How to find a slow tire leak?

[plain garage]

One of my tires developed a slow leak, it would go from 35psi to 20psi in a week. I took the tire off and carefully inspected all the treads, both side walls, nothing. Any ideas? The tires are barely 2 years old, don't remember if the tire ship put in new valve stems or not.

 

[rockinacummins]

Take some soapy water in a spray bottle and spray all over the tire. There will be bubbles where the leak is.

 

[Richard Cranium]

I was going to say dunk it in a tank of water. But the soap water would most likely be easier.

 

[ChevyEFI]

I use a huge rubbermaid tub for this. But the pool works.
And soapy bubbles, as above.

 

[mopar440_6]

Spray bottle, 20% dish soap, 80% water. Spray the tire down with the solution. The leak will start foaming like bubble bath in a Jaccuzi tub.

Also works well for air hoses, air lines, propane and natural gas fittings, degreasing engines, spot treating shop clothes, and cleaning dirty hands.

 

[MattVette89]

What was said above. Sounds like it could be a bead leak around the rim. I had a weird leak once on my truck where the schrader valve was leaking inside the valve stem.

 

[HOTFR8]

What type of wheel is it ?

 

[CitadelBlue]

You may need to break the need at the rim, change out the valve stem, seal the bed with rubber cement and reinflate. The other thing is to take it to Pep Boys
I've had experience where they fix it for free.

 

[djjsr]

Tire shops have tubs of water to find leaks. You're going to take it there to get it fixed, let them find it.

 

[ibedayank]

aluminum rims corrode in the bead area steel will rust. Check valvecore then can leak tub of water will show leaks that are to slow for the dish soap... 3M rolloc pads work great on aluminum rims

 

[STClurker]

Yep, dismount the tire, clean the bead and apply bead sealer put the tire back on and a monopoly dollar says the problem is solved .

 

[sberry]

If it isn't around the valve my money is on a nail, beads get blamed for a lot of leaks which are not their fault.

 

[plain garage]

It is a 17" aluminum rim, had been running fine for 2 years, just started leaking recently (last 3 weeks). I will go over it again and dunk in water for good measure, all 4 tires were done at the shop as the same time. I wish I had a tire machine at home, every trip to the tire store is at 30 min driving + 30 min wait, etc.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

The soap/water in a spray bottle is easy and works well. Don't forget to check the valve stem with the cap removed. It might be as simple as a loose valve core.

 

[boileralum]

I use the Stoner's Invisible Glass in the aerosol can, same principal as the soapy water, but something that has another purpose so easier to keep it on the shelf in the garage.

 

[The Cobbler]

aluminum rims are prone to bead leaks as they age.

 

[BonzoHansen]

Tire shops have tubs of water to find leaks. You're going to take it there to get it fixed, let them find it.

This is the way to go.

 

[jim whitney]

I would agree with the cobbler about aluminum rims they ****. But if it,s only been in the last few weeks than it,s probably a nail or screw in your tire that has worn down where you can't see it the soapy water in a spray bottle is your best bet . Just be patient sometimes it takes a minute to see it

 

[jsaw]

Spray bottle with soapy water, it shows the leak better than plain water. Sometimes it will take a few minutes for the bubbles to show it it is a small slow leak. Be sure to wiggle the valve stem a little. Sometimes they will leak where it contacts the rim

 

[tyyost]

I was dealing with this a few weeks ago, and the soapy spray wasn't getting me anywhere. The bubbles were dripping and I couldn't really see anything.

Then I thought about the tub of water, but didn't have anything handy to use that would fit to a reasonable depth, except my wheelbarrow. So I filled it 1/2 full and added some car wash soap and in less than 1 minute identified a leaky tire plug and a small valve stem leak.

Sometimes it's easy, sometimes like the leaky beads it's tough.

 

[Ed ke6bnl]

Need to dunk it in water, also need to move valve stem around while under the water may only leak when moves, I have also found that after I do my good deed of checking tires the valve stem will then start leaking(need to check each time you fill with air) if in the bead your friend is a BEAD SEALER I just discovered this and have fixed tires that would leak all around the bead even after a complete wire brushing and reinstall. this is all good if you can perform these yourself. if not let the tire guys with the correct machinery do it.

 

[WhiffySpark]

I was dealing with this a few weeks ago, and the soapy spray wasn't getting me anywhere. The bubbles were dripping and I couldn't really see anything.

Then I thought about the tub of water, but didn't have anything handy to use that would fit to a reasonable depth, except my wheelbarrow. So I filled it 1/2 full and added some car wash soap and in less than 1 minute identified a leaky tire plug and a small valve stem leak.

