Tire Question--Pinhole leak

mdk5623 · #1 08-06-2006, 08:41 PM

....Heard the dred 'click click click' whilst driving down a narrow alley ...when I stopped and looked, there was a nylon 'bumper' (the thingy that is on the bottom of a chair...) that had embedded in my tire about 3/4" in from the sidewall. I removed it and discovered it has punctured the interior, producing a slow leak of air. Tire is basically brand new--I pulled the nylon thingy off, wire-clipped the nail portion and stuck it back in with some epoxy and needlenose pliers to at least temporarily stop the leak. Filled the tire back to it's proper pressure, and measured the pressure the next day. Tire had lost less than a pound (I'm running 'em highish, 37 psi on fronts, 36 on rears...), but I'm not sure what I should do to permanently fix it--I know from past experience that a plug will send the tire out of balance...Anybody know if "fix-a-flat" products are acceptable? They coat the entire inside of the tire after application when you drive, probably not a good thing for the wheel. I really don't want to buy a new tire for such a small hole....opines, please.

Marko

Quicksilver · #2 08-06-2006, 08:54 PM

Plugs properly done will Not affect the balance. Note I said properly done. A plug may not be necessary. depends on the size of the hole. Another thing to consider is MFG road hazard. If the fault is in a bad spot and the fix is a problem then get it replaced . I just did that. 60% reimbursement towards new. SWEET

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdk5623

....Heard the dred 'click click click' whilst driving down a narrow alley ...when I stopped and looked, there was a nylon 'bumper' (the thingy that is on the bottom of a chair...) that had embedded in my tire about 3/4" in from the sidewall. I removed it and discovered it has punctured the interior, producing a slow leak of air. Tire is basically brand new--I pulled the nylon thingy off, wire-clipped the nail portion and stuck it back in with some epoxy and needlenose pliers to at least temporarily stop the leak. Filled the tire back to it's proper pressure, and measured the pressure the next day. Tire had lost less than a pound (I'm running 'em highish, 37 psi on fronts, 36 on rears...), but I'm not sure what I should do to permanently fix it--I know from past experience that a plug will send the tire out of balance...Anybody know if "fix-a-flat" products are acceptable? They coat the entire inside of the tire after application when you drive, probably not a good thing for the wheel. I really don't want to buy a new tire for such a small hole....opines, please.

Marko

motordavid · #3 08-06-2006, 09:20 PM

Marko,
A "Patch" is what you want...any top line tar joint
can do one.

It should have zippo effect on bal., unless one is
running 180 on the canted straight at Daytona.

Just beat on them to use the Teflon sliders when
taking off the tire and remounting it, and no freakin
slam bars to break the bead.

Also, have them mark the valve stem position with
chalk for near exact remount pos. on tire dia.

I've run my X with umptyseven patches: no prob.
GL, Ol'UM

fln8tive · #4 08-06-2006, 09:54 PM

Unless it is on the sidewall, you can patch...and they have to reblance anyway. They actually use a "mushroom" plug now, stuck in the hole from the inside. Works fine, I am riding on a couple.

cmyX6go · #5 08-06-2006, 11:30 PM

Last time I heard the dreaded click..click...click I had a fooking screwdriver, the entire screw driver (less the handle) stuck in my tire. Only a 1/4 inch was on the outside, the remaining 5 inches or so was inside the tire. The guy in the tire shop couldn't believe it.

Tomaz · #6 08-07-2006, 12:15 AM

I average about two punctures a year! It's always a nail or screw that probably fell off of a contractors truck. I always notice my tires as I approach my car. Usually I can spot a low tire and drive to the tire shop without using my spare. They always patch the tire from the inside and re-balance.