Runflat repair

[KHW130i]

Hi Guys

I want to know if anybody has any advice regarding RFT repair. I have a nail in my right rear RFT (225/40R18) and according to Autoquip Tygervalley it is close to the sidewall and needs to be replaced which will cost me around R3500.

Anybody valcanized their tyres before, or have any alternatives for me?

Much appreciated

 

[Ricky318i]

I had a nail in my RFT and repaired it myself 4 months ago. No problem. But i am not sure I would've done it if it was close to sidewall.

I would've just bit the bullet and replaced the poor tyre.

 

[BMW M]

...nail in my right rear RFT (225/40R18)...

Isn't that the wrong size? My 18" tires are 255/35/18 at the back.

 

[Doomsdaya]

...nail in my right rear RFT (225/40R18)...

Isn't that the wrong size? My 18" tires are 255/35/18 at the back.

I think tire size is the same all round on the 130i

 

[frikkieh]

The price sounds just about right. I took a chance in plugging mine with a proper musroom plug from the inside. Just make sure it stays at the rear.

 

[KHW130i]

The price sounds just about right. I took a chance in plugging mine with a proper musroom plug from the inside. Just make sure it stays at the rear.

The thing is that they can't repair as the nail is to close to the outer wall.

 

[Philip Foglar]

Using Frikkie's photo as reference, where is the puncture?

As a rule of thumb, if the puncture is close to the sidewall it is risky to repair a tyre. But, and this is a very careful but, if the repair is done and no traces of budging of the sidewall near the puncture is seen then it should be fine. And provided the sidewalls are not compromised it should be able to still do its job as a RFT should there be a loss of pressure. I have dealt with that same tyre fitment place, they insisted that you cannot not fit non-RFT's on my E90 for instance! Anything to sell RFT's... :flyfun:

At the end of the day, having any tyre repaired is risky and often something that most tyre places don't want to do. But interestingly, in most cases they have no problem repairing a non-RFT, but the moment you have a RFT all of a sudden they say they can't or it is too risky! Makes no sense, a RFT is designed to be able to operate with zero pressure should it need to, so by default is the safer of the two tyres to repair! :thumbs:

 

[KHW130i]

Using Frikkie's photo as reference, where is the puncture?

As a rule of thumb, if the puncture is close to the sidewall it is risky to repair a tyre. But, and this is a very careful but, if the repair is done and no traces of budging of the sidewall near the puncture is seen then it should be fine. And provided the sidewalls are not compromised it should be able to still do its job as a RFT should there be a loss of pressure. I have dealt with that same tyre fitment place, they insisted that you cannot not fit non-RFT's on my E90 for instance! Anything to sell RFT's... :flyfun:

At the end of the day, having any tyre repaired is risky and often something that most tyre places don't want to do. But interestingly, in most cases they have no problem repairing a non-RFT, but the moment you have a RFT all of a sudden they say they can't or it is too risky! Makes no sense, a RFT is designed to be able to operate with zero pressure should it need to, so by default is the safer of the two tyres to repair! :thumbs:

The damage is about 5mm from the sidewall of the rim facing side. I do agree with you 100% I'm sure it can be done.

 

[Onyx]

On a side note: Went through to Lyndhurst Auto yesterday and posed the question regarding replacing my runflats with 'normal' tyres.

According to the service manager: "Go ahead, no problem and no issues to your motorplan"

Went on to say that they've found it silly that BMW insists on Runflats but there is always a stock issue.

FYI :thumbs:

 

[lambchop]

On a side note: Went through to Lyndhurst Auto yesterday and posed the question regarding replacing my runflats with 'normal' tyres.

According to the service manager: "Go ahead, no problem and no issues to your motorplan"

Went on to say that they've found it silly that BMW insists on Runflats but there is always a stock issue.

FYI :thumbs:

Good to know !!

 

[Onyx]

On a side note: Went through to Lyndhurst Auto yesterday and posed the question regarding replacing my runflats with 'normal' tyres.

According to the service manager: "Go ahead, no problem and no issues to your motorplan"

Went on to say that they've found it silly that BMW insists on Runflats but there is always a stock issue.

FYI :thumbs:

Good to know !!

Tell me about it!
Pricing on Runflat 18s is madness.

And to top it off, they lent me a Mobility Kit for my trip down to the coast in 2 weeks :=):

 

[menno11]

I did a repair on a 255/35/r18 RFT right on the edge of the tread and sidewall. The vulcanising lasted for 3 months, but due to the flexing on the area between sidewall and tread, the plug came loose and the RFT indicator came on again. In those 3 months I was able to save up for a new set of 245/40/R18 RFTs for the rear.

 

[Diablo Jnr]

Isn't that the wrong size? My 18" tires are 255/35/18 at the back.


[/quote]

Size is correct, 130i have 225/40/18 all round, no Idea why though, when they put 255/40/17 on a 320i

 

[lambchop]

On a side note: Went through to Lyndhurst Auto yesterday and posed the question regarding replacing my runflats with 'normal' tyres.

According to the service manager: "Go ahead, no problem and no issues to your motorplan"

Went on to say that they've found it silly that BMW insists on Runflats but there is always a stock issue.

FYI :thumbs:

Good to know !!

Tell me about it!
Pricing on Runflat 18s is madness.

And to top it off, they lent me a Mobility Kit for my trip down to the coast in 2 weeks :=):

I just wish they could tell you these things when you spec the car
I can see the reasoning behind the RFT but its not for everybody

 

[Philip Foglar]

Yep, like Menno pointed out, the risks are there, so you can repair the tyre, but there is a chance that the repair won't hold, and being that close to the shoulder where lots of flexing occurs even just from the tyre rotating, a repair is put through lots of punishment!

 

[KHW130i]

Went to Speedy in Durban road this morning and they plugged the tyre for R50, will see how it holds up.

wait and see...

 

[Philip Foglar]

Went to Speedy in Durban road this morning and they plugged the tyre for R50, will see how it holds up.

wait and see...

+1! :thumbs:

Let us know how it goes, and keep an eye on it for any signs of bulging or any weakening. :idea:

 

[KHW130i]

Went to Speedy in Durban road this morning and they plugged the tyre for R50, will see how it holds up.

wait and see...

+1! :thumbs:

Let us know how it goes, and keep an eye on it for any signs of bulging or any weakening. :idea:

Will do! :thumbs:

 

[Naruto]

Sorry to hijack your post KHW130i....
Just wanted to know, if you replace all your tyres with Non-RFTs, what happens if you have a puncture???

 

[KHW130i]

Sorry to hijack your post KHW130i....
Just wanted to know, if you replace all your tyres with Non-RFTs, what happens if you have a puncture???

Well Naruto, as far as I know if you have a puncture with non RFT's you better make sure you have a spare wheel as driving with the non-RFT will damage the tyre and your suspension.

*RFT enables the driver to continue driving and possibly avoid a potentially fatal situation. Secondly, RFT tyres enable the driver to leave an area of risk to continue the journey safely.

*RFT also provides more comfort and convenience for the motorist. Within the specified speed and distance limits (Specified at 80 km/h for up to 80 km), the driver can either complete his journey or travel to the next qualified service station, with no worry about having to change a flat tyre.

*This extract from the bridgestone webpage.