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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Wheels and Tires Forum Sponsored by The Tire Rack > Slow leak on 17" run flats



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      01-19-2012, 08:48 AM   #1
kcgman
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Slow leak on 17" run flats

I have one rear tire that has had the low tire pressure warning come on twice in the past week or so. The first time I thought it might have occurred because of a sharp drop in outside temperature. However, a week later, I got the same warning. All of the other tires are fine.

I called the dealership and asked if a slow leak could be patched. I was speaking with someone who sort of gave me two answers: First, no. Then, maybe. I made an appointment to get it looked at in another week's time or so, hopefully giving me more time to see for sure how quickly the air is coming out of the tire.

Can a slow leak (dropped from 41 psi to 32 psi in 1 week's time) in a rear run flat wheel be safely patched? Or do I have to replace the tire altogether? And if I replace the one tire, do I need to replace both rear tires?

Thanks in advance for the help.
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      01-19-2012, 08:56 AM   #2
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Some shops will plug run flats, some won't. It also depends where the puncture is. If it is too close to the sidewall, you can't patch it up. I think for your situation, if the puncture isn't close to the sidewall, it is safe to patch it, since it was never driven completely flat. The only concern of patching/plugging run flats is damaged inner walls due to being driven completely flat.

If you decide to replace the tires, check the other rear tire and see if there is still enough tread left. The only thing people would say when you replace one side is that you'll notice a pull. I replaced my left rear tire with a used tire (about 8/32 left) when my right tire only had about 4/32 - 5/32 and didn't notice any sort of pull.

Good luck!
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      01-19-2012, 09:34 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ernerd View Post
Some shops will plug run flats, some won't. It also depends where the puncture is. If it is too close to the sidewall, you can't patch it up. I think for your situation, if the puncture isn't close to the sidewall, it is safe to patch it, since it was never driven completely flat. The only concern of patching/plugging run flats is damaged inner walls due to being driven completely flat.

If you decide to replace the tires, check the other rear tire and see if there is still enough tread left. The only thing people would say when you replace one side is that you'll notice a pull. I replaced my left rear tire with a used tire (about 8/32 left) when my right tire only had about 4/32 - 5/32 and didn't notice any sort of pull.

Good luck!
Many thanks for the help.
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      01-19-2012, 09:51 AM   #4
achien
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you have to go to an Indy shop to have to patched. Any authorized dealer would not take a risk to patch run-flats as the $ they earn on patching your tire does not justify any potential legal consequences.

Quote:
Originally Posted by kcgman View Post
I have one rear tire that has had the low tire pressure warning come on twice in the past week or so. The first time I thought it might have occurred because of a sharp drop in outside temperature. However, a week later, I got the same warning. All of the other tires are fine.

I called the dealership and asked if a slow leak could be patched. I was speaking with someone who sort of gave me two answers: First, no. Then, maybe. I made an appointment to get it looked at in another week's time or so, hopefully giving me more time to see for sure how quickly the air is coming out of the tire.

Can a slow leak (dropped from 41 psi to 32 psi in 1 week's time) in a rear run flat wheel be safely patched? Or do I have to replace the tire altogether? And if I replace the one tire, do I need to replace both rear tires?

Thanks in advance for the help.
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      01-23-2012, 10:15 PM   #5
afadeev
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kcgman View Post
I have one rear tire that has had the low tire pressure warning come on twice in the past week or so. The first time I thought it might have occurred because of a sharp drop in outside temperature. However, a week later, I got the same warning. All of the other tires are fine.

I called the dealership and asked if a slow leak could be patched. I was speaking with someone who sort of gave me two answers: First, no. Then, maybe. I made an appointment to get it looked at in another week's time or so, hopefully giving me more time to see for sure how quickly the air is coming out of the tire.

Can a slow leak (dropped from 41 psi to 32 psi in 1 week's time) in a rear run flat wheel be safely patched? Or do I have to replace the tire altogether? And if I replace the one tire, do I need to replace both rear tires?

Thanks in advance for the help.
Yes, they can be patched, assuming the puncture is not in the side-wall. BTDT.
However, no dealer will patch a tire for you to earn $20, when they can stiff you for a new $450 tire w/installation.

Go to tirerack.com, search for local affiliated tire installers in your area, and give them a call. One of them will take the job and save you a bundle.

alex f
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      01-23-2012, 10:39 PM   #6
Gimmethecash
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One other thing you might look for is a crack in your wheel. A cracked wheel will leak air, as will a leaky valve stem.

Last edited by Gimmethecash; 01-24-2012 at 11:01 PM.. Reason: spelling
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      01-23-2012, 11:20 PM   #7
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Rft can be fixed just like any regular tire. If u can find a demo on YouTube u can fix it on ur own, it's very simple.
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