty Apply WD-40, wait, try again. If it doesn’t help, disassemble the mechanism.
    The wheel is lowered, but does not come out of the mount The bracket is jammed or the nut cannot be unscrewed Rock the wheel sideways and apply lubricant to the nut. If necessary, use a key extension.
    After removal the wheel does not come back up Broken cable or broken spring Do not use the mechanism until repaired! Secure the wheel in the trunk.
    Electric release does not work The fuse is blown or the motor is faulty Check fuse F20 (10A) in the block under the hood. If it doesn’t help, diagnostics in the service.

    One of the most common problems is corrosion of the escapement mechanism. If the car is driven in high humidity conditions or is frequently pressure washed, water will enter the mechanism, causing rust. To avoid this:

    • 🚿 After washing the car, blow out the release mechanism with compressed air.
    • 🧴 Treat the cable and mechanism socket every six months silicone grease (it repels water).
    • 🔧 Check the operation of the mechanism every 10,000 km.

    Critically important: if you notice that the escapement cable has begun to fray (individual threads rust and break), replace it immediately. Average cost of a new cable for Prado 120 - about 1,500–2,500 rubles, and the consequences of its breakage while driving can cost tens of times more.

    How to put the spare tire back

    After replacing the wheel, you must return the spare tire to its place. This process is similar to withdrawal, but has several nuances:

    1. Raise the wheel:
      • Make sure the bracket and nut are in place.
      • Insert the wheel into the groove under the bottom (it should fit at an angle).
      • Turn the wheel wrench clockwiseto raise the wheel.
    2. Tighten the nut:
      • When the wheel rests on the bottom, tighten the central nut with a 17 mm wrench.
      • Do not overtighten - a force of 20–25 Nm is sufficient.
  • Check commit:
    • Shake the car - the wheel should not be loose.
    • Make sure that the cable is tensioned and that the mechanism does not make any extraneous sounds.

    If the wheel does not rise or rises jerkily, this is a sign:

    • 🔧 Cable wear (needs replacement).
    • 🧊 Frozen grease (relevant in winter - warm up the mechanism with a hairdryer).
    • 🔩 Bent guide roller (requires disassembly of the mechanism).
    💡

    If the spare wheel is loose after installation, check the condition of the rubber dampers in the mount. Over time, they become tanned and crumble. Replace them with new ones (part number for Prado 120: 42608-60030).

    Maintenance of the spare tire release mechanism

    To ensure that the spare wheel release mechanism is on Toyota Prado 120 served for a long time, follow these recommendations:

    • 📅 Every 6 months (or before the winter season) lubricate the cable and guides silicone grease.
    • 🚿 After washing the car blow out the mechanism with compressed airto remove moisture.
    • 🔧 Check once a year cable tension - if it sags, tighten it or replace it.
    • 🛠️ If you noticed creaking or jamming, disassemble the mechanism, clean it from dirt and lubricate it.

    Best used for lubrication silicone compounds (for example, Liqui Moly Silicon-Spray), since they:

    • They do not attract dust.
    • Repel water.
    • Do not destroy rubber seals.

    If the mechanism is already rusty, you can try to restore it:

    1. Remove the plastic plug in the trunk.
    2. Clean the cable and rollers with a wire brush.
    3. Process rust converter (for example, Hi-Gear HG5717).
    4. Apply new grease.
    ⚠️ Attention: If the release cable is torn or has more than 3-4 broken threads, don't take risks - replace it completely. Remember that the spare tire weighs about 20–25 kg, and its fall while driving can cause an accident.

    What to do if the spare tire cannot be removed

    If you followed the instructions, but the spare tire still cannot be removed, here is the procedure:

    1. Check if the wheel is completely lowered:
      • Sometimes the cable gets stuck in the lowest position. Try lifting the wheel slightly by hand and lowering it again.
    2. Lubricate the mechanism:
      • If the key does not turn, generously water the mechanism socket WD-40 or PB Blaster.
      • Wait 15-20 minutes, then try again.
    3. Use a key extension:
      • If the mechanism is stuck, put a pipe on the wheel wrench to increase the leverage.
      • Do not use excessive force - it is better to contact service.
  • Disassemble the mechanism (as a last resort):
    • Remove the plastic plug in the trunk.
    • Unscrew the bolts securing the mechanism (you will need a 10 or 12 mm wrench).
    • Clean and lubricate the cable, rollers and guides.

      • If all else fails, and the wheel needs to be removed urgently (for example, on the road), you can try the following method:

      1. Jack up the car from the rear (under the rear axle).
      2. Using a pry bar or crowbar, carefully pry the wheel from underneath.
      3. At the same time turn the release key.

      This method is risky - if the wheel comes off, it can damage the bumper or injure you. Use it only in a desperate situation!

      💡

      If the spare tire release mechanism is on Prado 120 jammed, do not use brute force. In 80% of cases, the problem is solved with lubrication and patience. If the cable is torn, do not take risks, but secure the wheel in the trunk and go to a service center.

      FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the spare tire on the Prado 120

      Is it possible to drive a Prado 120 without a spare wheel?

      Technically yes, but this unsafe. Spare on Prado 120 weighs about 20-25 kg, and its absence changes the weight distribution, which can affect handling off-road. In addition, without a spare tire you will be left with no options in case of a puncture. If you removed a wheel to save weight, replace it with repair kit (for example, RunFlat or tire sealant).

      What is the size of the spare wheel on Prado 120?

      Standard spare tire Toyota Prado 120 has the size 265/70 R16 (for most modifications). However, on some versions (for example, with factory rubber 265/65 R17) the spare tire can be a “renewable” one - already of a standard size. Check the markings on the wheel or in the owner's manual.

      What to do if the release cable breaks?

      If the cable breaks, don't use the mechanism — the wheel may fall while driving. Workaround:

      1. Secure the spare tire in the trunk (for example, with straps).
      2. Contact the service to replace the cable (original article number: 42607-60020).

    The cost of replacing a cable at a service center is about 3,000–5,000 rubles (including labor).

    How often should the spare tire release mechanism be checked?

    It is recommended to check the operation of the mechanism every 10,000 km or before long trips. Also inspect the cable and fastenings:

    • After strong impacts on the bottom (for example, off-road).
    • After pressure washing.
    • Before the winter season (cold and salt accelerate corrosion).
    Is it possible to install a Prado 150 spare tire on a Prado 120?

    It can be physically installed, but there are some nuances:

    • Spare wheel mounting size Prado 120 and Prado 150 different.
    • Spare wheel from Prado 150 may be heavier, which will increase the load on the escapement mechanism.
    • If you are planning such a replacement, check compatibility using the VIN code or contact your dealer.