One week ago got new tires on the rears. Car was handling funny. jarring bumps when going over freeway lane bumps. Stopped and right rear completely flat.

Questions:

1. Tried to put on spare but after removing the nuts then the spacer bolts, couldn't remove spacer with tools that come with tire changing kit and spare won't fit over spacer! So I just inflated the flat enough to get home. In the future if I get stranded with a flat far from home how do you remove the spacer so I can get the spare on?

2. Found a nail dead center, spit on it and it bubbled. Can they patch it or do I need a brand new tire?

thanks

 

The flat should be repairable. Tires loses its speed rating, however, when you do that. Probably fine for highway driving.

My spacers just slide onto the bolts, so can't help you there. Suggest that when you take the car in for flat repair, have the mechanic show you how to remove the spacer, and throw an appropriate tool in the kit. Sometimes, it is just corrosion between the spacer and hub that makes them stick, so little tap with a hammer and screwdriver will free them. Without looking at yours, though, I wouldn't call that a definitive response.

Jon

 

Yes maybe a rubber mallot and some break free.

Thanks

 

Actually I am almost 100% certain that Michelin has published repair procedures and a notice that if the flat is repaired as described, and the puncture is within certain specs, the speed rating is (technically) retained.

Too lazy to look it up, but I think it is somewhere in this forum

A

 

Finally got into the Dealer. $482 and a new tire later. Sidewalls were toast on the inside because I was driving on it. Initially, it was just pulling left when I took my hands off the wheel. Surprised they didn't offer road hazard warranty with the new rears. Anyway, from now on I feel and do a visual on all four tires before I take it out.

 

Dealer!?!?? For a TIRE???

I get road hazard on my tires all the time! BigO, Americas, Tirerack, etc

 

Ard, They had the best price (discount applied) plus a Hunter balancer. With the Techno sport wheels I was worried that some random shop would scratch them.