posted 27 May, 2002 11:52 AM
I had set aside this morning to work on the SS. Oil & filter, clean 'er up, etc. I had just jacked it up and set the safety stands when I saw it! Holy Cow!!! A screw head sticking out of the tread of the left front tire.
I had heard a clicking sound when coming home from visiting several area cemeteries yesterday but just figured it was a rock in between the treads of one of the tire. (it was a beautiful, top-down day here in southern Indiana yesterday)
So after the oil & filter, I took off the wheel, cleaned it up real good, and put it in the back of our Chevy service van (computer service). I didn't know who would be open today but I really hoped to find someone who would know if the tire could be fixed or had to be replaced. Pep Boys was open so I stopped in there. Fortunatly, there was a very helpful, knowledgable person who removed the screw, checked the hole, repaired it, and rebalanced the tire. He said this reduced the Z speed rating since the tire had been repaired. He said he could use the sticky-back weights since the wheel was so clean. This allowed him to pull the weight on the outside of the wheel. (this looks much better as far as I am concerned) Anyway, the repair and balance took about 15 minutes and they didn't charge me a thing.
I guess if I ever intend to do any fast driving I should get a new tire. I'm going to watch this one to see if it holds air properly. I only have 3200 miles on the car.
-------------------- SSteve Wiltsie SSOA Member M02-3311 2002 35th Anniversary SS LE Conv. Stock except for: K&N filter; tinted windows; Mark's caliper decals 2003 100th Anniversary H-D V-Rod Life... This is NOT a drill
Posts: 192 | From: Evansville, IN | Registered: Dec 2001
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posted 27 May, 2002 05:09 PM
yes, it will lower the Z rating, however, you should be fine on every day street driving, with the occasional spirited driving. i had a screw removed from the drivers rear tire and took it to the track at the beginning of this month and also took it to the drag strip last friday, no problems yet.
Sorry to hear about the screw in the tire. The newer type plugs today bond to the tire so thoroughly that you'll likely wear the tire out before the repair fails. I wouldn't worry about it for regular driving or the occassional quick triple digit blast. If you plan on doing any sustained high-speed driving, I'd be more inclined to replace the tire.
Good luck,
Andy
-------------------- Back Home Where She Belongs... 2001 SS #3122 M01-3122 Sunset Orange Metallic / Ebony Leather M6, All GM Options SLP Options:Bilstein, Dual-Dual, Chrome 10 Spokes, SS Grille, Mats, Key Fobs, Dash Plaque, Car Cover
Posts: 214 | From: Pepperell MA USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 28 May, 2002 01:31 PM
was it just a 'plug' or a 'patch/plug'?
A 'plug' is just inserted into the offending hole with glue.
A 'patch/plug' is a plug inserted into the offending hole with glue, but it is attached to a patch (usually the size of a silver dollar) that contacts the inside of the tire, as well.
First one's OK, your 'Z' rating is gone though.
Second one is best. 'Z' rating gone, but more piece of mind.
I had one tire that took all the nails and screws over the life of the original set of tires on the car. 4 in all.
Posts: 1446 | From: Germantown, MD USA | Registered: Feb 2000
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Holy Cow!!! A screw head sticking out of the tread of the left front tire. 
