Patching Run Flat
Pro
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 545
Likes: 3
From: Carlisle, Iowa
Yes, you can, if it's in the tread, which I assume it is. They will need to dismount tire ( at least one side), lay patch, then remount. Will need to go to tire dealer that can handle runflats.
I had one patched like this 15,000+ miles ago, never know the difference. Good luck.
I had one patched like this 15,000+ miles ago, never know the difference. Good luck.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 182
Likes: 0
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 11,470
Likes: 763
we were at ocean city (md) a couple years ago, and one in our group picked up a nail in her 1998's runflats. after spending a couple hours of heariing, "we can't fix runflats", or "only a goodyear store can fix those", she found a kid working at a garage - he pulled out a plug repair kit, and plugged the thing, without dismounting it. anyway, after almost 2 years, the thing is still holding. not sure if i'd trust a plug on a z-rated tire at 150mph, but for everyday street use, it seems to be working just fine.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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I've had them patched before and they have performed with no problems. Just be sure they use the plug and patch method of repair.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 1
From: LEBANON PA.
Good Year Run Flats
DMOORE,
I had a nail in my tire. Bought the car(01) in new york. Drove a 166 miles to my home.(tire monitor never indicated leakage). Put the car on jacks(to paint mufflers & brake calibers) & found right rear tire had a nail in it.I pulled it out figured it would not leak, started to leak. Pushed it back in & it stopped leaking.I noticed it was in a long time (rust) I took it to a g/y dealer & had it repaired. $36. dollars. The nail went through both liners. They had to hot patch the inner & outer liner.Only problem was they put on the wrong type of wheel weight. Can,t use lead on corvettes wheels. You have to use polyester coated weights in order to prevent corrision.(new weights installed at chevy dealer) I didn,t know this at first until I read it in the shop manual. 6 months have passed no leakage, tire monitor system ok, no vibrations,no rust on wheel.
robsc5vette
I had a nail in my tire. Bought the car(01) in new york. Drove a 166 miles to my home.(tire monitor never indicated leakage). Put the car on jacks(to paint mufflers & brake calibers) & found right rear tire had a nail in it.I pulled it out figured it would not leak, started to leak. Pushed it back in & it stopped leaking.I noticed it was in a long time (rust) I took it to a g/y dealer & had it repaired. $36. dollars. The nail went through both liners. They had to hot patch the inner & outer liner.Only problem was they put on the wrong type of wheel weight. Can,t use lead on corvettes wheels. You have to use polyester coated weights in order to prevent corrision.(new weights installed at chevy dealer) I didn,t know this at first until I read it in the shop manual. 6 months have passed no leakage, tire monitor system ok, no vibrations,no rust on wheel.
robsc5vette
Last edited by robsc501; Jul 2, 2007 at 07:21 AM. Reason: additional info.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 16,795
Likes: 62
From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
others call them a mushroom plug.
an all in one patch/plug combo. done from inside.
the alteranate to polyester coated crimp on weights is stick on weights. Not quite as accurate but a lot less unsightly.
an all in one patch/plug combo. done from inside.
the alteranate to polyester coated crimp on weights is stick on weights. Not quite as accurate but a lot less unsightly.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,332
Likes: 31
From: Silver Spring MD
patching a runflat
I plugged my GY EMT and ran about 20K on it before replacing the tire. Didn't take it to the track but had the car up to 80 or 90 occasionally.
If you are really worried have the tire demounted valcanized with a patch inside and then get it rebalanced.
BIGHANK
If you are really worried have the tire demounted valcanized with a patch inside and then get it rebalanced.
BIGHANK
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Drifting
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,407
Likes: 46
From: Tampa FL
I plugged mine by myself in the garage, took 10 minutes.
The way I see it, runflats are the perfect tire for plugs because if for whatever reason the plug comes out you are not screwed.
I haven't had any trouble since plugging mine.
The way I see it, runflats are the perfect tire for plugs because if for whatever reason the plug comes out you are not screwed.
I haven't had any trouble since plugging mine.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,826
Likes: 39
From: Central NJ
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'08-'10
Plug will work fine, but an inside patch is a better repair. You might have trouble finding a shop to do the work. Runflats are a real PIA to mount and dismount, so most shops shy away from repairing them claiming it's not "safe".
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
You can repair up to 2 holes without losing the rating. As the others have said use a patch and plug repair.
The only caveat is it mustn't have damaged the inside of the sidewall.
The only caveat is it mustn't have damaged the inside of the sidewall.
