Flat tire

desi arnaz · September 05, 2011, 11:56:47 PM

What is the best way to patch a hole in my steer tire? I have a 1/4 20 bolt neatly installed in my front left tire, is it safe to remove it and plug it or do I need to de mount it and patch? I have no leak now but I suspect it will lose a lot of air when I remove said bolt.

Busted Knuckle · September 06, 2011, 05:20:54 AM

TAKE IT OFF THE STEER AXLE!

In passenger service it's ILLEGAL to repair a steer tire that needs to be repaired the way that one does!

It needs to be vulcanized! And with vulcanizing comes the possibility it will blow out.

I know your bus is not in revenue service any more, but seriously. Is the safety of you, your family, and others worth taking a chance?

BK

wal1809 · September 06, 2011, 05:28:06 AM

Quote from: Busted Knuckle on September 06, 2011, 05:20:54 AM
TAKE IT OFF THE STEER AXLE!

In passenger service it's ILLEGAL to repair a steer tire that needs to be repaired the way that one does!

It needs to be vulcanized! And with vulcanizing comes the possibility it will blow out.

I know your bus is not in revenue service any more, but seriously. Is the safety of you, your family, and others worth taking a chance?
BK

Ditto!!

robertglines1 · September 06, 2011, 05:56:58 AM

Is it in the tread or valley?. If it isn't leaking it might not be that deep yet. Take out and see if it leaks. if it does refer to above post.

AndyG · September 06, 2011, 06:00:21 AM

I don't think that a reputable tire shop will attempt to plug this tire for highway use. Plugs do not tend to wokr well in radial tires. The layers of a plugged tire are much more likely to separate. I have had this happen on a car tire I plugged. You may be able to have it patched from the inside and then you will have a good tire for the tag axle.

AndyG · September 06, 2011, 06:01:51 AM

Dad is right, make sure that it actually goeas all of the way through. If it does, I don't think that a reputable tire shop will attempt to plug this tire for highway use. Plugs do not tend to wokr well in radial tires. The layers of a plugged tire are much more likely to separate. I have had this happen on a car tire I plugged. You may be able to have it patched from the inside and then you will have a good tire for the tag axle.

trucktramp · September 06, 2011, 07:52:03 AM

What BK said. If you're gonna plug it, buy a new steer and move the old one to a different position. A steer tire blow out is usually not a pretty thing.

Busted Knuckle · September 06, 2011, 08:04:47 AM

Plugging is not even an option on these tires! Plugs are for car tires and not great for those in a radial either.

I'd take it to a reputable tire shop and have the repair it and move it to the tag or drive axle. (but if moving to drives you should have 3 more closely matching.

BK

Lin · September 06, 2011, 08:09:35 AM

As above. Just remember Murphy, "What can go wrong will go wrong".

desi arnaz · September 06, 2011, 05:02:29 PM

i pulled it out and didn't hear any air coming out, i will l have to go outside and check again as i just got home from a 250 mile trip to pick up a tow dolly.

MEverard · September 06, 2011, 05:38:18 PM

I don't like to take any chances with tires. I know that we talk about the cost of them all day long, but my life and anyone else I might kill is not worth it. Please be safe.

Good Luck,

Mike

desi arnaz · September 07, 2011, 01:34:51 AM

no leak, must of gone between the tread and not much into the tire.!!! yeah!!!

Busted Knuckle · September 07, 2011, 06:35:04 AM

Quote from: desi arnaz on September 07, 2011, 01:34:51 AM
no leak, must of gone between the tread and not much into the tire.!!! yeah!!!

Great news.
Now if it were me I'd find a way to mark it on the side wall that will stay a while and periodically spray bubble solution or soapy water on it and make sure it doesn't start leaking.

(you did use a guage and check the pressure while you were at it didn't you?)

BK

eddieboy · September 07, 2011, 07:02:09 AM

Things have changed. For what it's worth, I just had to have a tire plugged on my work vehicle. Not anywhere near the weight of a bus, but, the new tire repair looks to be the only thing left when that tire does finally go. The new way of plugging is in a kit form. There is an end mill type of drill bit that makes the hole uniform. The plug is in the shape of a "T". It is put on from the inside and vulcanized all the way through the hole and to the inside of the tire. There is also a sealer that is put on the inside after the repair is done to give the tire back the inner "skin". With air pressure helping to hold the plug in place, I don't know how it could ever give way. By the way, I did lose that tire recently to a wood screw. Drove on it for 40 miles and ruined the sidewall. It was a Toyo and I couldn't even feel that it had gone flat. Just my two cents worth. I wonder if the legal guidelines ever change with the technology!!

eagle19952 · September 07, 2011, 12:27:52 PM

Butt plugs are not new.....