C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

How bad is this sidewall damage.

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Old Apr 5, 2019 | 01:09 PM
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Default How bad is this sidewall damage.

I just noticed this and was wondering what I should do.
Not leaking at all.
I think it was from a lovely pothole.
New tire is 160 ish mounted and balanced.
It is mounted RF but I am going to put it RR
Thx

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Old Apr 5, 2019 | 01:19 PM
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That wouldn't bother me in the least, I'd run it to the wear bars, as long as you don't have a vibration and the rim is strait and true.
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Old Apr 5, 2019 | 02:46 PM
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Safety inspection would probably fail it, and require a new tire. I would put it on rear and keep an I on it. If a bubble develops you will need to replace it. Bubble means sidewall is seriously compromised.
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Old Apr 5, 2019 | 02:51 PM
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Probably not too big a concern, but I always err on the side of caution with tires, I've blown out the sidewall on the highway before. $160 is far cheaper than the damage if it were to let go and wrap itself around suspension bits.
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Old Apr 5, 2019 | 02:56 PM
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Will put on rear and monitor closely.
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Old Apr 5, 2019 | 03:12 PM
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Is it reflection or can you see cords in that tire?
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Old Apr 5, 2019 | 03:21 PM
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I'd think 'tire age' needs to be taken into consideration also. That hasn't been mentioned! Tread depth means maybe nothing and also the sidewall damage. Move to the rear - sure

TIRE DATE CODE IS?

Last edited by WVZR-1; Apr 5, 2019 at 03:22 PM.
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Old Apr 5, 2019 | 03:22 PM
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Sidewall only function is to cover and protect the ply
cords from ozone and abrasion damage.

It does not ‘carry a load’. The air in the tire does.

keep that in mind.

if any of those ply cords appear visible (the rubber peeled off) or cut, scrap it.
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Old Apr 5, 2019 | 03:26 PM
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Old Apr 5, 2019 | 03:42 PM
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I wouldnt run it, why take a chance? Cant help but wonder if there was internal damage, there isnt much to those tires
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Old Apr 5, 2019 | 04:06 PM
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If you are not selling it, the question is how much is the risk of failure worth to YOU? IDK if you can move it to the rear? My tires are similar BUT the wheels are different. If you have to dismount 2 tires and sweat it, IMO it isn't worth it but stress to me is different from your perspective
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Old Apr 5, 2019 | 04:20 PM
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I would certainly keep that mark on the outside so you can check it.

if you are unsure if cords or cord rubber / between cords may be damaged..ONT continue to run it
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Old Apr 5, 2019 | 06:54 PM
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Originally Posted by Kevova
Safety inspection would probably fail it, and require a new tire. I would put it on rear and keep an I on it. If a bubble develops you will need to replace it. Bubble means sidewall is seriously compromised.
I agree with this ^

If that mark changes shape or bulges at all, in any way, I'd park it and scrap the tire that second.

But, for cruising around on the street? Probably leave it unless it changes somehow or leaks.
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Old Apr 5, 2019 | 08:46 PM
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that up close pic is ugly man, pretty nasty gash for sure. 160 bucks is cheap really compared to hitting a pot hole and blowing it out. cant be much rubber left there at the bottom of that canyon.
but that's just my 2 cents if you are asking. also i see what looks like a bunch of pin holes around the area,. not safe imho. maybe going for growceries or a beer run and 45 or lower speeds, i sure wouldn't trust it at 100

Last edited by bud40oz; Apr 5, 2019 at 08:47 PM.
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Old Apr 5, 2019 | 09:33 PM
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As long as the gouge doesn't touch the tire cords there isn't any issue. The rubber doesn't provide the strength the cords do. The rubber protects the cords from damage due to impacts and the weather. I once had a gouge that deep on a tire that went all the way around the tire due to a clip that was mounted wrong on the trailing arm of my 71 Vette. The gouge didn't get to the cords and I put about 6 years and 10K miles on the tire before selling the car.

By the way it is better to have a tire fail on the front than it is on the rear. The rear tires provide stability for the car just like the keel/dagger board of a boat provides stability for the boat.

Bill
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Old Apr 6, 2019 | 06:44 AM
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Originally Posted by Bill Dearborn

By the way it is better to have a tire fail on the front than it is on the rear. The rear tires provide stability for the car just like the keel/dagger board of a boat provides stability for the boat.

Bill
This does certainly seem to be the more recent 'thinking' regarding failure but it's a tough mental sell to many. A 'catastrophic' failure of a sidewall I do believe I might prefer on the rear. Much might depend on the vehicle and the 'load' were it me.

OP still hasn't mentioned DATE CODE
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Old Apr 6, 2019 | 07:59 AM
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Do you have road hazard insurance on those tires??
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Old Apr 6, 2019 | 08:19 AM
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As stated, you can still use the tire, but high speed driving would be a no-no in my opinion. Is yours or someone elses life worth the 200 bux it will cost to replace, mount and balance it? For me, Id bite the bullet and swap it out.
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Old Apr 6, 2019 | 09:10 AM
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….. With Treadwear @ 100 , that tire won't be on there very long anyway … must be pretty sticky …..
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Old Apr 6, 2019 | 09:11 AM
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Originally Posted by xrav22
I just noticed this and was wondering what I should do.
Not leaking at all.
I think it was from a lovely pothole.
New tire is 160 ish mounted and balanced.
It is mounted RF but I am going to put it RR
Thx
“What should i do?”... if i noticed it on mine, there wouldn’t be a need for a question what to do...replace it immediately!!! Safety is a must with H.P.
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