Sidewall puncture - repairable?

[nwoods]

I have 35" ProComp XTerrian's on my 05 LJ. Recently noticed one of my tires losing about 10psi a week. Sprayed it with soapy water and noticed a minor spot in the sidewall, right in the "O" of "PRO". It's obviously a minor leak, but it's in the sidewall....not really sure what to do. I swapped in my spare for the moment, so I have some time to think about it. My local tire store didn't want to touch it, though they said for off road use it should be okay if I Slime it or whatever. I really don't want to slime it. The question is, should I leave it be, or proactively ream it and plug it? I've got a decent plug kit (ARB), but I'm hesitant to put a bigger hole in my sidewall.

I've never had an issue like this before. Either it's been an easy plug in the lugs, or a massive gash in the sidewall. This in between thing is all new to me, and I'm confused.

[NAILER341]

where did you buy your tires?
you may have road hazard warranty.
otherwise, plug it and go.
i have had a sidewall plug in my mtr for about 10,000 miles and a few good trail runs. just be sure the plugged tire is on the back of your jeep.

[Jerry Bransford]

I wouldn't plug a sidewall that had a leak like that, I would apply a patch to the inside of the sidewall.

[nwoods]

I bought the Jeep used, so the tires were already on it. He doesn't have much by way of documenation. I assume he bought the tires through 4wheelparts. Does 4wheelparts track VIN's with the tire warrenty?

[seapahn]

I'd patch it from inside as well but I personally wouldn't run a tire with sidewall problems as my primary tire ... especially if you drive at all on freeways. In a bind, maybe ... but in the long run, Jeeps and blown tires at speed very likely could mean a nasty roll.

But by what you're describing, it'll probably be fine as a spare.

[RAT]

4wheel parts is the only supplier of Procomps. They will probably have the serial numbers if you can tell them whne they were purcahsed it will help.

[Shadly1]

Sidewall punctures are a tough deal. You could probably pick up a patch kit and do it yourself. It's not hard. Tire shops won't touch it because the patch WILL FALL OFF if you use it on the street. The sidewall will stretch and flex and the patch won't. A plug is even worse because it will spread the poly plys and actually cause a weak spot for a blowout to occur. The right way to do it is to replace the tire. The cheap way to do it is patch it and use it as a spare only. It will get you off the trail but probably shouldn't be used to get you home after the run. Bottom line is, you're going to be replacing a tire. A patch will buy you some time.