tired of pumping up my tires

[mshowe]

Tires are good, valve stem is not leaking, I assume it's leaking from my rim/tire seal.  Anyone else have this problem?  How did you fix?  Any hints on "Slime-Like" products.

Hints, thoughts, ideas?

Thank you!

[kwells]

Your aluminum rims most likely have corrosion around the seat.  To fix this the tires need to come off and the rims cleaned up with some fine steel wool to ensure a good seal.

[joevacc]

I would stay from any slime like stuff.  Just take a little dish soap mix it with water and spray it on the tire and rim.  That should reveal the leak(s).  If it is the rim the only way to fix that properly it to remove the tire and meticulously clean the bead surface, rebalance and replace.

I have had good luck with a wire brush that you put on a drill.  Warning!  you can ruin the rim with too much pressure.  The other method that has decient results is to get a bunch of scotch brite pads and work your A** off.  (very safe way to do it.)

If the rim is pitted you will have to put bead sealer on the bead seat.

Good luck

[inanecathode]

You could actually have something in your tire too. Fill up a spray bottle with soapy water and spray it all over the tire/rim. It'll bubble where the air is leaking.

[YellowJacket!]

Im having the same problem.  even took the tire and rim back to the shop and had the valve stem replaced. still loses about 5psi/week.
ill have to try cleaning the seat. note to self...another project to consider.

David

[Tiger]

 :) Remove the tire's, clean the rim's, apply bead sealer, (available at most automotive store's), re-mount tires, inflate to about 40 p.s.i. and then set at correct presure's, balance and install...VIOLA!!!
Given that tire's come under the heading "SAFETY", if your not sure get a shop to do the work for you. There are NO short cut's...

                8).......TIGER....... 8)

[Rick G]

Slime is not intended for use in tyres used on the road, Its for use in ATV and dirt bike tyres . It won't seal a bead leak anyway, centrifugal force keeps it on the outer surface ,below the tread. It will also affect wheel balance.
Early Honda's with aluminum wheels ,used  a type of wheel known as a "Comstar wheel"  which used an extruded alloy rim , with riveted steel spokes. Honda wasn't convinced that cast wheels would not leak.
What I'm saying, is that some of the wheels are slightly porous and will seep air through the rim. I check mine every time I take it out.
All the wheels I've used on my Visions, have seeped air , in spite of cleaning  and sealing the bead .

[Walt_M.]

I have had my Vision since 1983 and have never had tire pressure issues.

[kiawrench]

way back when alloys were first popular on cars, i had rims that leaked-


remove the tires, clean rim seating surfaces with green scrub pads and mothers polish.
once entire rim is clean, wash with dish soap and a teaspoon of white vineger to clear the polish surface
coat rim inside surface with two coats of flat black paint
remount and balance tires, they wont leak again.

one other thing- if you live in area where it is used, refill tires with nitrogen, then they wont "grow "during use or "shrink when tires get cold .

[Brian Moffet]

I have had my Vision since 1983 and have never had tire pressure issues.

Me too, but that may be because mine never sat outside to rot either....

Brian

[h2olawyer]

I'm with Walt & Brian.  I still check the pressures before each ride, but if I add 1 psi per month, I'd be surprised.  Kiawrench's fix is a good one.  Not exactly easy, but it is a proven, time tested repair for that issue.

Those "Fix-A-Flat" or "Slime" type products have their place.  Generally, it is the trash, but they can be handy to get you home if you have a flat out on the road.  Every tire shop I know of will charge extra to change / repair tires that have that crap in them (both auto & motorcycle).

Motorcycle tires that have suffered a puncture should be replaced rather than repaired.  They are a critical safety feature - moreso than on cars since you have only two on the road.

H₂O

[Rick G]

Well, as our host , Ron Ghetti  once said , "Your mileage may vary"