I have BF Goodridge tires in the back 255/60/R15 and last time on the track we noticed a small nail that was bent and partially in the tire. It was about an inch away from the side wall on the thread. We took it out and with soapy water you will see a very tiny bubble every 20 seconds or so . . . I took it to a tire shop, they said it's not repairable but it needs to be replaced. Is that true or is it still repairable?
If it is in the tread it should be able to be repaired. A proper repair will require the tire to be broken down and patched from the inside though.
if they lied to me I'm gonna be upset. I went back on 2 different days and talked to 2 different people. Both took one look and right away said absolutely not repairable.
I can tell you my experience on this.....nice looking tire 80% tread on it got a nail about the same place on my truck...took it to big 10 and they patched it from the inside and all was well for about a week, was leaving work on a very busy four lane and felt this huge bubble on my tire..it was letting air between the layers inside the tire, cost me $225.00 just to get another tire and be able to get home.
Sounds like it is a good candidate for a patch. Take it someplace else and see what they say and ask why it is not repairable if that be the case. Heck I have seen many tires repaired with just a rubber plug that you dont even have to take tire off, just shove it in with supplied tool, not saying that the best way but when you are in a bind it gets you going. Lasted until new tires were needed Have ran into the same situation as Moneymaker as well though
i used this kit before but i would not cut the excess patch/jerky stuff off just leave it on there thats what most shops do thats why it only cost 8-10 bucks for a patch and only takes 2 seconds http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl...s?q=tire+patch+kit&um=1&hl=en&sa=N&tbs=isch:1
DO NOT PLUG IT!!! PLUGS RIP CORDS!!! If it can be repaired, see if you can find tire shop with older man, some still vulcanize but a PATCH on the inside should work. Radials with the flexing is the reason they don`t patch as well as the old bias tires.
if it doesn't leak any more than that (20 seconds) , run it... i had a screw (bigger than a small nail) in a new tire. i ran it untill the head wore off. then it started leaking. i have ...tire pressure sensors...in my tires and the tire would read low about every 4 weeks. i ran it like that untill i bought new tires again... ......
Plugging tires is standard practice around here... Never had any problems plugging my own tires. I'd plug it, cut it off even, and forget about it...
Some places will not plug or repair a tire that has a hole that far to the edge. I guess while driving, it will flex so much it will work the plug out. Personally, a little as it leaks, I would put some rubber cement on a very short screw, screw it in about half way (not into or through the radials, just into the rubber), then grind the head off flush with the tread. It will hold air better and you should get pretty good use out of it. May not pass track inspection.
I plug radials all the time but only in the tread area. State safety inspection in PA allows up to two tread repairs on a tire. They probably consider your leak to be in the sidewall and not repairable due to flexing.
