Wagon wheels leaking air

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Aug 9, 2011 | 08:06 AM

DansVette

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Mar 2006

Posts: 381

Likes: 3

Wagon wheels leaking air

Seems like I remember this being an issue with some other members.
Anyway, my rear wagon wheels leak air around the bead. Was there a fix for this ?
I've tried fix-a-flat products, and a tire dealer couldn't find a problem with the tires themselves. Nothing works. Any advice ?

Aug 9, 2011 | 09:55 AM

bighank

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 2,332

Likes: 31

From: Silver Spring MD

On steel wheels I used to sand and then spray paint on the bead area

Quote:

Originally Posted by DansVette

If no cracks (which I have had on a wagon wheel) try using fine sandpaper around he entire bead area and the spray with clear aerosol paint to make a smoothe surface. Haven't had to try this on aluminium wheels but it sure works for steel wheels that have rust or other imperfections. Also make sure its not leaking at the TPMS. Another place I have found leaks.

Aug 9, 2011 | 09:59 AM

mchicia1

Drifting

Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 1,898

Likes: 9

From: Morrisville PA

Could be a crack...that is a telltale sign if the tire is not ripped/has a hole in it.

If you need replacement wheels, I am selling a set in very good condition. Price is negotiable and I am willing to separate wheels (although, only in pairs, not just one)

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-p...condition.html

Aug 9, 2011 | 02:43 PM

David426

Safety Car

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 4,816

Likes: 132

From: Plano TX

Do you have chromed or painted wheels?? Fix a flat is nasty stuff if you do. It will eat paint or chrome off the inside of the rim where the tire bead makes contact, causing a slow leak.. Learned this from my wifes Lexus with chrome wheels.. What a nightmare that was

Aug 9, 2011 | 03:32 PM

Greg00Coupe

Race Director

Joined: Aug 1999

Posts: 13,283

Likes: 2,509

From: Bluffton SC via Canton Oh

Are you sure its around the bead? I was fighting a leak and after 8 years my valve stems where leaking. How that occured I have no idea. Just retightened and all is well.

Aug 10, 2011 | 03:09 PM

tiojames

Team Owner

Joined: May 2005

Posts: 23,682

Likes: 9

From: Flagstaff Az.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg00Coupe

Are you sure its around the bead? I was fighting a leak and after 8 years my valve stems where leaking. How that occured I have no idea. Just retightened and all is well.

Just snug them up a little. My vert was leaking air and no one could fine the reason. I finally figured out at rest, no leaks, but at speed the centrifugal force from the inside weight of the sensor would allow air to escape.

Aug 10, 2011 | 03:26 PM

Bill Curlee

Tech Contributor

Joined: Dec 1999

Posts: 32,910

Likes: 2,402

From: Anthony TX

CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet

St. Jude Donor '08

VALVE STEMS!

Was thinking the SAME THING!

EARLY SENSOR with O ring installed and back shell NUT. The TORQUE for the nut in in INCH POUNDS so,,, dont over do the torque.

The late model sonsors use an entitely different sensor and seal:

Aug 11, 2011 | 02:47 AM

Z16chevelleguy

Pro

Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 694

Likes: 3

From: West Linn OR

My 07 convertible had a right rear tire leak that drove tire guys crazy. I have nitrogen in the tires and only when it was below 40 would the tire leak. Two different tire shops tried to fix it over a 3 month period.I told them I had read about seals leaking @ valve stems. But nobody would listen to me. Finally one day I took the car in with a valve stem repair kit and told them to replace it. Hadn't had a leak for almost two years until this winter. Sure enough the seal on the valve stem was torn.