Tire Rotation and Where Do You Put The Flat?

[FLORIT]

I have two tire related questions.

First, I will have different size tires on the back and front. When it comes time to rotate the tires, my only option will be to swap the lefts with the rights. That, or have them remounted inside out. :confused: Do I have other options I cannot see?

Second, we have a space saver spare in the trunk. If I have a flat, I can replace it with the spare. But where the HELL am I going to put the flat? I tried putting one of my new tires in the trunk but it wouldn't FIT. I'm almost sure our stock wheels won't fit either. If they don't, do you think I'm gonna put a flat tire and wheel on my leather seats? :slap:

[mistermike]

Suggest keeping a large, heavy duty plastic bag handy to put the flat in, so as to not dirty your seats. Be sure to buckle it in for safety :D

[GTOdriver7]

Suggest keeping a large, heavy duty plastic bag handy to put the flat in, so as to not dirty your seats. Be sure to buckle it in for safety :D


that is the most ridiculous thing i have heard. the trunk is too small to hold its own damn spear.

i agree. keep a plastic bag in the compartment

[cjlannoy]

WOW! I never thought of that, thanks for pointing it out.

[GMH GTO]

I have two tire related questions.

First, I will have different size tires on the back and front. When it comes time to rotate the tires, my only option will be to swap the lefts with the rights. That, or have them remounted inside out. :confused: Do I have other options I cannot see?

Second, we have a space saver spare in the trunk. If I have a flat, I can replace it with the spare. But where the HELL am I going to put the flat? I tried putting one of my new tires in the trunk but it wouldn't FIT. I'm almost sure our stock wheels won't fit either. If they don't, do you think I'm gonna put a flat tire and wheel on my leather seats? :slap:

You don't rotate differnt size tires, for example Corvette MR2 etc.
also try to avoid putting the donut spare on the rear axle, LSD won't last long with two differnt size tires

Really I would just have your car towed if you had a flat tire sounds abit expensive but your not driving a cavalier either.

[mistermike]

A plug kit and portable compressor wouldn't be a bad idea. I suspect some of the Vette guys who chuck their run-flats will probably go this route.

[Warren]

WOW! I never thought of that, thanks for pointing it out.
That is a big heads up. Big plastic trashbag in my spare compartment now.

[AmesGTO]

I would say call On-Star, but I guess that's only in my 2 other cars.

[speed_demon_freak]

That is a big heads up. Big plastic trashbag in my spare compartment now.



WOW....thanks for telling us that

[MattSaint]

That is a big heads up. Big plastic trashbag in my spare compartment now.

Duh! I never even thought about that... Thanks for the heads up.

[aussie bill]

if tyres on front smaller that rears the only way to rotate is to left to right unless tyres are directional.if tyres are directional you have to flip tyres on rims then left to right. if you get a puncture on the front the spacesaver spare goes on front if puncture on rear one of the front tyres go on the rear,,spacesaver on front. this is to save diff but most important if puncture on rear the front tyre on rear and spacesaver on front is to stop oversteer the theory goes understeer is easier to controll than oversteer.

[paco04]

Thanks, Bill. Every bit of information helps. Keep it coming.

[mlc]

I have two tire related questions.

First, I will have different size tires on the back and front. When it comes time to rotate the tires, my only option will be to swap the lefts with the rights. That, or have them remounted inside out. :confused: Do I have other options I cannot see?

Second, we have a space saver spare in the trunk. If I have a flat, I can replace it with the spare. But where the HELL am I going to put the flat? I tried putting one of my new tires in the trunk but it wouldn't FIT. I'm almost sure our stock wheels won't fit either. If they don't, do you think I'm gonna put a flat tire and wheel on my leather seats? :slap:


Did you try putting the flat tire in the trunk with the spare removed. What if you lift the foor covering the spare and stand the flat upright. Maybe with a flat spot on the flat it would fit. :confused:

[FLORIT]

Did you try putting the flat tire in the trunk with the spare removed. What if you lift the foor covering the spare and stand the flat upright. Maybe with a flat spot on the flat it would fit. :confused:

I did not pull anything out of the trunk when I did this. I was going to haul my drag radials to get them put on the stock wheels. They MIGHT fit if you take everything out of the trunk.

In fact, one of the mods I want to make is turning the trunk into a "pit stall". I want to fit TWO stock wheels mounted with drag radials, a small floor jack, one or two jack stands, and some tools. On track days, I can haul my "pit stall" in the back and swap the wheels when I get there.

