Tyres might deflate but adhesives won't let you down
Runflat International has designed a range of sturdy modified nylon
inserts - known as Marathon - that are fitted around the wheel hub of a
vehicle before the tyre is inflated. Under normal circumstances the
vehicle is driven as usual, with speed and handling being unaffected. But
if the rubber is damaged and begins to deflate, the vehicle can continue
running on the tyre supported by the tough nylon inserts.
The Marathon system has been designed and developed so that fitting can
be carried out using standard equipment. The patented fixing arrangement
for the inserts is secured by 10mm to 16mm retaining bolts which are
locked in place using Loctite 243 threadlocking adhesive. This medium
strength anaerobic product cures as the air is excluded from the threaded
surfaces while the bolt is being tightened. It also has the advantage of
a long-term temperature resistance of 150°C. Once securely locked in
place, the bolts are able to withstand the loads imposed on them by the
inserts. Vehicles have been driven for more than 30,000km with Runflat
tyres fitted and neither the insert nor the Loctite secured bolts have
caused any problems.