Huge flat spot
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Junior User
Joined: May 2011
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Huge flat spot
Just installed my winter tires and found a large flat spot on right front summer tire.Never seen something like this.Absolutely no indication while driving.almost down to cord.Any ideas.Truck is 2003 4wd diesel.Thxs
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Mt. Shasta California
Maybe something got on the tire. Oil, etc.
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 96
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The major cause of a flat spot on a tire can occur when a brake locks up and drags the tire in position for a distance. It doesn't require a long distance because the rubber is soft while the road is hard, like taking a piece of wood and putting on a sander, just a little time will wear a good sized spot.
Another cause, less likely because you'd notice the problem, is in tire manufacturing if the mold the tire was pressed in developed a cool spot the rubber could be under-cured and thus wear more quickly. The tire is more likely to fail rather than just flat spot though.
Finally, a flat spot can develop across the face of a tire that is near the end of it's life anyway. Tire patterns are various depths so that over time as the tire wears the pattern starts to blend more. Near the end of life heavy lugs are no longer visible and the deepest crevices are all that is left.
Definitely post a picture as it sounds more likely that you had a brake dragging/locking.
Another cause, less likely because you'd notice the problem, is in tire manufacturing if the mold the tire was pressed in developed a cool spot the rubber could be under-cured and thus wear more quickly. The tire is more likely to fail rather than just flat spot though.
Finally, a flat spot can develop across the face of a tire that is near the end of it's life anyway. Tire patterns are various depths so that over time as the tire wears the pattern starts to blend more. Near the end of life heavy lugs are no longer visible and the deepest crevices are all that is left.
Definitely post a picture as it sounds more likely that you had a brake dragging/locking.
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DRReid
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
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Sep 2, 2003 07:30 AM