|   UST leak-down: have we really been Sliming just the valve?! | singleminded
Jun 14, 2002 9:06 AM | | With all this talk about whether UST tires are leaking air through their sidewalls or at the beads, or both, and what we can do about it, some of us (or at least I) may have forgotten about the damn VALVES!
I recently mounted a set of new UST tires. One has been getting soft overnight. The other seems to have lost no air at all, even after a couple days.
I used no kind of sealant like latex or Slime. Nor did I leave the tires at high pressure overnight in an attempt to try to improve the bead's seal with the rim. Nor did I use soapy water or anything for the mounting.
But, on the wheel that hasn't been losing air, before mounting the tire I had removed the valve, cleaned the area and re-assembled tightly. Realizing that, I did the same yesterday to the valve on the rim that has been leaking badly. The result? No noticeable air loss yet.
Is it possible that our Slime and Stan's and latex solutions have worked by actually sealing the area where the valve stems meet the rim, not by sealing the tires?!?!
Is it possible that leaving the tires at 60 psi overnight has actually slowed air leaks by pushing the valve stem tighter against the rim, not by pushing the tire bead tighter?!?!?
I'm not saying that UST tires don't leak at the bead. I'm especially not saying that they don't leak through their sidewalls. But based on my recent experience it seems like the valve stem may be at least as guilty.
I'll report back after a few days to let y'all know how it's going. Will I continue to have little-to-no leak down, even without Slime/Stan's? |
| Another place to leak. | mtbkr678
Jun 17, 2002 3:34 AM | | I had a problem where my crossroc rear would loose 10 psi per night so I took the usual steps. Replaced the valve, put on a different tire ect. When submursed I saw air comming out of the spoke holes so it had to be a rim problem. I taped the rim and put two coats of clear latex paint (spray) around the rim. Now there is no airloss. |
| Latex paint?? More details... | Echo
Jun 17, 2002 12:42 PM | | I have to ask. Where did you put the tape? Where did you apply the latex paint? What brand of clear latex paint?
Thanks.. |
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