[mini33]

Hi

I am after some advice on the problem i have with my R53 Cooper S with Runflats

About three weeks ago i drove on my runflat completely flat for about 1.5miles & didn't realise it was flat (as it was a sunny day & i had my stereo on quite load!!) & my system didn't kick in - I am aware about that it doesn't & all that!!!

I was on my way to the petrol station to check them anyway!! & re inflated to the correct pressure & been keeping any eye on it ever since & had not other problems with it going flat

The question/advice i need is since this has happened i have had problems with my mini when i brake at 50+ its pulls/feels like its slides to the right & when going round bends i don't seem to have the usual mini grip!!!

I checked my pressures again today to double check as this does seem to make a hell of a difference but they correct & its still doing it

I just wondered if could have done something when i drove on it flat

Also it doesn't feel that it just that one tyre it feels like more that one!!

I'm not sure if to go to the garage or not & i am wearing my runflats down so i can get no runflats but cant afford 4 new tyres at the mo & don't want another runflat

It really starting to annoy me as i miss my grippy mini!!

Any advice would be most apprecited as i no mechanic but slowly learning & my bruv a mechanic is not around at the moment to check!!!

Thanks in advance

[James]

so did you have the completely flat runflat replaced? If so maybe your wheels havent been alligned properly or something.

[mini33]

No i haven't as i thought as it was that smaller millage it was ok & my brother advised me not to

[beken]

That's why the MINI dealers will not repair a runflat tire. They insist on replacing.

Once you've run a bit on the runflat tyre, the sidewall strength is compromised. 1.5 miles isn't much though, so I would think that you've had a problem before.

To save cost (temporarily), some tire shops will sell you a used, but still in good condition, replacement runflat tire. There are other MINI owners that have switched to non-runflats and the tireshops make money by selling the still in good condition runflats that were traded in. You should replace your tires (even used ones) in pairs. However, if you go to an aftermarket tyre dealer, it is possible you can get new non-major brand tyres for less money.

Good luck with it.

[mini33]

I normally use elite or Kwick fit as there my two local gararges + i get trade discount!!

I would be intending on keeping my old runflats for a time just incase!! as i have heard from a fellow r53 cooper s owner changed & his no runflats disentergrated & he has gone back to runflats!!

I thought this was unusual as been reading up on all the threads on here that there ok!!!

Thanks for that i will bear this in mind

[beken]

My runflats went and disintegrated on me. The extra hard sidewall cracked under the tread and started to separate from the tire. That's why I went to non-runflats and have a can of slime and a compressor in my boot. I also keep my autoclub membership up to date.

I haven't had a flat tire in 30 years of driving and within the first 2 years of owning a car with runflats, I have had to have 3 repairs and 1 unrepairable tire, inspite of having lots of tread left.

In my case, runflats are a good concept, but not quite ready to be the mainstay of tires yet. I'll wait another generation before I might try them again. They're also heavier and more expensive than regular high performance radial tires. That will probably be refined in subsequent years of development.

But I can respect your decision also. Cheers!

[mini33]

No one else got any advice/ideas!!??????????????????????

[humph]

Sorry I don't have any answers for you really. But it may be that the sidewalls of the tyre have been comprimised.

How do you know you only 1.5 miles on the flat tyre? The fact that your runflat indicator didn't trigger would suggest that the tyre didn't deflate quickly. Also the fact that the tyre has reinflated to the correct pressure and stayed there suggests that there isn't a nail or anything in it. The runflat system is not very good at detecting slow leaks. So if the first you knew about it is when you checked the pressure, then I would suggest that you have done much more than 1.5 miles on it flat. Once deflated the run flats should only be used for a short distance and at lower speeds. I would suggest that any tyre place would recommend changing this tyre. Sorry.

[mini33]

As a follow up if any one is interested!!!

I bit the bullet & took it to Elite this afternnon expecting to pay for a new run flat :-(

To cut the long story short that exact side the suspension bush is on just legal & the other side is not much better

I am now trying to get this fixed ASAP but not happy

I suppose it has saved me buying another runflat for the time being hopefully but i am still not sure & happy how much this will cost me

But i think i better start saving for new tyres & this repair costs

[mini33]

i know it that distant as i know how far it isas i use to work next door to the petrol garage & i had to be over the 2mile limit to get a parking permit so measure it that day!!

I not sure if i drove further on it slowly leaking but will never know!!! & could check that night as it was pitch black neally 11oclock when i got home!!!

I will see if the bushes problem sorts it & save up to replace them all - lets but it this way i went into elite to change the tyre & then they found this & didnt say anymore about changing it after that!!!

Thanks anyway