It is only a vision of mine. I have not measured or tested to see if this will work. I am not sure if it will, especially now.

[speed_demon_freak]

Has anyone contacted Pontiac about this problem?

[flyinlow]

if tyres on front smaller that rears the only way to rotate is to left to right unless tyres are directional.if tyres are directional you have to flip tyres on rims then left to right. if you get a puncture on the front the spacesaver spare goes on front if puncture on rear one of the front tyres go on the rear,,spacesaver on front. this is to save diff but most important if puncture on rear the front tyre on rear and spacesaver on front is to stop oversteer the theory goes understeer is easier to controll than oversteer.

Aussie Bill is right. My 1995 Nissan 200SX SE-R had an LSD front differential and a space saver spare. The instructions were the same, in that case it was if you have a flat on the front, move a wheel and tire from the back, put the space saver there, and put the regular wheel and tire on the front.

The price you pay for an LSD.

[GMH GTO]

Has anyone contacted Pontiac about this problem?

Its not a problem, still your talking about tires of two differnt sizes so putting the smaller tire from the front on the rear to put a space saver in the front. You could still damage the LSD easily. Differnt size tires in front/back all you can do is have the car towed.

and having a plug kit... well most flat tires don't happen by debris they make slow leaks. Hitting potholes curbs thoes flatten tires.

Whats the point of rotating tires on the same axle... You rotate tires front back switch either the fronts to the back for the tire ware and road force change. No point in re mounting tires, i've never seen anybody do that.

[gto_in_nc]

I suspect s_d_f was talking about contacting Pontiac in relation to the question of what to do with the flat...

[FLORIT]

Did you try putting the flat tire in the trunk with the spare removed. What if you lift the foor covering the spare and stand the flat upright. Maybe with a flat spot on the flat it would fit.

I did this experiment when I got home from work, and if you stand the flat upright against the rear bumper, the trunk will close. You will have to squeeze the trunk floor panel in there somehow or put it in the back seat. Still, I'd rather put the trunk floor in the back seat than a dirty old tire.

Really I would just have your car towed if you had a flat tire sounds abit expensive but your not driving a cavalier either.

I agree with this statement. At least for the first three years I own the car, I can call 1-800-PONTIAC for free roadside assistance. If I remember correctly, this includes free towing. (I know it does on my extended warranty, but I'm selling the extended warranty back.)

Doing this experiment also confirmed that my "pit stall" idea is feasible. The two 245/45/17 Nitto 555R drag radials mounted on stock wheels MIGHT fit in the trunk if I stand them upright. That leaves plenty of room on either side for the tools and stuff.

By the way, removing the back wall covering the gas tank doesn't buy you much at all, but I did get a good look at the heavy a** bracket protecting the gas tank. There is a huge weight savings there, but at what risk? It probably wouldn't pass a safety inspection without the bracket. BMR Fabrication is working on a lightweight version. I'll buy it.

Sorry for the "scare", but now we know we CAN but a flat tire in our trunk.

[aussie bill]

because you blokes own powerful cars most importantly, when you have the punctured tyre repaired make sure your repairer takes the tyre of the rim. this way the tyre can be inspected from the inside and make sure the repair is of an approved method. the speeds these cars can do the last thing you want is a tyre repair to fail.

[Old Goat]

because you blokes own powerful cars most importantly, when you have the punctured tyre repaired make sure your repairer takes the tyre of the rim. this way the tyre can be inspected from the inside and make sure the repair is of an approved method. the speeds these cars can do the last thing you want is a tyre repair to fail.

Amen. Wisdom from Oz. Personally, I've never seen a Z rated tire repair, and since both car and buns are on the line, a puncture equals a new tire for me.

[gto_in_nc]

Amen. Wisdom from Oz. Personally, I've never seen a Z rated tire repair, and since both car and buns are on the line, a puncture equals a new tire for me.

Ditto! The only exception might be for the time it might take to order a replacement...

[aussie bill]

z rated tyres can be repaired only in the tread area not anywhere in sidewall. if you have a nail in the tread area and as long it less than 5mills in diamater, the way to properly repair tyre is to remove tyre of rim thouraghly inspect tyre remove nail drill 5mill hole from outside to inside buff area around hole inside tyre, apply tyre cement insert mushroom plug from inside tyre through to outside and cut of overhang. mushroom plugs should only be used as they are the only ones that go from inside to outside. this is also to prevent water getting in to the steel belt and causing belt sepperation. if your friendly tyre repairer does not do this method find some one who will

[cnard]

If you have 4 people in the car who do you leave behind?

