Radial Tire Repair

[cbvet]

One of my 1400 R 20 Michelins has a sidewall break, that leaks air.
I've been thinking about a boot in the tire & adding a tube.
Stopped in at a Michelin truck tire dealer in South Bend today to see about it.
Guy there said he could replace a "section" of the tire, with new material vulcanized in. Claims it's done on OTR truck tires a lot.
I really just want to use this repaired tire as a spare.
What do you think?
Eric
CBVET

 

[gimpyrobb]

Are you asking if we think its safe? I have seen it done and think so.

 

[cbvet]

Yes, that is my question. I've never heard of this kind of repair.
They say $45 to $125 over the phone.
Eric
CBVET

 

[Angus1]

I drive OTR I have NEVER seen that done

 

[snoplay]

I had it done to a super swamper tire and never had a problem, even running low air presure

 

[hndrsonj]

My question would be: why pay 125$ to repair a 175$ tire?

 

[snoplay]

True, mine was $45 for a $400 tire

 

[cbvet]

Where are these $175 tires?
The only similar used tires in my area, are 1600-20s for $300 each.
With the current cost of fuel, & possibly time off work to get tires, I don't have a lot of choices.
I frequently read about great deals guys get on trucks, parts, tires, etcetera, but shipping or travel is rarely figured in.
Eric
CBVET

 

[hndrsonj]

I bought a couple michelins in Dec for 100 each (1100's new), the 1400's were $175. That was from Berg tire. The shipping quote to me for a pallet way well below 200$.

 

[BEASTMASTER]

i think the guys an idiot, don't do it, it's against the law to repair a sidewall on any commercial truck tire. the tire is junk!!!!

 

[cbvet]

Berg tells me the 1400s he has now are in bad shape.
I'm still looking around.
Eric
CBVET

 

[hndrsonj]

The big thing with berg is to keep calling every 2-3 weeks. His inventory always changes. Or give him your # and have him call when he gets some in.

 

[Albin]

i think the guys an idiot, don't do it, it's against the law to repair a sidewall on any commercial truck tire. the tire is junk!!!!

I'm having a Super Swamper tire sidewall fixed as we speak, should be able to pick it up today.

The truck tire place that is doing ONLY does OTR tires, his shop is full of them. He's doing my (relatively) small tire only as a favor and it barely fits into his machine.

So, he's not an idiot and it's not illegal. It's done all the time.

To the OP: if you do it, I'd recommend you use it on a rear tire vs. a front tire. It's what my guy told me to do.

Good luck.

Al