What to do with nail in tire?

[Eric H]

I noticed a pretty good sized nail in my right rear tire. The tire (Yoko AVSI) is pretty new so I don't want to replace it. Is the best thing to do get it plugged? Or just leave it? It's not losing air. Or some other solution? I don't go to the track or do autocrosses. Eric H 87 Targa

[83 sc euro cab]

I had the exact same thing happen to my rear tire....a huge hex bolt was jammed inside after running over it. the car would go "thump thump thump" and I couldnt drive over 25 mph.

but the tire stayed inflated with the bolt inside.

Take your car to a Mobil station, they have a special tool that they pry it out with (while the tire is still on the car) and then they plunge inside some sealing and reinflate the tire to the proper pressure.

I got it fixed there in under 5 minutes and it only cost $8 bucks!

good luck!

[Mike Juzenas]

Hey Eric,

Depends on where the nail is. If its in the center of the tread, then I would get it patched from the inside, and perhaps plugged. However, you may lose the Z rating depending on the damage.

If its close to the edge of the tire, and the nail has touched the sidewall, you may be out of luck. This kind of damage can't be fixed and give you a tire that is reliable on the track.

Take it to a good tire shop and see what they say (besides trying to sell you a new tire!).

Cheers,

Mike

PS Its happend to me, so I understand!

[carnut169]

Eric- if you want to do the repair the cheap, quick way- plug it. It does not have to be a Mobile station- anyone can do it. They pull out the object, then insert a file to smooth the steel belts, then insert a tar-coated string which will bond to the tire with use. This is not the best way to repair a tire. The proper way is to remove the tire and PATCH it from the inside. As the g-forces increase the patch is forced down into the hole, instead of back out the hole. Without a doubt, this is the way to go on a Porsche. As stated, if the object is within 1 1/2" from the sidewall, the tire is toast and should be replaced.

[Pillow]

There are three options:

1. Go to your local parts store and get a tire plug kit, get the sticky long rubber plugs that use a croshea(sp) hook on the end. Take out the offending stabber and ream out the hole so the plug will fit. Remember to ream only a little at a time because you just bought a new tire if you take too much. Now plug the hole, I always use some rubber cement around the hole before inserting the plug. Cut off excess plug sticking out. Works great! No more Z rating.

1B. There is also a more bullet looking plug that goes in with a type of compression gun. I have had leaks with these types so try to avoid them. Cut off excess plug sticking out. There will also be a piece of plastic in the tire so when rolled slowly you can hear a particle rolling around. No more Z rating.

2. Go to a premium tire store and have them do an internal plug. This means taking the tire off and patching it from the inside. You cannot do this at home. Be sure they scrape the insode of tire for the patch, put on rubber cement if the patch is not pre-gluey, and be sure to lightly blow torch it on the inside to "melt" the patch to the tire. Probably still have a Z rating, should cost about $20.

3. Splurge and get two new tires

I recommend #2.

If the tire is punctured on the sidewall see option #3... There is no hope if the sidewall is compromised.



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Adrian Pillow
1979 911 SC
1966 VW Microbus
PCA - Peachstate Region

[Eric H]

Thanks guys. I've had tires plugged before, and this one could be plugged, but I didn't know about patching from the inside. That sounds like a better option. If you put the tire back on in the same place can you get away with skipping wheel balancing? Eric H 87 Targa

[campbellcj]

Get it dismounted, inspected, properly patched from the inside if "fixable", and remounted/balanced....just my .02

[stray15]

I would NOT do a regular plug, it will leak after time. I work at a tire place and we don't even do regular plugs. We use a plug patch, which is a type of patch that has a plug on it.

You don't normally have to get it rebalanced, but I would recommend it for your type of car. If the place that you take it to, charges extra for re-balancing it, don't go back.

Whatever you do, do not use any type of fix-a-flat. They are junk and should be taken off the market.

Also, if your from central PA I would be glad to do it for you. At a reduced price.

---

Porsche, through and through
Tim
'83 944
http://community.webshots.com/user/strayer15

http://www.geocities.com/tstray15/Home.html

[mideastmafia]

DO THIS.. put some water around the area where the nail is.. if the water bubbles, then plug it. if NOT, then no air is getting out, and it is fine FOR NOW.


SHAUN

[Porsche 951 Fanatic]

what happens when say he forgets about it or something... and gets say near 90 or so and the centrifical?sp force makes it stick out a little bit and then when it hits the ground and causes a screwdriver effect(like prying), in turn enlarging the hole?

[This message has been edited by Porsche 951 Fanatic (edited 07-13-2001).]

[Don Plumley]

Take it off the wheel and have it professionally patched from the inside. I've had this done a couple of times in my life, the shop that knows how to do it grinds down a little on the inside of the tire to promote better adhesion. Once they did not need to rebalance, once they did.

Tires are important, tires full of air are important. Don't take a chance, and don't let small change get in the way of your safety. IMHO.

Don

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don@plumley.org
Das Zoom - '87 Carrera

[Greg-slant/cab]

Have it patched. Alot of the big tire stores will do it for free. Americas Tire Store etc. Just make sure they know where to lift your car at.

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Greg-slant/cab
http://www.geocities.com/gregslantcab/

[CRH911S]

Eric, do not pull or yank a screw/bolt. If the foreign object is a nail then pull gently. If a screw/bolt then remove by turning in a counter clockwise direction. What you see on the outside of the tire may not be what you think it is on the inside.

Do not drive your car with the injured tire. The foreign object may further damage the inner liner of the tire and render it useless as a tubeless tire.

Once the tire is removed from the wheel a qualified tire person will be able to tell if carbon is an issue in the injury. If it is the tire is of no use to you. The presence of carbon in the injury tells us what? It tells us that the strands of steel in the bundle were rubbing each other and there is the possibility of separation.

If none of the above is of concern the tire person will plug and patch the tire. Rebalance if necessary.

Personally, I would not drive a Porsche with a plugged tire. I am not saying the repair is unsafe. I am saying I wouldn't want anything to go wrong at 110mph...8(

Have a nice day....

Clinton
77 911S 2.7
Anchorage AK