[Speedy Gonzales]

I wonder how much space Holden shrunk to store the spare, over here I have seen a 19x8 245/35/19 fit in the boot, any pics of a GTO boot?

[Old Goat]

I wonder how much space Holden shrunk to store the spare, over here I have seen a 19x8 245/35/19 fit in the boot, any pics of a GTO boot?

They took the gas tank from under the floor, rotated it 90*, and put it vertically behind the rear seat, them built an armored carrier to hold it in place. From the forward lip of the body, there is less than 5 inches to the vertical wall it represents. The only parts that extend beyond that are the two cutouts for the boot lid hinges. The spacesaver spare is under the boot floor where the gas tank used to be. VERY inefficient use of space. :(

[tiggerfan]

That is a big heads up. Big plastic trashbag in my spare compartment now.

Will the tire fit standing up once you remove the donut? I'd think the extra depth would more then handle it.

[FLORIT]

FYI, everyone... yes, the stock wheel and tire will fit standing up, once the space saver spare is removed. The trunk floor panel may or may not fit in the trunk, but you can always throw that in the back seat. Better that than the dirty old tire.

Also, I have proven my "pit stall" mod is going to work. I will be able to stand BOTH stock wheels, mounted with drag radials, in the trunk. It's a snug fit, but it works. I will also have room on the sides for my floor jack, two jack stands, a small toolbox, and maybe even a small cooler. As soon as my 18" wheels arrive and are installed I'm going to "pretty up" the trunk and make my "pit stall". Pics will be posted.

[Shocker]

cool i wanna see that set up.

[Old Goat]

FYI, everyone... yes, the stock wheel and tire will fit standing up, once the space saver spare is removed...(snip)... As soon as my 18" wheels arrive and are installed I'm going to "pretty up" the trunk and make my "pit stall". Pics will be posted.
Holy smokes! Next time I go an a trip remind me to have YOU pack the trunk! :thumbs:

[tiggerfan]

FYI, everyone... yes, the stock wheel and tire will fit standing up, once the space saver spare is removed. The trunk floor panel may or may not fit in the trunk, but you can always throw that in the back seat. Better that than the dirty old tire.

Also, I have proven my "pit stall" mod is going to work. I will be able to stand BOTH stock wheels, mounted with drag radials, in the trunk. It's a snug fit, but it works. I will also have room on the sides for my floor jack, two jack stands, a small toolbox, and maybe even a small cooler. As soon as my 18" wheels arrive and are installed I'm going to "pretty up" the trunk and make my "pit stall". Pics will be posted.

Remember too, that the flat tire will be, well, flat. That will also give it more clearance.

[bclarke]

I have two tire related questions.

First, I will have different size tires on the back and front. When it comes time to rotate the tires, my only option will be to swap the lefts with the rights. That, or have them remounted inside out. :confused: Do I have other options I cannot see?

Second, we have a space saver spare in the trunk. If I have a flat, I can replace it with the spare. But where the HELL am I going to put the flat? I tried putting one of my new tires in the trunk but it wouldn't FIT. I'm almost sure our stock wheels won't fit either. If they don't, do you think I'm gonna put a flat tire and wheel on my leather seats? :slap:


I did have a flat tire already, I was able to fit a Stock Rim / Tire in the trunk, but barely. As for larger ones , we are screwed call a friend.

[73blazer]

Second, we have a space saver spare in the trunk. If I have a flat, I can replace it with the spare. But where the HELL am I going to put the flat? I tried putting one of my new tires in the trunk but it wouldn't FIT. I'm almost sure our stock wheels won't fit either. If they don't, do you think I'm gonna put a flat tire and wheel on my leather seats? :slap:

Stock tire: 245/45R17 = 25.7" Diameter
Spare Size: 145/45R17 = 25.0" Diameter

That shouldn't be enough difference (0.35 Radius difference, if you take rolling radius into account, the spare's are usally stiffer, that means less deformation than stock, so even less than 0.35" difference) to warrant concern for the LSD, and from looking at my GTO, there should be (I say should be, I havn't tried, so I could be wrong) just enough room for the 0.7" difference in diameter, of course the cover will be raised because the stock width is much different as well.
Now if you've got mod'ed tires/wheels, you'll need to perform your own calculations.

