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Can I plug it?

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Old Jan 6, 2010 | 08:55 PM
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Default Can I plug it?

Starting to do some things to the Vette...getting set for Vararam install and front fascia removal on the quest from the original build sheet.

Well I finally found out why the tire kept loosing air, it showed up on the DIC about a week before we put her to bed for the winter.

Got the tire off today...found this doozy.



Never had any dealings with runflats...can it be plugged/patched?

Should I just take it to a Goodyear place? What say C5 Gen?

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Old Jan 6, 2010 | 08:57 PM
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Yes, take it to a GY shop that knows how to patch runflats.
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Old Jan 6, 2010 | 08:59 PM
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Originally Posted by Patches
Yes, take it to a GY shop that knows how to patch runflats.
Many thanks
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Old Jan 6, 2010 | 09:00 PM
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Looks like the rubber still has good life left, otherwise you may want to plug it yourself. I have done mine several times in the driveway with no problems.
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Old Jan 6, 2010 | 09:02 PM
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But Never Trust it Again on High Speed, High Lateral Loading Situations!


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Old Jan 6, 2010 | 09:10 PM
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Originally Posted by Nick1
Looks like the rubber still has good life left, otherwise you may want to plug it yourself. I have done mine several times in the driveway with no problems.
10k on the tires...that would be the right rear.
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Old Jan 6, 2010 | 09:12 PM
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Yes you can plug it, If it were me I would take it in and have it patched from the inside, Either way you will lose your high speed rating.
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Old Jan 6, 2010 | 09:13 PM
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DIY plugs are OK for fixing grocery-getter Cavalier tires but if you ever want the confidence to do sustained highway speeds with that tire again, take it to a certified runflat repair shop. They'll fix it the way GY recommends.
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Old Jan 6, 2010 | 09:18 PM
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I prefer an inside patch myself. A plug can be done on the road to get you to a good tire shop.
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Old Jan 6, 2010 | 09:29 PM
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Alright, there is a GY place in town, I'll take it up to them.
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Old Jan 6, 2010 | 09:31 PM
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I'd patch it rather than plug it!
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Old Jan 6, 2010 | 09:47 PM
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Yes, the runflats can be repaired using a plug and patch method. A competent tire shop should know exactly how to do that.
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Old Jan 6, 2010 | 09:50 PM
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Thanks as always! I'm never disappointed here, any idea of an approximate cost for the patch method? Just want to make sure I don't get hosed.
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Old Jan 7, 2010 | 12:05 AM
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I'd go for the patch as long as it is going to be street/highway driving. Should be fine for anything even remotely legal!! Now I just did a DIY plug on my RR,,,but ONLY because they are on their last legs and will be replaced VERY soon and will see local driving!!
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Old Jan 7, 2010 | 12:27 AM
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Any tire can be patched or pluged in the tread area. A run flat has a hard sidewall, but the tread area is the same. As someone that worked in a shop and drove a wrecker for over 14 yrs, I would stay away from over the counter type plug kits that you can buy at walmart. They are not the same as the ones i used in the shop. I would also stay away from a patch. They do work, for a while. I have never seen or heard of one lasting the life of the tire. A quality plug will bond and become a part of the tire and will outlast the life of the tire. We used these plugs on the rear tires of the wreckers and never had an issue.
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Old Jan 7, 2010 | 12:54 AM
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Originally Posted by AU Eagle
Thanks as always! I'm never disappointed here, any idea of an approximate cost for the patch method? Just want to make sure I don't get hosed.
I have had GYRFs repaired at Discount Tire more times than I care to recount. They charged me about $10 for everything.

The GYRFs can be repaired up to 3 times pre tire if the punctures are over 90-degrees apart and on different treads. Michelin ZPs like what I have now can only be repaired once per tire (true of most non-GY runflats - some do not even allow a single repair).
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Old Jan 7, 2010 | 05:19 AM
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Originally Posted by Mr.Bill
Yes you can plug it, If it were me I would take it in and have it patched from the inside, Either way you will lose your high speed rating.
Its in the tread and wont affect the sidewall
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Old Jan 7, 2010 | 08:29 AM
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Originally Posted by AU Eagle
Thanks as always! I'm never disappointed here, any idea of an approximate cost for the patch method? Just want to make sure I don't get hosed.
I use Discount Tire here in Arizona. I've taken several cars in over the years for tire repairs and have never been charged, even when I hadn't purchased the tires from them. I had a runflat on my wifes car patched and didn't get charged either. I do get new tires there, just because of that type of customer service.

Nick
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Old Jan 7, 2010 | 08:39 AM
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No, only plug when there is no other option!

The best thing to do is have it patched from the inside by a competent tire shop - when you plug a tire there is always the "HIGH" probability of tread seperation due to air getting between the layers of tread and wire weave

I've seen this happen way to many times and a tire shread - I have gone througha full tire course @ BF Goodrich and please just take it to a shop and have it patched, should be around $20 tops

Thanks,Matt
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Old Jan 7, 2010 | 09:03 AM
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Originally Posted by Patches
DIY plugs are OK for fixing grocery-getter Cavalier tires but if you ever want the confidence to do sustained highway speeds with that tire again, take it to a certified runflat repair shop. They'll fix it the way GY recommends.
Correctamundo. While you MAY never have a problem with a plug- its meant as a temp fix. An internal patch is the only CORRECT way to repair a puncture- assuming its less than 1/4 in diameter. If they tell you runflats can't be patched- grab your keys-say thank you- and go to another shop.

Just a humble tire store mgr's suggestion.
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