2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Repairing Load E Tires

[TboneMan]

I have an object (a sharp stone or nail) in one of my OEM Michelin Load E 265/75/16's. The object is in the valley between two thread ribs near the center of the tire



I'm considering taking the tire someplace and getting it plugged (repaired) as I'd like to get another summer out of the tires (I have a set of BFG TA/KOs for the winter).



What do you all think about plugging load E tires?



p. s. I tow my camper 8-10 times a year, and rearly have heavy loads in the bed of the truck.

 

[Chief USA]

I don't see why not. I would try it. Those tires ain't cheap. I am sure the tire shop will inspect the tire inside and out before they attempt the repair to see if it can safely be done. I would swap out my spare tire and make the repaired tire the spare if you have any concerns or questions about this tire.

 

[Thomas]

From the Michelin website:

Most punctures, nail holes, or cuts up to 1/4 inch confined to the tread may be satisfactorily repaired by trained personnel using industry-approved procedures. An on-the-wheel plug-only repair is not reliable and may cause further damage to the tire.



The proper repair of a radial tire includes the placing of a rubber patch on the inner liner of the tire by a professional. Do not attempt to have repaired tires with tread punctures larger than 1/4-inch, or any sidewall puncture. Also, do not have tires repaired that are worn below 2/32nd-inch tread depth.

 

[WadePatton]

My local guy charges the same to patch or plug. A patch is the way to go.

 

[Vaquero]

Patch it, don't plug it IMHO. If you want it done right get them to hot patch it, if someone in your area still does it.

 

[Brand-X]

the new plug patches is the way to go it is a plug and a patch that is installed from the inside sears has these

 

[Bluhaven]

PATCH ONLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:--)

 

[ewcmr2]

Not to disagree too much... I've used a WalMart plug kit on dozens of tires (working on construction sites makes my tires magnets for nails/screws) and never had one leak or cause any problem. YMMV



Eric

 

[BillGotthelf]

Tire centers tell you to patch only and thats all most will due. I work in construction and had 1 set of tires on one truck that had 22 plugs in 4 tires when we replaced tires. Truck hauled a 6,000 lb trailer all over the county here on I-95 and then on rural lots. Never had a problem with plugs-we by them in boxes of 100.

 

[stevegeorge]

All tire dealers have the new patches for radial tires. Where your cut is, it would be wise to have a patch. From experience, don't have them plug it. Use the new style patch, made especially for radial tires.

 

[bramage]

I have used dozens of plugs and have never had one fail. I have even used them in truck and trailer tires load range D and E. Trailer tires really take a beating because the torsion axles don't have alot of travel and the tire accounts for alot of the suspension. FOLLOW DIRECTIONS when using the repair kit and you shouldn't have a problem. My . 02.



Barry

 

[MCummings]

My vote is go for a patch.



*I* wouldn't use a plug, just because I don't feel it would hold up. especially, the roads, and the way I drive. If yall are talking about the type of plugs I think you are, I don't know how they would survive.



I would trust a patch much more than a plug, besides, a patch is held in place with the glue, air pressure, and centrifugal force of the spinning tire, while, on the other hand, a plug has everything except the glue working against it.



Correct me if I'm wrong.



Merrick Cummings Jr

 

[ben_ak]

I have used plugs in my factory Michelin's with no problems what so ever. I think I have one tire with six plugs in it right now. I have never seen a plug "come out. " I have seen them leak, however, and as said previously, the skill and ability of the installer is key.

 

[TboneMan]

WOW, for a minute there I thought I was reading an oil or auto transmission upgrade thread...



Thanks for the info all. I think I'll take the wheel off and take it to a tire shop. I'll first have them measure the thread to see if the tire is worth saving, if so, I will have them patch it per manufactures specs.



If the tire is basically trash, I'll put my snow tires on a month early and replace the tires in the spring. I have to pay off the front axle U-joint job done last week and I need a steering stablizer, brake pads on all 4 and diff fluid changes $$$$$.



Thanks again.

 

[J Shocik]

I used to work at a Sears Auto Center and am know about their tire patching products and techniques. They use a combination plug/patch, which fills the hole and covers it also. Your account of the damage shows the tire is repairable. When done correctly, this patch is probably the best way to go, but like I said, "When done correctly". Unfortunately with Sears Auto Centers, they have a high turnover of help, which means there is a fairly good chance you could get an inexperienced tire tech. If you go there, ask the sales person for an experienced tire tech. P. S. I've "hot patched" this tire repair procedure while working there 12 yrs. and NEVER had one leak or fail.

 

[Crazy Horse]

Here is a link to Safety Seal. I have repaired tires with his kit for almost 30 years. On every tire I've repaired, if it doesn't leak after you plug it, it never will. I plugged a rear dually tire on my 3500 when traveled a few years ago and drove for 14,000 miles with the camper in the bed. So the truck had a load and never had a problem. I've also repaired the sidewalls on radial tires- no problems. I carry a plug kit in my trucks, and keep some on my 4wheeler.

 

[ben_ak]

One other thing to consider is repairing the tire and swapping it with your spare under the bed... . assuming it's still there.

 

[TboneMan]

Originally posted by ben_ak

One other thing to consider is repairing the tire and swapping it with your spare under the bed... . assuming it's still there.

The problem with this is I've never rotated the spare into use as it is on a steel rim and I have aluminum. I wouldn't want to run two different hieght tires (one with full thread and one with 62k miles).



As for tire shops, we have several chains that tend to keep people around for a while. I'll check with them.

 

[Loren]

It appears that opinions on this subject are like belly buttons -- everybody's got one. Here's my story:



Flat tire. Took it to a shop where the guy tried to plug it about three times. Finally frustrated, he dismounted the tire. That was when we saw that the inside of that tire was shredded.



The lesson I learned from that experience was ALWAYS to inspect the inside of any flat tire before fixing it. As long as the tire is dismounted anyway, I have it patched rather than plugged.



So much for my two cents worth.



Loren

 

[Pit Bull]

Plug it and then patch it. Make sure you are wearing your belt and suspenders when you take it in for the repair