Tire pressure problem
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Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 35
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From: Lewistown, PA
Tire pressure problem
Just checked my tire pressure this afternoon. All of them were down about 3-5 lbs. but I don't see where that is abnormal. The problem is one tire keeps losing about 10 lbs of pressure.
The tires I have call for 35 lbs pressure when cold and the evil tire of the group likes to get down to about 25 lbs. All of the others are always about 30-32 lbs of pressure when I check them.
Anyone have any ideas? I have tried a can of sealant before to no avail...
The tires I have call for 35 lbs pressure when cold and the evil tire of the group likes to get down to about 25 lbs. All of the others are always about 30-32 lbs of pressure when I check them.
Anyone have any ideas? I have tried a can of sealant before to no avail...
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,109
Likes: 1
From: Nu Joizey
It's possible that the "evil" tire has a nail or something stuck in it causing a slow leak. The tire valve stems are also suspect, they can dry rot and crack. Aluminum rims can become very oxidized around the bead between the rim & tire causing slow leaks too.
Remove the tire and submerge it in a tub and look for bubbles. Wiggle the valve stem around while its underwater and look for bubbles. Lay the tire down flat and pour water around the inner then outer beads of the tire and look for bubbles.
If there's something in the tread plug it or patch it. If the valve stem leaks replace it. If the tire leaks around the bead remove the tire and clean the oxidatition off the wheel before remounting the tire. Or you can take it to a tire shop.
Any time you remove the tire from the rim have it rebalanced.
Good luck.
Remove the tire and submerge it in a tub and look for bubbles. Wiggle the valve stem around while its underwater and look for bubbles. Lay the tire down flat and pour water around the inner then outer beads of the tire and look for bubbles.
If there's something in the tread plug it or patch it. If the valve stem leaks replace it. If the tire leaks around the bead remove the tire and clean the oxidatition off the wheel before remounting the tire. Or you can take it to a tire shop.
Any time you remove the tire from the rim have it rebalanced.
Good luck.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 217
Likes: 0
From: Cheyenne, WY
If you don't have a large tank to put the tire in, just do what I do. Get a bottle and put in a liquid dish cleaner with water. Pour it on the tire at the suspected areas. If a leak is present, there will be bubbles. Good Luck. 
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,109
Likes: 1
From: Nu Joizey
I usually try to look for the culprit (nail, glass, puncture, etc.) with the tire still on the vehicle to save the trouble of removing the tire if possible. I keep a plug kit and electric compressor in the truck and more often than not repairs can be done on the spot.
Front tires can be turned all the way to one direction to check the tread. The rears can be jacked up and spun in neutral to check for punctures.
"Get a bottle and put in a liquid dish cleaner with water. Pour it on the tire at the suspected areas."
I hate to say it but if I suspect a nail or valve stem leak I just wipe some good 'ol saliva on there .................... what, it bubbles up too.
Front tires can be turned all the way to one direction to check the tread. The rears can be jacked up and spun in neutral to check for punctures.
"Get a bottle and put in a liquid dish cleaner with water. Pour it on the tire at the suspected areas."
I hate to say it but if I suspect a nail or valve stem leak I just wipe some good 'ol saliva on there .................... what, it bubbles up too.