Tire resuscitation - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

djugurba · #1 04-29-2008, 01:28 PM

In a former thread I discussed a free Subaru legacy I've been given. This weekend I get to go attempt to start it (previously did some work getting it ready for that task), and with any luck at all it will run.

Question: The tires are going to have a flat spot from sitting. Will the rubber regain its shape or will I need to swap them out to drive it any distance other than to the shop? The tires were almost new- is a shame- but I'm not hopeful about saving them at this point. Any hope at all?

kerry · #2 04-29-2008, 01:34 PM

I think they should be ok with an infusion of air unless the UV light has caused them to check.

#3 04-29-2008, 01:51 PM

How long have they been sitting and what were they sitting on?

Idolotor · #4 04-29-2008, 02:04 PM

Are the sidewalls cracked at all?

iwrock · #5 04-29-2008, 02:40 PM

If the sidewalls or the threading have cracks in them, you should replace them.

If the sidewalls look OK, just air them up and drive on them....

djugurba · #6 04-29-2008, 02:56 PM

I attempted to inflate them with a little cheap-o 12v compressor without much luck. I'll have to limp them up the road to the service station and give it a shot. I don't think there is any visible cracking; they were indoors on concrete in a garage... with a subaru legacy wagon sitting on top of them...

Thanks for the replies!

G-Benz · #7 04-29-2008, 03:22 PM

I believe the "flat spot" tire issue is an old wives' tale.

That used to be true in the days of bias ply tires, but not so with modern radial compounds. Hence our forfathers would store vehicles with the tires removed and the chassis up on cement blocks. Some folks still do the same today.

Other than environment and age deteriorating the outer treadwalls (as others have pointed out), you should be okay. but if you are unable to get them to hold air, the tires may have lost their bead against the rims.

PaulC · #8 04-29-2008, 03:27 PM

The flat spotting issue was most common in relatively rare bias-belted or bias ply tires that used nylon as a component of the carcass construction (usually for high-performance tires like those on state police cruisers).

vwbuge · #9 04-29-2008, 05:07 PM

I used to have a '66 Chyrsler Newport (heavy car) and it would sit sometimes for over a year without being moved. Never had any issues with flat spots.

kerry · #10 04-29-2008, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G-Benz

the tires may have lost their bead against the rims.

If this is the case, it gives you a golden opportunity to try out the starter fluid bead setting trick.

Nate · #11 04-29-2008, 11:39 PM

do NOT drive it on the rims!!! This causes the sidewall to get folded under the rim, and it gets cut. Some guy picked up a nail today, and was royally PISSED OFF when I said I cannot fix that tire. The sidewall was ground down paper thin (he tried to convince me it was "part of the tire design" to have a 1/8" grove in the sidewall)

Your best bet is to get a large portiable air tank, and a valve stem remover.
Take the valve stems out of the tires, and hook up your portable air tank, and then turn on the valve. Might have enough umph to seat the bead.

Another option is to jack the car so that tire is airborn, and that will help by taking the pressure off the beads.

Good luck
~Nate

djugurba · #12 04-30-2008, 12:54 AM

The plan is to jack it up then inflate with the compressor. They were holding some air- not flat and not pancaked down so the rim was on the ground. I don't believe they have lost their beads. My father has been in the tire industry my entire life, so I know a thing or two- but wasn't sure about the elasticity of the rubber if it sat for a year. Hell, I guess boat trailers sit all winter and people just drive them away. I'm sure it will be fine... if the thing starts!

Note to self: don't forget to buy a new battery on thursday...

Nate · #13 05-01-2008, 11:06 AM

It's thursday, dont forget to buy your group 35 battery : }

~Nate

Kuan · #14 05-01-2008, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G-Benz

That used to be true in the days of bias ply tires, but not so with modern radial compounds. Hence our forfathers would store vehicles with the tires removed and the chassis up on cement blocks. Some folks still do the same today.

So that's what they're doing in East LA! I always wondered.