Is it possible to plug/patch a run-flat
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,454
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From: The Surgeon General has warned that it's ok to smoke mustangs!
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
Is it possible to plug/patch a run-flat
As the title says, I seem to be losing pressure rapidly in my rear right tire, however I dont see any objects stuck in or protruding. Just curious if it's possible to plug and or patch the "possible" hole or am I screwed and have to purchase a new tire?
TIA,
BAMF AE
TIA,
BAMF AE
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 5,865
Likes: 2
From: Hope, Arkansas - '07 LMB Coupe
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Yes, the EMTs can be patched if the puncture is not close to the sidewall. Just find a tire shop qualified to repair EMTs.
Spray a soapy water solution around the tire and the valve stem and watch for bubbles to find the leak.
Spray a soapy water solution around the tire and the valve stem and watch for bubbles to find the leak.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
From: Loganville Georgia
To patch a run flat you must be certified.
I know this because I had a small screw through the tread in mine. I went to my local Big O tire store and man behind the counter tells me "SURE"! we can patch it.
I drive around back and the manager comes to lok at the car and say's WOOEE!! HOLD IT!! We cannot patch a run flat.
He tells me why so I head straight to the chevy dealer. Hope'ngThey are certified.
$45.00 and two hours later done. I've put at least 4k miles on that tire since. All long road trips.
I know this because I had a small screw through the tread in mine. I went to my local Big O tire store and man behind the counter tells me "SURE"! we can patch it.
I drive around back and the manager comes to lok at the car and say's WOOEE!! HOLD IT!! We cannot patch a run flat.
He tells me why so I head straight to the chevy dealer. Hope'ngThey are certified. $45.00 and two hours later done. I've put at least 4k miles on that tire since. All long road trips.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 10,089
Likes: 14
Actually, they can be patched as many times as necessary, as long as the hole is not too near the sidewalls, or too near another patch. Goodyear's road hazard warranty will pay for a new tire if a second patch is needed and the tire has less than 2/32nds wear. But if you're paying for the patch yourself, you can have it patched as many times as you like.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,119
Likes: 0
From: Eustis Florida
I was told that ribs inside the tire need to be shaved to make the patch seat properly. I'm not quite sure if this is correct though. I was also told that if they did that and you got another puncture in the same spot that because the tire was weakened there already it might not run flat or might run flat for a shorter distance.
I opted to replace. I tried to get in touch with someone at Goodyear to confirm what I was being told, but there customer service isn't open on Sunday. There weren't any Goodyear dealers open in Las Vegas on sunday either. I'm actually glad it happened, I bought Firestone WideOvals and they are way better than the Goodrocks, quieter, ride better and have more grip. The rear tires are on their way.
I opted to replace. I tried to get in touch with someone at Goodyear to confirm what I was being told, but there customer service isn't open on Sunday. There weren't any Goodyear dealers open in Las Vegas on sunday either. I'm actually glad it happened, I bought Firestone WideOvals and they are way better than the Goodrocks, quieter, ride better and have more grip. The rear tires are on their way.
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Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 10,089
Likes: 14
I was told that ribs inside the tire need to be shaved to make the patch seat properly. I'm not quite sure if this is correct though. I was also told that if they did that and you got another puncture in the same spot that because the tire was weakened there already it might not run flat or might run flat for a shorter distance.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 10,089
Likes: 14
Was that the second patch on the same tire? Goodyear says a single properly done patch to an EMT will not reduce the speed rating. They won't speed rate the tire for multiple patches (but that doesn't necessarily mean the tire is unsound). If the tire shop told you different, they didn't know what they were talking about.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,157
Likes: 37
From: North Carolina
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'11-'12
Personally, I would not repair a tire more than once. At the speeds the C6 is capable of, Id rather have peace of mind and replace the tire if it gets a 2nd puncture. But as others have pointed out, a proper repair will not really affect the speed rating, but since the manufacturer cannot exam or control the quality of the repair, they won't endorse a repaired tire as speed rated due to possible legal consequences.. A proper repair consists of a patch-plug, or a plug and separate patch from the inside of the tire, not just the rope like plug stuffed in from the outside. We've done plenty of runflats (including my own at 2 weeks old 
) and they are just fine. Funny coincidence too....every C6 puncture we've fixed has always been the passenger rear tire...go figure.
Here's a few links showing mushroom plugs and proper tire repair.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete....jsp?techid=77
http://patchboy.com/Merchant2/mercha...tegory_Code=PA
http://www.alltiresupply.com/p-15-142.html
http://www.mz3.net/articles/156.html
) and they are just fine. Funny coincidence too....every C6 puncture we've fixed has always been the passenger rear tire...go figure.Here's a few links showing mushroom plugs and proper tire repair.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete....jsp?techid=77
http://patchboy.com/Merchant2/mercha...tegory_Code=PA
http://www.alltiresupply.com/p-15-142.html
http://www.mz3.net/articles/156.html
Last edited by Craigster05; Aug 19, 2007 at 08:10 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,202
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Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 409
Likes: 1
From: Charlotte NC
Picked up a square cement nail that entered the tread and a 45 degree angle. Wasn't sure a plug would hold, but I tried it anyway. It's been 3,000 miles with a couple of high speed road trips, and I've never aired up the tire. Bought the plug kit from Walmart for $6.00.
With all the construction going on in Charlotte, picking up a screw or nail is a pretty common occurance.
Because of potential legal issues, not many tire shops will plug a tire.
With all the construction going on in Charlotte, picking up a screw or nail is a pretty common occurance.
Because of potential legal issues, not many tire shops will plug a tire.
