Suspension/Wheels/Tires/Brakes

tires temporarily 'flat spotting'....?

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Old Aug 25, 2007 | 07:59 AM
  #1  
bajaman's Avatar
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tires temporarily 'flat spotting'....?

In this hot weather we've been having, I don't drive the FD much as I don't like it sitting outside roasting in the sun whilst I am at work. Subsequently, I find I only drive it a couple of times a month, usually just to go out and blow the cobs out, keep the battery charged on a weekend morning. Anyways, I have noticed that the tires seem to take a 'set' or a temporary flat spot that causes vibration for a few minutes. Once the tire warms up it is fine.
I never noticed this with my old Goodyear Eagles, but these Potenzas definitely have it.
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Old Aug 25, 2007 | 10:31 AM
  #2  
R281's Avatar
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From: Ontario/Rancho Cucamonga/Brea
Check out some Ferrari websites or magazines. I've seen plastic pieces designed to stop flat spots from froming that while the car is stationary.

I'll try to get an image for you.

edit: Try this website

http://www.tirecradle.com/tcradle.html

I guess they're called tire cradles.
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Old Aug 25, 2007 | 12:56 PM
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If you garage the car, consider letting it sit on jack stands.
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Old Aug 25, 2007 | 04:59 PM
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From: Central Iowa
Originally Posted by NeoTuri
If you garage the car, consider letting it sit on jack stands.
NO. The suspension and frame are not designed to be extended in that way for long periods nor pressure applied at the jack points. This is outlined in either a storage write up by perhaps Aaron Cake or in an FAQ.

Those tire pads are expensive... I don't know what else to tell you except that I've got Potenzas on my FC and I haven't noted flat spotting when it sits on the hot asphalt all day. Your tire pressure could be low, too, that would certainly contribute.
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Old Aug 25, 2007 | 05:37 PM
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From: Greenville, SC
Originally Posted by NeoTuri
If you garage the car, consider letting it sit on jack stands.

Just buy some cheapo used steel wheels with crap tires. Very affordable, protects your wheels/tires, and you can still move the car around.
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Old Aug 25, 2007 | 06:12 PM
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I have a set of old tires I use when I'm not expecting to drive it for a while.

Though, I kept it up on jack stands while replacing/repairing the brakes/rotors. I'm sure I was the first person as two of them required drilling to remove.
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Old Aug 25, 2007 | 11:24 PM
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Originally Posted by SpeedOfLife
NO. The suspension and frame are not designed to be extended in that way for long periods nor pressure applied at the jack points.
This is probably one of those urban legends started by someone who left his 2-ton '55 Chevy convertible with a flat sheet metal floor pan suspended on jack stands with the doors open for a few months and was unable to close them after letting the car down.

A modern unibody car like the FD is extremely rigid, and if you're supporting the car by the two strongest assemblies on the underside (the front and rear subframes), there is absolutely zero effect from leaving the car on jackstands for an extended period of time. At worst, you'll have to hit a few bumps to get the shocks to settle down to ride height.

If you're going to store the car for a long period of time, buy a set of wheel dollies and let it sit on its tires off the concrete.
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Old Aug 26, 2007 | 06:28 AM
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Thanks, guys.
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Old Aug 26, 2007 | 10:13 AM
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From: In A Disfunctional World
Why can't you drive your car at lease once a week or more?
It is very simple. Get up on a weekend morning and drive it.
Even after you get home during the week, take it for a small drive.

"Quit making excuses for not driving it" !
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