[Jbrock22]

I have Pirelli run flats that are leaking around the rim. Anyone else?
Pirelli Sottozero 225/45/18.
Purchased winter/wheel set last season from the Tire Rack and had no issues. This season one tire in particular holds air for a week or so then can't hold air for a few hrs. Last winter it was very mild, this year we have had bitter cold, maybe this has something to do with it?
My local tire dealer says there are mold marks on the bead and its leaking at those spots. I purchased another tire from Tire Rack and it leaks also.
Spoke to customer service at the Rack and explained the situation and hoping they stand behind their product.

[richb811]

Originally Posted by Jbrock22

I have Pirelli run flats that are leaking around the rim. Anyone else?
Pirelli Sottozero 225/45/18.
Purchased winter/wheel set last season from the Tire Rack and had no issues. This season one tire in particular holds air for a week or so then can't hold air for a few hrs. Last winter it was very mild, this year we have had bitter cold, maybe this has something to do with it?
My local tire dealer says there are mold marks on the bead and its leaking at those spots. I purchased another tire from Tire Rack and it leaks also.
Spoke to customer service at the Rack and explained the situation and hoping they stand behind their product.

It could definitely be a manufacturing defect, but It may also be an issue with the rim.

Have you pulled the tire off and had the rim inspected for damage?

[Jbrock22]

My local tire installer has pulled the tire and says the rim is okay.
The Rack has one identical rim in stock, and I asked them to mount it there and test it for leaks. If okay, send it to me and I'll return the original tire/rim and the new tire they sent. They can deal with Pirelli and or the rim mfg.
Thank you.

[BavarianFanatic]

What wheels? I'd put money on the issue being a wheel problem, not a tire problem. Especially if a second tire leaked. The "mold marks" are typical flash. Not nearly substantial enough to cause a leak. If your tire guy thinks that is the issue, why doesn't he just shave it off?

For the record, I have the same tires and have no issues. It was -7F this morning.

[Jbrock22]

The wheels are Moda MD16, typical wheel tire package from Tire Rack.
They did shave off the mold marks from the old tire but still leaks. The new tire that the Rack sent has even more pronounced mold marks. I paid for it and if they shaved them off I could not get my money back. Waiting to hear from them.

[VMRWheels]

Be sure that the bead is very clean. I've personally had leaky setups because there was a little bit of dirt on the beat seat. If there's no visual problem with the wheel or the tire, clean them thoroughly and remount them.

[Jbrock22]

Originally Posted by VMRWheels

Be sure that the bead is very clean. I've personally had leaky setups because there was a little bit of dirt on the beat seat. If there's no visual problem with the wheel or the tire, clean them thoroughly and remount them.

The tires have flash along the bead, they leak at almost every spot where there is flash.
Not happy driving with 3 winter tires and one summer tire. Calling Tire Rack tomorrow to follow up.

[Jbrock22]

Originally Posted by Jbrock22

The tires have flash along the bead, they leak at almost every spot where there is flash.
Not happy driving with 3 winter tires and one summer tire. Calling Tire Rack tomorrow to follow up.

Tire Rack contacted my local installer and have contacted Pirelli. They said I should hear back Monday.

[Jbrock22]

Tire Rack is sending a new tire curtsey of Pirelli from another batch. Hopefully it will not leak. If it does my options are limited to a winter non run flat.

[Jbrock22]

Problem solved with new tire.