fix for leaky beads?

[Z0sick]

I sold a set of sand tires and wheels to a guy on the forum last week. When I went to ship them out, the lady at the counter made me let all the air out. I have no idea why, I've sent several sets of tires for cars, and never had to. Anyway, I pulled the valve stem and pushed all the air out, then put it back in. Keep in mind that these tires held air for weeks while sitting in my garage. Fast forward a few days, and they arrive at the destination. The guy that bought them took them to a tire shop to get them aired back up. He said the tire shop sprayed something on them and there was a leak at the bead. I told the guy I would refund his money if he sent them back. Now I need to know what you guys do for a leaky bead. Should I dismount the tire and try to reseat the bead? This has worked for me in the past, but is a little work. Would I be better off just putting some fix-a-flat in it and calling it good?

 

So, lets hear some fixes for a leaky bead.

[xXBlessedWithDeathXx]

hair spray worked for me. i poped the bead sprayed it on the tire so it ran like a bad spray paint job, filled it quick and it worked. it also works for hand grips that move. i wouldnt use fix a flat but thats me. a very thin layer of gasket sealer works to. if the tires have them pins that stick up, them little pieces on new tires. if thats in the bead it can also leak.

[Z0sick]

awesome idea. I would have never thought about hairspray. Is this a long term fix?

[xXBlessedWithDeathXx]

i did it about 2 months ago. its still holding.

[Z0sick]

Anyone else have any ideas? I won't be able to mess with them until I get them back. It may be a very easy fix. I don't think the guy that bought them has an air compressor as he had to take them to a tire shop to get them aired back up. It may be as easy as just inflating them to 30psi to reseat the bead. I couldn't imagine that I broke the tire down with just my knee when I was deflating them, but maybe that's what happened.

[shee rips]

you didnt mention it, but if there is a flat spot on the rim, it might be leaking from there. mine had a big flat spot and i hammered the rim out a bit and it stopped the leak :shrug:

[jbooker82]

The tire shop that the guy took them too should have broken the beed and slimed the beed up with that goop they use. Real thick purple stuff helps lube the beed and seal it as well.

 

If you still cant get the bead to seal try some RTV Silicone.

[locogato11283]

something doesnt seem right. they were fine before and now they arent? that doesnt make sense..

[Z0sick]

something doesnt seem right. they were fine before and now they arent? that doesnt make sense..

 

 

Yeah, I'm not sure what happened. He wants to send them back. I rode on these for about 2 months (2 weekends on the sand), then they set in my garage for about 3 weeks before I shipped them out. Not once did I have to air them back up. I'm thinking that either:

 

1) I let too much air out. I actually pulled the valve and put all my weight on the sidewall of the tire to deflate it. Then replaced the valve.

 

2) They may have set something on them during the shipping process that broke down the bead.

 

 

Either way, I don't think it would be that big of a deal to fix.

 

When he sends them back, I will refund his money and let you guys know what it takes to fix them.

 

Sure seems like a waste of money for shipping. $35 each way.

[Z0sick]

you didnt mention it, but if there is a flat spot on the rim, it might be leaking from there. mine had a big flat spot and i hammered the rim out a bit and it stopped the leak :shrug:

 

 

I'm not sure just yet what the problem is. I haven't gotten the wheels back yet. I will keep that in mind though.

[Z0sick]

Got them back yesterday. I broke them down and rotated the tire about 15* on the rim and reseated them. They have been holding air since yesterday. Oh well. They're back up for sale.

 

 

I'm an idiot and didn't even think to air them up just like they came back to see how bad the leak was.