Tire Sidewall Bubble
 

Is this a problem? I was doing an oil change and tire rotation on my daily driver, and noticed this "bubble" on a tire sidewall. Tires have mebbe 5K miles on them (in 17 months). The tread is hardly worn. I don't recall any particular contact with anything.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y18...g/DSCN4270.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y18...g/DSCN4271.jpg

Looking at the edge of the wheel directly adjacent to the bulge, I guaranty that somebody hit something at that point.

And yes, you need to get that tire replaced, preferably both tires on that axle.

Yep whatever damaged the wheel damaged the tire. Fatally.

Pothole or curb damage. Ruptured cords. The scar on the wheel speaks volumes.

Is that a hairline crack on the wheel just above the web?

Houston, we have a problem.

That's just a little black mark on the (dirty) rim--it's structurally intact.

The linear mark at the 4:00 position in the first photo.

Looks suspicious

it's time for a new tire.

Remove and DESTROY this tire immediately. THe condition pictured here is a seperation of the plies in the side wall. The sidewall is failing and will do so with a big bang, hurled rubber into your fender and bare naked rim to the road faster than you can say "Paris is a skank".

The tire bubble can be caused by impact, so check the wheel extremely carefully. But it is can also be a tire defect with a perfectly sound wheel.

Long n short - put your spare on now.

angela

Got one of those on the 993 years ago, but I hadn't hit anything. I had the dealer look at it and file a claim with Pirelli. Dealer told Pirelli that there had been no impact. Pirelli wouldn't buy it. Dealer sold me a new one at their cost and mounted/balanced it for free. 18" tires ain't cheap when you only get 3k miles out of them.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y18...g/DSCN4668.jpg

So I cleaned the wheel up a bit. I realize the tire should be replaced. It's been on the passenger side rear the entire time. The car itself (not necessarily this corner) has hit 2 large potholes...back in February. Why would this just show up now? So I suppose my question is, is this a warranty-type item, like Rick experienced? Or do I just shell out the $150 for a new tire?

Replace the tire, but do a little research before buying it yourself. In 2000, I bought an Audi S4 and the original tires had an issue with their construction that made them more susceptible than other tires to this damage. There was a little help available toward the purchase of new tires.

JR

had one of these occur on a BFG mud terrain tire during summer. felt out of balance suddenly, stopped on side of road, watched it grow like a zit on fast forward and then POP!

i guess 115 degree days sometimes does that. changing the tire on the surburban with polo shirt and slacks on was REAL FUN!

I would be looking for someone else to get my tires from, new vendor and new brand of tires.

If they won't stand behind their product, why would I want to rely on it at all? The dealer, if it is someone you have done any business with, should have been more interested in keeping your business than losing a few hundred on a tire.

I would have never bought Pirellis, but they came on the wheels, which I bought heavily discounted from the dealer. The dealer did a lot for me, but they stopped at giving me a new tire. I have Toyo T1-R's now.

If you have a road hazard warranty you are in fat city. You would be the only person I know of that has paid for it and used it.

Even after you cleaned up the wheel it is obvious it hit something. The dealer may feel sorry for you and cut you some slack but it is not a defect.

My next-door neighbor had something damage her rim/tire like this one two years ago and while the car was sitting in her driveway, the tire popped and blew a large hole in the tire! Get that thing replaced immediately and don't drive on it. Good luck!

If you brought the optional road hazard insurance it should be covered.

Just go get a new tire. Something was hit, and that was the problem. Don't try to get a free tire. Damn.