[slick50]

Speaking of flats, my GTO just turned 300 miles and at times will sit a week or two in the garage. No problems with the battery but I took a ride last night and noticed a pull to the right. I just assumed it was the crown of the road as it went away in the passing lane.

Well, this moring I had a almost entirely flat right front. Aired it up and can't hear a leak. Will see what happens but not too thrilled.

slick50

[Tails]

Stock tire: 245/45R17 = 25.7" Diameter
Spare Size: 145/45R17 = 25.0" Diameter

145/45R17 is 22.16"
:drink: :drink:

[Old Goat]

Stock tire: 245/45R17 = 25.7" Diameter
Spare Size: 145/45R17 = 25.0" Diameter

That shouldn't be enough difference (0.35 Radius difference, if you take rolling radius into account, the spare's are usally stiffer, that means less deformation than stock, so even less than 0.35" difference) to warrant concern for the LSD, and from looking at my GTO, there should be (I say should be, I havn't tried, so I could be wrong) just enough room for the 0.7" difference in diameter, of course the cover will be raised because the stock width is much different as well.
Now if you've got mod'ed tires/wheels, you'll need to perform your own calculations.
Is there room for a full sized spare? .7 inch diameter difference? 3.54 inch?

[73blazer]

145/45R17 is 22.16"
:drink: :drink:

Sorry, the spare size is 145/70R17, I typoed...

145/70R17=25.0

145*0.7=101.5
145mm is the width, 70 represents 70% of witdh is height over rim
101.5/25.4=4
Conversion to inches
4+4+17=25.0"
I have two 4" heights over rim for overall diameter, plus the 17" wheel

Real world measurments on my cars tires say 25.0 for the spare, and just over 25 for the tires on the car.

:drink: Yes please

[FLORIT]

If you have the energy, go take a stock wheel and tire off of your car and try to put it where the spare sits. Let us know if it fits. :D

[Old Goat]

If you have the energy, go take a stock wheel and tire off of your car and try to put it where the spare sits. Let us know if it fits. :D
It sure don't....unless letting the air out and squishing the H*ll out of it might help, but even that looks like a lost cause due to height on it's side..... :drink: :drink: :drink:

[Tails]

Somewhere around one of these forums and/or threads I think it was decided that the best course of action was to carry a large garbage sack in the trunk so you could put the flat in it and set it on the seat.
:drink: :drink:

[FLORIT]

Or better yet, call 1-800-PONTIAC and have it towed. Didn't we all get 3 years or 36K miles of free roadside assistance? I did, anyway.

[Tails]

My experience is that you have to wait 2-3 hours though.
:drink: :drink:

[jmart5736]

I had the rear passenger tire go flat while at the movies. I changed the tire an was able to put it standing up in the trunk with the panel tucked in verticaly on top of the tire. I wondered for a while how I was going to do it. I tried to put the flat tire in the same way the spare lays in there and it didn't fit. Then I saw that the back of the trunk panel (liner) has instructions on how to put the flat stock tire in the trunk. Duhh!! Next I tried to find a place to fix the tire and found out that on Sundays is very hard to find a tire shop open. When I was able to find one opened, the guy said that the tire had to be replaced and showed me that the sidewalls were crushed and that he wouldnt fix the tire. He said he will call me with a cuote on Monday. Arghhh!!
Well, Monday he calls and says that the tire will be $190.00 mounted and balanced. The cuote seemed kind of high so I checked prices on the internet and the best I could find was $136.00 at Sams and had to wait a few days. I called a friend that works at a Ford dealership and he said he would find me the tire and mount it for $160.00. So I drove to his place the next day (about 30 miles) with my spare tire in the rear passenger side (I didn't know that was bad) and got my tire mounted with no issues. The hardest thing was that I had to put my wheel inside a plastic bag in the back seat and my tire in the trunk. My friend confirmed that the tired was bad. I dont remember driving it flat so I dont know how it happened. After all this, 2 weeks ago I noticed a tire low; put air on it and it was low again when I got out of work. So, here we go again; took the car to a shop and the guy convinced me that it was ok to put a plug on the tire and fixed it for free. Hmmm... Now I find out it might not be a good idea and may have to replace another tire. Dang it!! Well, I think I ranted too much already. Next chance I get I will try to take the tire somewhere to get it patched. JM

[bothred]

I just ruined a tire on my '04 GTO by running over road debris and wondered if the factory tires are warranted for road hazard? It's holiday weekend and can't call dealer.