rear spare tire

[Kelly]

I may have missed this thread but what are we all doing about a rear spare tire, I have been told that the orig. spare is for the front and if we use it on the back it will damage the diff. and ABS system, are spare rims and tires out their for us to grab some place.

[Brian]

The spare tire is certainly to be considered a temporary spare tire when used on the rear. The same precautions should be used for spare on the rear as one would use with a mini-spare on any corner. Limit speeds. Limit handling forces. Limit miles. Because MM has a limited slip rear axle, when the spare is on the rear, the rear diff. clutch would be slipping at all times. Extended use in this condition will prematurely wear the diff. clutch lining.
Again... When using on the spare on the rear, limit speed to reduce heat buildup in the diff. and get the original sized tire on as soon as possible to preserve diff. clutch life.

ABS should be able to detect the spare on the rear and react accordingly. Be aware that - just like with a mini spare - total brake traction capability is lowered when the spare is on the rear, because there is a smaller tire patch available. Once again, the prudent thing is to drive slowly and anticipate necessary stops and steering maneuvers.

Also, note that the wheel size is identical front to rear. Only the tire size is different.

[Leadfoot]

Look on the side of the tire or the owers manual and look for the max speed. I noticed on a friends minispare several years ago it said 50 mph max on the side of the tire. Something else to consider in addition to Brian's comments.

[Kelly]

Thanks every one