Original Spare to the rescue. Holy Cow!
11-15-2007, 08:50 PM
#16
3rd Gear
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Yes, IMHO, Chaadster was unbelieveably "lucky." I have tried several methods to "shrink" my dreaded spacesaver tire/wheel back to a size that could allow it return to its proper niche. (including pulling the valve core, wrapping circumferentially with two rachet straps, and heating the damn thing up) and it won't "collapse" back down.
Perhaps my spare was inflated too long and just doesn't want to return to its former shrinky-dink self.
Anyone have other ideas about how to accomplish this? Thanks!!
JWB (84 928s rubyredmetallic)
Perhaps my spare was inflated too long and just doesn't want to return to its former shrinky-dink self.
Anyone have other ideas about how to accomplish this? Thanks!!
JWB (84 928s rubyredmetallic)
11-15-2007, 09:36 PM
#17
Rennlist Member
How about this "flat" I got on the way to work a few months back.
Admittedly, I was romping on it pretty good on the 270deg offramp... made quite a save when it left go.
For the record, I didn't use the spare, but I did use the jack. A buddy took me and the wheel back to my house to grab one of my backup tires.
Admittedly, I was romping on it pretty good on the 270deg offramp... made quite a save when it left go.
For the record, I didn't use the spare, but I did use the jack. A buddy took me and the wheel back to my house to grab one of my backup tires.
11-16-2007, 12:17 AM
#18
Three Wheelin'
11-16-2007, 10:06 AM
#19
Three Wheelin'
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Location: Evanston, IL, USA
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A precautionary note - if you have an LSD, you don't want to be putting a spare on just one rear. I don't think the circumference of the spare is that close to any of the tires, which will result in excessive wear on the LSD. Can PSD be turned off? If so, those with PSD probably shouldn't have an issue (it's just an open diff minus PSD, right?).
It probably also throws off the ABS, but that's not really a big deal. You shouldn't be driving that fast on the spare anyway.
It probably also throws off the ABS, but that's not really a big deal. You shouldn't be driving that fast on the spare anyway.
11-16-2007, 01:14 PM
#20
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Just thought I would chime in here.
The spare is still on my S4! I haven't touched it since I rolled into the driveway and parked it. Don't hate me here.
Been working like a madman since (70 hrs last week, down to 50 or so this week - didn't see my kids for 3 days last week!).
Back to the spare - its holding air just fine, another impressive feat considering its age. It will be very interesting to see if it goes back to its original shape, I'm betting it will. I'll keep you all posted on that.
And for the size of the spare, it appears very close to the size of my 18"-ers. I was pleasently surprised when I installed it how close it was. I'll see if I can measure the diameter just for laughs.
Driving at a 30 mph max speed as I went home, the car was surprisingly composed. Braking, turning, etc, were fine.
I was however driving extremely gingerly as you could imagine. Combine the age of the tire, and the "temporary" intended use of the tire, of course I took it easy on it.
I'm hoping to get to the S4 for a bit of maintenance this weekend and will report my findings.
Stay tuned.
The spare is still on my S4! I haven't touched it since I rolled into the driveway and parked it. Don't hate me here.
Been working like a madman since (70 hrs last week, down to 50 or so this week - didn't see my kids for 3 days last week!).
Back to the spare - its holding air just fine, another impressive feat considering its age. It will be very interesting to see if it goes back to its original shape, I'm betting it will. I'll keep you all posted on that.
And for the size of the spare, it appears very close to the size of my 18"-ers. I was pleasently surprised when I installed it how close it was. I'll see if I can measure the diameter just for laughs.
Driving at a 30 mph max speed as I went home, the car was surprisingly composed. Braking, turning, etc, were fine.
I was however driving extremely gingerly as you could imagine. Combine the age of the tire, and the "temporary" intended use of the tire, of course I took it easy on it.
I'm hoping to get to the S4 for a bit of maintenance this weekend and will report my findings.
Stay tuned.
11-16-2007, 01:27 PM
#21
Three Wheelin'
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Driving at a 30 mph max speed as I went home, the car was surprisingly composed. Braking, turning, etc, were fine.
I was however driving extremely gingerly as you could imagine. Combine the age of the tire, and the "temporary" intended use of the tire, of course I took it easy on it.
11-28-2007, 12:05 AM
#23
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Ka-ching!
After about a month, I finally removed the spare from the S4 and deflated it. Took the valve core out of the stem and it politely emptied itself of air and returned to its original shape. I didn't do a thing to it except walk away and install the wheels with the new tires on the S4. Came back, it was back to its original shape.
If you look closely at this pic, you can see the original flat spot on the upper right side of the tire. This is the spot that rested against the one side of the wheel well.
I didn't get a chance to test fit it in the wheel well, but its looking like it should go right back in.
I love these cars.
After about a month, I finally removed the spare from the S4 and deflated it. Took the valve core out of the stem and it politely emptied itself of air and returned to its original shape. I didn't do a thing to it except walk away and install the wheels with the new tires on the S4. Came back, it was back to its original shape.
If you look closely at this pic, you can see the original flat spot on the upper right side of the tire. This is the spot that rested against the one side of the wheel well.
I didn't get a chance to test fit it in the wheel well, but its looking like it should go right back in.
I love these cars.
11-28-2007, 12:07 AM
#24
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Thread Starter
And I wonder for those tires that would not return to their original shape, or had to be "encouraged" to do so, if you guys had removed the valve stem core? If not, I could see how it would be a nightmare to deflate it enough for it to return to its original shape.
11-28-2007, 06:28 AM
#25
928 Barrister
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No. Mine did the same. I simply deflated it and shoved it back in the compartment. i can't remember if I removed the valve or not. It was late at night.
11-28-2007, 09:05 AM
#26
Drifting
20 years later and the mini-me spare works? Now that's a great story! 
11-28-2007, 04:03 PM
#28
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Thread Starter