Can I replug an already plugged tire?
 

I'm sure any local tire shop will say no or refuse to do it on liability grounds. But I plugged a leak in my left front tire about a month ago. Seemed to work well, but I got a low pressure warning light yesterday. I waited until it was cool again and set pressure on all the tires to 36psi. This morning the left front was at 34, while the others were all 35. So I have a very slow leak. I pulled the wheel off and could not find any other punctures. So I suspect my plug is leaking. Is it possible to pull it, ream it out and replug with any chance of success?

Yes but I’d spray around the plug with soapy water and look for bubbles. Even slow leaks would make bubbles.
Good luck
Tony

I picked up two nails right next to each other (3 inches apart) in a 10 ply toyo tire. Patch plug both, and I was on my way. They wore down in 25k mi so long term is questionable

These tires have 12k miles on them and about 1000 since I plugged the left front. I'm about to head out for a bit, will check everything before and after and then let it cool and check again. Probably staying home tomorrow, so I'll deal with it when it's cooler in the garage. Supposed to get to 111 deg here today.

Back in the early 90s I had a similar situation. I'd plugged a tire myself with a sticky rope plug, and it seemed the air was leaky it through the rope. I worked across the street from a small shop with a great mechanic. He eventually found the leak and replugged the hole.

OMG

Do the soapy water in a squirt bottle. Start with your old patch area and balance of tread. Then squirt tire beads and schrader valve. If a newer car I seldom find leaks at the beads.

Drill the old plug out if necessary but I bet you find a separate spot.

The "spit test" will confirm if it is still leaking at the same spot. I have re-plugged several truck tires over the years. Sometimes it works, sometimes it leaks again and needs to be internally patched or replaced.

I would also check around the bead really well , I see lots of leaks on alum rims where the bead seats . Usually a really slow leak. Lay the wheel down, soap and water the bead, and take 2-3 minutes, and just stand there and watch .
I know plugs are taboo now, but I love them. It is pretty rare to have one leak . I ran over some rebar in my plow truck and stuck 3 plugs in the hole as a temp fix. It never leaked again .
If a plug does leak, you could try some professional plugs, or have your shop do a plug/patch deal . They are about the best, but require a dis mount, and some prep work .
I have some really good plugs, Ill mail you a few if you would like

Tire off the wheel, cut the plug flush with inside of tire and apply a patch.
Remount the tire and you should be in business. Where was the plug located?

My wife had a brand new tire plugged by the dealership about an inch from the outside edge of the tire tread.
I took it back and asked for a replacement tire and I would pay the deductible on the road hazard warranty. Got it back with a new tire and no charge.

Thanks Fred. I don't have the tools R&R the tire from the rim and I'm afraid a shop won't patch it for me. I'll spray around and see where the leak is. I hope it's another hole in the tread, as I can easily DIY that repair.

I have a leaky butt plug...just can't seem to stop it from leaking...

I keep a plug kit in the truck. Been plugging tires for years.

Had to put 3-4 in right at the traed/sidewall one time to get home.

The franchise places will want to sell you a tire. Find an old local used tire shop. They will patch it and not blink twice.

You really should only use a plug in an emergency and as already said take it to a reputable tire shop and have a patch put in and remove the plug. Any good tire shop will never plug a tire. A plug is not a safe way to repair it.

I'm curious - has anyone on the forum experienced a devastating tire plug failure - or even heard of one. I'm not talking about a sidewall repair attempt - or one that is on the edge of tread near the sidewall. I understand how/why those may not hold up and cause an issue.

I'll be honest and admit I've plugged flats for the last 35 years or so on personal/family owned vehicles. Maybe about 10 - not more than 20. After taking all my might to insert the rope style plug with adhesive, I see no way that plug is going to just pop out or have any failure other than perhaps a slow leak.

Around here any Latino owned tire shop, the one selling used tires, will patch you whatever you want. No worries about liability - taillight warranty.

Personally, I am a tightwad but I don't do plugs for long term repairs. Patches in the center area are okay. Anything else, I just bite the bullet and get a new tire or a new set. Not worth the risk of injury, getting stranded or worse ...

G

On my WRX winter tires, I had a slow leak this past winter. It was a tire plug and I pulled it out and re did it with 2 plugs, problem solved.