Am I screwed??
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,537
Likes: 1,403
From: Bethesda MD
Am I screwed??
Discovered that I picked up some extra hardware on the way to work today:
Its just beyond the tread line expect for maybe in heavy cornering. I'm not not leaking any air and drove home with it as is. I plan to take out it out of the tire in the morning. If it holds pressure, do I still need to get a new tire?
Its just beyond the tread line expect for maybe in heavy cornering. I'm not not leaking any air and drove home with it as is. I plan to take out it out of the tire in the morning. If it holds pressure, do I still need to get a new tire?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,578
Likes: 61
From: Austin TX
I'm not a tire expert. But, I can see the threads of the screw under the rubber, which tells me it's just under the skin. If that's the case, it's just cosmetic. If it penetrated into the belts, not good.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,314
Likes: 4
From: Cape May, NJ; Guntersville, AL; Orange Beach, AL
Time for a new tire. I wouldn't trust ANY sidewall damage on a RF.
Edit: then again I'm not a tire expert. Maybe have it checked out by a tire store.
Edit: then again I'm not a tire expert. Maybe have it checked out by a tire store.
Last edited by gunterwalker; May 6, 2011 at 10:19 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,555
Likes: 1,255
From: Saint Albans, WV
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,578
Likes: 61
From: Austin TX
I agree. But did it penetrate? If a screw went all the way through, I agree. But, just under the skin? I doubt it's a problem. Yeah, yeah, I know, I'm clearly insane and a menace on the road and to society, blah, blah, etc. lol
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Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 27,254
Likes: 136
From: Short Hills, NJ
I'm not sure just how 'thick' that area of Nitto Invos is, that screw looks pretty big (wide) but if the tires have lots of meat in that are it might not be into the inner skin.
Going by the letter of the law on tire repair, that would need to be replaced immediately, especially being a high speed tire on a VERY high speed car.
But going by my personal school of 'waste NOTHING/thiftiness', I'd still find a way to save it LOL.
Pull it out, see if it loses any air (either immediately or overnight) and then flip a coin.
Going by the letter of the law on tire repair, that would need to be replaced immediately, especially being a high speed tire on a VERY high speed car.
But going by my personal school of 'waste NOTHING/thiftiness', I'd still find a way to save it LOL.
Pull it out, see if it loses any air (either immediately or overnight) and then flip a coin.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 27,254
Likes: 136
From: Short Hills, NJ
Even if it does hold air, you also have to stay alert to any possible 'bubbling' or swelling in that area. Moisture or air or both can get in there over time and cause it to bubble out as that's a somewhat common area of the tire where that happens.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 200
From: Bay Area Ca.
Pull the screw out and insert a probe and see if any of the belts were compromised. Looks cosmetic like a glancing blow. As already stated the threads are easily seen. I'd personally would run it but would keep a eye on it for changes. Front tire I would be a little more cautious but still think it is a minor thing.
No expert here just tons of experience having 18 tires on my big rigs over 33 years.
Nothing wrong with taking the safe approach and getting a replacement tire too.
Problem is it is your call no one wants to give you a clear green light and be wrong.
No expert here just tons of experience having 18 tires on my big rigs over 33 years.
Nothing wrong with taking the safe approach and getting a replacement tire too.
Problem is it is your call no one wants to give you a clear green light and be wrong.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,537
Likes: 1,403
From: Bethesda MD
I pulled it out. The sidewall looks normal and the hole sealed itself up. I could not feel any air escape. I measured the screw; it was 5/32" diameter and went in about 5/8", maybe 3/4".
I'll recheck the pressure this afternoon. If I don't see any bubbling, I'll take it for an easy drive and see if any bubbling starts to appear or if pressure drops when the tire is warm.
How would I tell if the belts are broken?
It's been my experience too (no big rigs, just passenger cars). I've just pulled these things out and been on my way, but this is the strangest location.
no doubt. I'm just looking for other's experience.
I'll recheck the pressure this afternoon. If I don't see any bubbling, I'll take it for an easy drive and see if any bubbling starts to appear or if pressure drops when the tire is warm.
Looks cosmetic like a glancing blow. As already stated the threads are easily seen. I'd personally would run it but would keep a eye on it for changes. Front tire I would be a little more cautious but still think it is a minor thing.
No expert here just tons of experience having 18 tires on my big rigs over 33 years.
No expert here just tons of experience having 18 tires on my big rigs over 33 years.
Problem is it is your call no one wants to give you a clear green light and be wrong.
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,470
Likes: 2
From: Portland OR
St. Jude Donor '10-'11-'12
keep an eye on it, if you see a bulge start to develop then trash it... I would also take it to local tire shop that does not sell Nitto's and get an opinion from them... reason I say that does not sell Nitto is because they wont have motivation to try and sell you anything and maybe you'll get an honest answer.. sidewall damage usually is nothing to mess with but if the integriyt of the tire has not been compromised then it should be ok I would think....
another way to look at it..... it could be replaced and kept and used for a spare
another way to look at it..... it could be replaced and kept and used for a spare
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,207
Likes: 147
From: St. Louis MO
"kick the tires and light the fire?!!"
When pulling the offending threaded fastner, would you drop the screw on the pavement and FOD the tarmac, or put the screw in your pocket for later disposal?
Inquiring minds want to know!
Disclaimer, just a former A&P Mechanic goofing on a pilot here.
