Goodyear EMT problem

[jmelong]

After washing my car yesterday, I noticed a bulge in the sidewall of the left rear tire. With only 12,000 miles on my 2002 coupe, this should not be happening. Has anyone else experienced this type of problem or know of a known defect like this on these tires? With plenty of tread left on all the tires, I am inclined to see what kind of replacement deal Goodyear will give me. Any advice form the experts?

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
I would suggest a few things here.
I am assuming that there is no scuff marks on the tire, indicating a curb contact or something else.
First, take the car to your local Goodyear tire center. Based on the low miles, it is possible that the Goodyear manufacturers warranty may cover this problem. Also, have your Corvette dealership look at it. They may also be able to tell you if something can be done.
As for what happened, it is possible that one of the plastic side inserts within the tire has shifted, creating your problem.
Replacement tires of the exact same type are available readily.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[c5vetter]

agree, that plastic side insert shifting could definitely be the culprit - had it happen on my 1999 coupe. as far as only having 12000 miles on the tires, depending on how aggressively you have been driving, the tires could be toast in 12000 miles - as matter of fact, I found on my 1999 coupe that I had to replace the tires right at 13000 miles as the compound became so hard that I considered the tire UNSAFE for normal driving conditions! Now granted, I did AX the coupe, and so I was a rather aggressive driver. Folks need to remember the CORVETTE is a SPORTS CAR and you should not expect to be getting anywhere near the type of mileage you would get out of your mommy-mobile, etc.

 

[jmelong]

I was not aware of these plastic side inserts. Are they imbedded in the sidewall, or can they be repositioned? This is great fuel for my argument that Goodyear should give me a new tire. It MUST be a manufacturing defect. There has been no abuse to the tire, such as hard driving, and the sidewalls are perfect. Thanks for your responses. I guess I am off to my local Goodyear dealer.