21" tread edge nail repair?

[Effopec]

So I've had a slow (~1 psi/week) leak in one tire for a few months. I could never find the source and hadn't had the time to take the tire off to find it. I finally found it and it is a fine "nail" in the very inside edge of the tread. Discount tire won't repair it, and I know tread edge repairs are not usually recommended but was wondering how you would likely proceed? I've got about 16k miles on my OEM Pirelli's - tread looks great so was hoping to get at least 30k out of them.

1) just continue driving and air it up every few weeks?
2) Plug it myself
3) Replace with same Pirelli's (would need to replace 2) for~$430 each
4) Replace 2 with Michilin Defenders for ~$360 each

I do have a few long trips planned for this summer, so am a bit worried about just leaving it and getting stranded if it breaks loose then. I don't have a spare.

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[Jonger1150]

So I've had a slow (~1 psi/week) leak in one tire for a few months. I could never find the source and hadn't had the time to take the tire off to find it. I finally found it and it is a fine "nail" in the very inside edge of the tread. Discount tire won't repair it, and I know tread edge repairs are not usually recommended but was wondering how you would likely proceed? I've got about 16k miles on my OEM Pirelli's - tread looks great so was hoping to get at least 30k out of them.

1) just continue driving and air it up every few weeks?
2) Plug it myself
3) Replace with same Pirelli's (would need to replace 2) for~$430 each
4) Replace 2 with Michilin Defenders for ~$360 each

I do have a few long trips planned for this summer, so am a bit worried about just leaving it and getting stranded if it breaks loose then. I don't have a spare.

It's a shame they won't repair it.... a patch on the inside would 100% fix it.

 

[CANCERDOC]

Officially not safe to repair. I'd replace the tire.

 

[Mark_AZR1T]

It's a shame they won't repair it.... a patch on the inside would 100% fix it.

This is the route I would take, but it may not be for others.

 

[Effopec]

Yeah, patching from the inside would likely be fine, but they won't do it and I can't do that myself so...
I have plugged holes before with the corded style plugs, but those (at least the kit I have) requires you to drill a much bigger hole, which worries me based on the location of the hole.

What about just fix-a-flat? I've never actually used it before. Does it generally last long term on something like this? Also, what are the odds it would mess up my TPMS? The last thing I need is to try to fix the tire but then no longer be able to monitor the pressure after the fix.

 

[electruck]

Repairs in the shoulder are less likely to hold than in the tread, not worth the increased risk of a blowout (IMHO). Not doing anything is also not a good idea long term as you don't want moisture making its way into the internal structure of the tire and compromising its structural integrity.

 

[Mark_AZR1T]

Yeah, patching from the inside would likely be fine, but they won't do it and I can't do that myself so...
I have plugged holes before with the corded style plugs, but those (at least the kit I have) requires you to drill a much bigger hole, which worries me based on the location of the hole.

What about just fix-a-flat? I've never actually used it before. Does it generally last long term on something like this? Also, what are the odds it would mess up my TPMS? The last thing I need is to try to fix the tire but then no longer be able to monitor the pressure after the fix.

We have dozens of very small tire shops that will patch a tire, not just the big brands as liability is the driver. No to fix a flat. That is only a desperation move to get from point a to point b. Maybe it's just replacement time.

 

[iansriv]

It's a very heavy vehicle. I'd error on the side of caution and get new tyres. Take a look at the link below. I think these go for half the cost of the Pirellis and are much better.

@B Digs worked on these with Rivian engineers.

Goodyear

 

[sherold]

I've used these for years with little trouble. Not saying its the "best" option but, it will likely work and does not require any drilling or enlarging of the puncture.

https://shop.dynaplug.com/collections/car-and-truck

 

[Glembi2]

TireJect comes with the truck (or it did at one time). It is better than the old school fix a flat gels. It would work but don’t know about how long the fix would last

 

[bigsky]

Michelin said it best: because so much is riding on your tires.
DT will not fix those for safety reasons.
Replace the tire, not worth it. Wanting to get more miles out of it akin to penny wise and pound foolish.

 

[Effopec]

OK one more question. If I replace 2 tires it would make sense to keep the good one and have a spare. So ideally I would buy another 21" rim to have a full size spare for the truck. But it doesn't look like you can buy the 21" rims from the gear shop anymore. Does anyone know if you can get them someplace, or of a good alternative?

 

[Eeyore]

OK one more question. If I replace 2 tires it would make sense to keep the good one and have a spare. So ideally I would buy another 21" rim to have a full size spare for the truck. But it doesn't look like you can buy the 21" rims from the gear shop anymore. Does anyone know if you can get them someplace, or of a good alternative?

I'd start here: https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/forums/wheels-tires-suspension.57/

 

[CrazyOne]

OK one more question. If I replace 2 tires it would make sense to keep the good one and have a spare. So ideally I would buy another 21" rim to have a full size spare for the truck. But it doesn't look like you can buy the 21" rims from the gear shop anymore. Does anyone know if you can get them someplace, or of a good alternative?

Lots of people were trying to offload their 21 inch rims. Check marketplace. You can get one pretty cheap. Use this tire with slow leak as a spare. You can use onboard compressor to air it up if necessary. I don't get flats for years and then get a few together. Also, I would be very surprised if Rivian won't sell you a 21 inch rims. Call them.

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