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Tire Bulge - cause for concern?

6K views 27 replies 16 participants last post by  Mike_in OH 
#1 ·
I noticed that there's a slight bulge on the front passenger-side tire. It looks like a little bump. The tire seems sufficiently inflated, but the bulge bothers me. Should I take it to the dealer to get the tire re-inflated?
 
#13 ·
Just had a talk with the service department. Could be that I hit something really hard but they'll take a look at it to be sure. Bringing it in on my lunch break.


The tire will have to be replaced. These bulges are usually cause by hitting something like a curb or road dot......the short sidewall of the tire gets pinched between the object and the rim causing a cord breakage inside the sidewall of the tire.......no way to fix. I could see this being real common on 19's as the 18's would have a bit more give. With not that many miles I would think just the one tire being replaced would be fine......just make sure it's the same brand & spec.
 
#16 ·
Jaica -- BE SURE YOU GET THE N-SPEC TIRE!!! I've dealt with this before, and even in Michelins, the same model tire, same size but not N-Spec'd is NOT equivalent. In some brand, there are compound or tread differences, some of which may be subtle, not obvious to the casual observer, In my case, the non N-Spec tires couldn't be properly balanced -- passed on high speed dynamic balancing, but could get road force into specifications, and on a light car like the Cayman or Boxster, the cars will bounce and vibrate. I do love my 19" Mich PS2's for road use, but too soft for track. I have a set of Boxster S 18" wheels with Conti Contact Sport 2's and they're getting yanked for Hoosiers for the track. The Conti's are ok, but nowhere near the tire the Mich is. And I agreee with immediate replacement of a tire with a bulge. I once hit a brick on the highway in my "65 Triumph Spitfire with Pirellis, and it took about 1 week for the bulge to become evident, and while in the lot waiting for the lift to change it, the heat (Arizona in July) ruptured the tire through the separation. It would have been too exciting had that happened on the highway, and the urine smell is so hard to get out of the British Leyland upholstery! Greg
 
#19 ·
Would the service department know this or should I assume they don't?

The Porsche Dealer should be aware of the 'N' designation and should only stock 'N' designated tires. If they are getting the tire from Tire Rack and a lot of dealers do (you can check to see what you should pay for the tire before shipping and handling by going to www.tirerack.com, they get a cheaper rate than what is published) they will also know what to put on your car. I don't work for Tire Rack, but they are pretty knowledgable.


Good Luck!


Mark
 
#20 ·
I like Tire Rack too as I get all my tires from them, but do they stock the N-designated tires though? I called my service department and they said they are aware of the N so I'm relieved. Can't wait to get my car back. I miss it.
 
#21 ·
I like Tire Rack too as I get all my tires from them, but do they stock the N-designated tires though?

TireRack stocks N tires. Your dealer isexploiting your misfortune by hosing you on the price. TireRack's tire price delivered to you would be less than $250 for a 19' front PS2. (Here's a link). There's a distribution center in IN so figure a couple of days delivery. Mounting & balancing shouldn't run more than $30-35. You might consider having a talk w/the service manager &/or General Manager. Share a TireRack price print-out. They likely made more on your Cayman than on a truckload of tires, which ought to get you some consideration ... if they are smart & value your loyalty. Just my $.02.
 
#22 ·
Just got the car back and noticed that the new tire has an N2 classification as opposed to the N3 designation the other tires have. So I called my dealer and they apologized for the mishap. They're ordering a new one and will replace it at no charge. BTW it was $375.02 with the labor.
 
#26 ·
Hi All,
I am in the process of purchasing a Cayman R (w/ 8300 miles) After the test drive, I noticed a big tire bulge on the sidewall of the driver's side tire. From what I've read here the tire needs to be replaced. My concern is if the wheel has been damaged. Anyways, the seller is not able to take the car in to get it looked at so I am trying to arrange something with him where I would take it in myself. Question is would the car be safe to drive? He also mentioned that he has purchased the wheel and tire protection but not sure if it's aftermarket option and would be honored at the dealership.

Thanks!
 
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