Hello All,

Bought a set of Konig Heliums 17" and Toyo Proxes 4 tires a while back, and I have been noticing of late that one tire seems to be dropping pressure to around 24lbs and then staying around that pressure. The tires were on the car for a while and I think it only just started to lose pressure though I could be wrong. In any case, it takes about 2 weeks for it to drop from 32lbs to around 24lbs ... what could be the problem? I have checked for nails etc and nothing, could it be that the tire is not sealed properly to the rim? Or defective tire or valve stem? Any suggestions? Thanks,

Zoomby_U

 

Take the tire off and check the bead and valve stem by dipping it in a tub (not the bathtub, unless you're single). That's a fairly quick leak if you've found no punctures. I have one set of tires (Bridgestone RE-71s) that does 'seep' air, however. They bleed down several pounds over a few weeks -- but they ALL do it.
If you're too lazy to take the tire off, just go for some soapy water around the outside bead and valve stem. If not one of those, then you'll need to remove to check the inside bead.
Good luck!

 

If its the bead, the tire will need to be dismounted and the rim cleaned. If its the tire itself, there is a sealant liquid that can be applied with the tire off the car, with a rag dampened with the liquid and rubbed to coat the inside. Any tire shop should be able to do either procedure for a minimal fee.

Best way to check for bead leak is on the car, at full pressure. Use a spray bottle with water and dish soap to spray along the bead. Look for the leak on the lower edge as the weight deflection is normally what makes it occur.

 

Unless you physically have a hole in your tire somewhere, it's most-likely
your valve stem nut getting loose or stem's rubber seals wearing out.

Do you crank on your valve cap tightly when you recap? If so, when you
take the cap off, the stem turns a little bit each time with it.

What I would do is while the tire is on the car, pump the air up to 38psi or so.
Then, put some car shampoo on the valve stem area (with some water) and
see if it bubbles.

If yes, then take it to a tireshop and request a new valve stem and rebalance.
If no, take it to a tire shop and tell them to clean the rim, remount the tire with
new valve stems. (and rebalance ofcourse).

Goodluck. :smile:

 

Thanks for the responses guys, I will give them a try and let you know!

Zoomby_U