badass7

Ok, I noticed that I had a leak in one of my tires so I brought it in to Walmart to get repaired. When I took it off, I noticed that there were no nails or other apparent punctures so I figured it was my valve stem. When I got to walmart sure enough it was leaking from my valve stem. A $4 fix. Now, When they went to replace my valve stem...they did not take the tire off the rim. Instead, they bent my tire back enough so that they could just barely remove and install the new stem. Now I drive off and that same night I notice a coolant leak from my heater hose. No big deal..just change the hose soon as I get it. Well, my car stayed in my driveway for about 5 days and when I finally changed the hose and drove off............my damn tire is leaking again.


This time....it leaked out within 3 blocks and I pulled over to a gas station to have it fixed. I figured it had something to do with the Valve stem that just got fixed by walmart....but it was not leaking !! The guy finally figured out that it was leaking from the point where the balance weights were going into the tire (about 3 of them). The weird thing was that no matter where he tried sticking the New balance weight in.....it would Immediately leak. BUT, if no weights were installed.....it would NOT leak at all. So, he had to use the Adhesive backed balance weights to balance my tire. ANYWAY, I'm guessing that Walmart somehow screwed something up with my tire while jacking it back to replace the stem instead of removing the tire completely off the rim. What do you think?? Has this EVER happened to anyone ??? Thanks for reading this Long *** post

Tommy

I work at discount tire and if he was just replacing the valve stem he wouldnt have to completely take the tire off.....although i would. When he aired the tire back up it would of set the bead then. If it wasnt set......you would know. Its not unusual for your tire to leak from where the weights were put on, i see it all the time.

Node

iTrader: (1)

what is the reason for weights? I never really knew.

badass7

So how does one fix this?? I am fine now with just the adhesive weights?? Should I be worried about going 140+mph. with this tire ??

pweizman

To balance the tire/rim. The rims and tires are never perfectly balanced, and as the tire wears, you need to adjust the amount/placement of the weights to re-balance it.

If you didn't have weights on your rim...and you tire was out of balance, you would get vibrations from the tires at different speeds.

You many experience this in cars you have driven that needed the tires balanced...

Patrick

cewrx7r1

iTrader: (2)

You went to Walmart to have your RX-7 worked on!

turborotarypower

i worked in sears auto for over 4 years and have seen this happen. the tire guy who balanced your rim used the wrong type of wheel weights on your rim! on alloy and custom wheels there are different weights for the different rim lip types, they should have a gauge at the balancing machine that tells the tech which weight is proper for the rim! the wheel weight is not letting your tire bead completely seat.

badass7

My wheel went to Walmart. My car stayed home. Anyone can fix a flat. I've been there many times before with no problem.

badass7

Thanks for the info. But, since they used the adhesive weights with no problems I'll just keep it that way for now. BUT, do you think the tire is safe under max speeds?? It is practically brand new...about 85% tread left. I'm talking speeds of 150 mph??? Thanks again Turbo

Jim Swantko

I've had a couple of Rim-Jobs in my life... but never from Wal-mart. You're a brave man...

Tommy

As long as your tires are rated for those kind of speeds you'll be fine. I took my car about 160 mph on some super shitty yoko avids or something like that when i first had it so i'd say your safe Do you have tape weights on 2 different places on the inside of your wheel or only one? Tell them to use the regular weights if at all possible since it gives the wheel a better balance.

badass7

Yes, the weights are on two diff. spots. i watched him as he balanced it and it came out perfect. Thanks for the info.

turborotarypower

if the tire was repaired/flat repair the tire is no longer speed rated once the structure of the tire is violated meaning that the tire can only maintain a speed of 112 or 118mph(s-speed rating) without breaking down from overheating and bursting into flames!! repairs on speed rated tires are temporary only if you like high mph driving.

badass7

Regarding fixing flats....what's better...the patch or the plug??? Which one holds up better?? Thanks again Turbo.

BlackR1

I used to work at Sears Auto too... you should use the patch/plug combo.. it's a bit safer. Also, you should use sticker weights (they go inside the rim) and you cant see them, nor do they damage the wheel's finish.

turborotarypower

like black r1 said, both. at sears they only do a patch and plug repair which is a permanent repair,but you still lose your speed rating. places who do plugging tires are making temporary repairs only and are not recommended by any tires manufacturers!