Can A Slightly Flat Spotted Tire be Re-Balanced ?

[Mako Koiwai]

Putting the RA-1's on one of our Miata's and remembered one is slightly flat spotted. We're going to be running at the Mazda Fest at Big Willow and didn't want the car to be undriveable because of the flat spot. We HAVE had flat spot vibrations in the past.

So can we improve things by having that tire/wheel rebalanced ?

[Michael Wood]

I'd think you could get it to balance out, but if it is bad enough to really feel, it is going to end up locking up prematurely (assuming non-ABS Miata) and become worse. Put it on the back of the car, obviously!

[John Coffey]

Re balancing a flat spotted tire can reduce the vibration but it won't solve the braking lockup issues you have with a flat spotted tire. Karen will most likely flat spot it again.

[Mako Koiwai]

Done

[Kurt Rahn]

You could always try to have it shaved (assuming it's a street tire). I believe they use a lathe-type machine to do it, so as long as the flat spot isn't too deep, it'd be even.

[Mako Koiwai]

Not worth it in this case. One shaved tire and three tires with deep'ish tread.

The race car Miata only got used to lead the Parade Lap, so I never went above 60 or so. Never noticed any vibrations ... and the tire in question was mounted on front.

Photos from the MazFest here: viewtopic.php?f=7&t=6822" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;