My rear driver's side tire - Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 - was leaking air - a few pounds per week. I pulled it off today and did not find a nail or a screw, but there was a funny spot near the sidewall - maybe a few mm in diameter. It did not look punctured, but when I dug around, some metal cord was present. There was a little bump in the sidewall as well. I don't know what to think. I cleaned and plugged the spot, but am concerned that there is some internal damage due to the bump in the sidewall and the metal cord I found. Anyone have any thoughts? Thanks.

 

Is the damaged area actually on the sidewall or just near it? Did you have to plug the tread area of the tire or the sidewall? The tire cannot be repaired normally if the sidewalls are damaged. Only remedy for a tire with sidewall damage is to replace it.

 

I have been told that a bump in the tire indicates structural damage in the cords. I wouldn't trust it.
Good Luck

 

May be a manufacturing defect = covered by tire warranty. Check with the tire shop you purchased it from... and/or Michelin.

 

Thanks folks - definitely not a hole in the sidewall - but a bump there. I will check with Michelin.