Sometimes it's easy, sometimes like the leaky beads it's tough.

Leaky beads are easy. Just lay the tire down and fill the area with soapy water

I also put 50 psi when checking for leaks

 

[Richard Cranium]

You said a trip to the tire shop is a 30 min. trip and another 30 min wait to have repaired. But if you don't have the tools to fix this your self, What good is your time trying to find the leak if you are going to have to have the tire comp. fix it any way. I just don't understand. I don't mean to sound like a *** hat, But even if it need a new valve stem, With out the tools, you can do no good. It would seam to me that about the only thing you would be able to do is check to see if the valve core is leaking and needed to be replaced.

 

[DirtyJersey]

Soapy water!
Spray the treads, the rim wire tire seats, and the valve
If it's real slow it won't bubble but actually foam around the leak.


Texting while driving

 

[DirtyJersey]

I was dealing with this a few weeks ago, and the soapy spray wasn't getting me anywhere. The bubbles were dripping and I couldn't really see anything.

Then I thought about the tub of water, but didn't have anything handy to use that would fit to a reasonable depth, except my wheelbarrow. So I filled it 1/2 full and added some car wash soap and in less than 1 minute identified a leaky tire plug and a small valve stem leak.

Sometimes it's easy, sometimes like the leaky beads it's tough.

You were obviously doing it wrong! Lol

Never missed a leak with soapy water solution whether in spray or pour bottle.


Texting while driving

 

[sberry]

Tire tub.

 

[1969]

Tire tub at one time was a regular fixture at the local garage.... I'm getting old.

 

[plain garage]

UPDATE: Pulled the tire off this weekend and went through the tread again with soapy water this time. It turns out a tiny cut (2 to 3 mm long with no visible foreign material) had a very slow leak. I tried to dig into the rubber with a pick and felt something hard (glass?) but couldn't pry it out.

Instead I poked a hole using a tire plug rasp. The plastic tool handle actually broke. I threw my spare on for now.

Does anyone have experience with a more heavy duty plug kit?

 

[CNGsaves]

Take to tire shop and get proper patch installed on INSIDE of tire. That type of puncture (ie a cut) is NOT a match for plug fix. You want the Inside Tire patch that has large surface area to fully seal the cut.

Do It Right . . . Do It Once !!

 

[ChevyEFI]

Um, just put it in your drill for now and get it plugged. Keep an eye on it for a while.

 

[kbs2244]

CNG has the best idea.

 

[engineer2]

Had one fixed today and it was the rubber washer for the TPMS sensor valve stem. Soap bubble that area too.

 

[Kamn]

UPDATE: Pulled the tire off this weekend and went through the tread again with soapy water this time. It turns out a tiny cut (2 to 3 mm long with no visible foreign material) had a very slow leak. I tried to dig into the rubber with a pick and felt something hard (glass?) but couldn't pry it out.

Instead I poked a hole using a tire plug rasp. The plastic tool handle actually broke. I threw my spare on for now.

Does anyone have experience with a more heavy duty plug kit?

I have a small kit from this company
http://www.techtirerepairs.com/products/tire-repair-kits/

They were our supplier for plugs and patches at the tire shop I worked at, their plugs work great and are also warranty approved by some of the manufacturers

Never had one fail or leak

 

[BonzoHansen]

Take to tire shop and get proper patch installed on INSIDE of tire. That type of puncture (ie a cut) is NOT a match for plug fix. You want the Inside Tire patch that has large surface area to fully seal the cut.

Do It Right . . . Do It Once !!

a patch plug from the inside is the way to go!

 

[sberry]

Plug. safety seal or blackjack.

 

[AudioAnonymous]

I have a small kit from this company
http://www.techtirerepairs.com/products/tire-repair-kits/

They were our supplier for plugs and patches at the tire shop I worked at, their plugs work great and are also warranty approved by some of the manufacturers

Never had one fail or leak

I work @ Sears Auto Center and that's the brand we use. We have tried a few brands but that's what we prefer at our place.

 

[sberry]

Also, I don't use soap in a tub. Super tiny leaks are easier to find in clear or plain water.

 

[Junkyard Jim]

What felt like glass could have been steel cord. If this is for something you take down the highway, get it patched from the inside like others have said.

If anyone has aluminum wheels that are welded in the center such as "weld" wheels, a very popular brand, be sure you squirt your favorite solution on the center of the rim. I have had two of those crack at the weld and slowly leak in a place you would never expect a leak. Just an FYI