Procedure when a drive tire blows

[Dakell12]

Hello everyone, I had my inner right drive tire blow on the last 10 miles of a 5000 mile tour. The bus (96a3) took it so well that I honestly couldn't tell until I got to the driveway. The bus's leveling system has it tilted (lowered) heavily towards the damaged side; the wheel is torn apart, just a skeleton remaining. Do you think I did any serious damage to the axle during those final 10 miles? Also, what should be the general procedure to follow in regards to getting this bus to a shop, or at least a street side jack to get the spare on. Thanks

[tekebird]

sounds like your tire shrapnel took out an airbag or line if you are leaning.

bus should be drivable to a suitable facility to put a new tire on.

you should really get two new tires as mismatched tires are apt to fail...due to one tire being overloaded

[kyle4501]

There is a good chance that the tire beside the blown tire has been over loaded. Best bet is to replace both.
While they are off, look to see what else may have been taken out by the tire coming apart.
You may have lost an airbag 
Or you may have knocked the leveling valve link loose.

[Dakell12]

does anyone have a price quote on replacing both airbags? how about the price of retreads?

[niles500]

*****"took it so well that I honestly couldn't tell until I got to the driveway."

Now that's one fine riding coach - what is it?

[Dakell12]

its an '85 96a3, great body, no rust, strong brakes..Had some decent engine issues and a new tranny at the start of the project, but smooth sailing since

[Ncbob]

I recently replaced both rear air bags on my MC5, am told all 12" bags are the same, and the new bags were about $75 ea from MCI. Can't speak to the labor where you're at...but it's not a big deal. New bolts are about a buck apiece.

Tires are where you find them....best of luck...

Bob

[JohnEd]

D,

All the advice I have seen given you is solid in my limited experience. 

Got money?  Buy four!  Different size tires on one side is bad and different sizes on opposing sides is also bad.  Size means diameter due to wear.

Replace both tires on one side with a new pair.

Get a tire of identical make and wear to replace the blown tire.  My move!

Trade your good tire plus cash for a "pair of matching" takeoffs. Also, my move.  The dealer can tell if your remaining tire is serviceable.

I think your coach will lean because the leveling valve is working but the remaining tire is more "squished" by having its load doubled.  I squish and lean under the exact same circumstances or right after I get up.  Parts of me wake up faster than others.

HTH,

John The Lame

[white-eagle]

i'm still waitin to hear the cost on the tire(s).  i've got Michelins.  i've heard prices from $500 to $1200.

i guess it really doesn't matter since i'll have to buy them when needed, just start saving now.  but i wanted to know how much time i need to eat hot dogs and beans b4 i go back to hamburger.

[tekebird]

tire size diferential from left to right is generally only an issue on Locking differentials as it wears the clutches out prematurely.

[JohnEd]

Take,

"I was told"( and that is the limit of my engineering knowledge) that running down the road with the diff compensating is adding heat and then a hard pull on a hill gives you accelerated wear.  Understand that the full weight of my credentials are behind this.  Especially since it is "what I was told".

I do know that:

A "locking" diff would certainly ruin a system that used unequal tire sizes. 

The protraction doesn't engage till one tire starts to get ahead of the other.  My Ranger will sit with a wheel on a stand and spin the lifted tire at 80 mph without a whimper or a shudder.  If I am rolling in a turn and break the inside loose things work differently....after a few feet the thing locks up and sideways I go if my foot is in it deep.  The posi has to have both wheels rolling and have one start to spin before it engages.  Unequal tires on the rear would roll down the road without a problem but the diff would be constantly be turning the spyders.

Again, please note the comment about my "RANGER".

Maybe Auburn Gear posi works differently.  Don't know.

John

[TomC]

While I'm an advocate of running the best tires and I only run Michelins, on the drive tires is where you could save some money by running recaps.  Unless you're doing any off roading, I would highly suggest you stay with steering axle type of tread pattern since traction tires can make humming sounds (sometimes very loudly) at highway speeds.  Then you can probably get all four tires replaced for around $1000.  Good Luck, TomC