When a runflat loses air, it's diameter changes a little, right? If so, does this small diameter change affect a mechanical limited slip differential if you keep driving? I haven't had a flat yet, but I'd like to know what to do if I have a flat on the front.

I have a space saver spare that will not fit over the front brakes, so when I get rid of my runflats and if I have a flat on the front, I know that I'll have to move a tire from the rear to the front....no problem with that. I'm just wondering if I need to move the deflated runflat off the front.....

 

Its not like you are racing. If you get a flat you shouldn't drive far enough or fast enough that it would matter

 

Yes, the diameter changes when a RF tire loses pressure, but the performance difference isn't all that much. I've had one of my RF's go completely flat and I couldn't see or feel much of a difference. It did run a lot hotter, tho.

I'd stick pretty close to the distance and speed limits of the flat RF tire with the limited slip diff, but I don't think having a flat will instantly damage the diff.

 

I had a front flat on a car with the LSD. I lost all tire pressure so the tire looked a little lower than normal. You could not really drive the car because it was grinding the LSD. Had to exchange the front flat tire out to the back before continuing to the dealership. So much for run flats.

 

Thanks Slinger - confirms my fear. Seems like Mini should put that in their owners manual....but then that might conflict with the benefits of runflats....also backs up my decision to go with non-runflats when the original tires wear out in a few months.