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My 2001 Passat, fitted with alloy wheels has developed a very slow air leak from one of the wheels. It loses about 1.5psi per week. No air leak is apparent when submerged in a water tank. The tyre has been removed twice and very carefully checked and a rim sealant used. The tyre valve has been renewed. I've heard that alloy wheels can become slightly porous. I'd be grateful for any comments. Also what's the current thinking about fitting a tube in a tubeless tyre? The spare, of course is a steel wheel so I can't swop!
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Couldn't you over inflate it to a safe pressure Bert and then submerse it?
My Passat alloy seal was at fault when mine developed a slow leak.
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This can be due to the tyre rather than the rim. After much test I discovered one of my tyres only leaked if the problem area was in contact with the road then a very minor rim leak was detectable. take the wheel another 20 degrees and the leak stopped. eventually sealed it using bycle tyre repair adhesive on the seal area. Tube in tubeless tyre are now illegal. Regards Peter
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Tube in tubeless tyreare now illegal. >>
Are you sure?
I have recently had a tube fitted by a reputable company with no comment.
Could you direct me to the relevant law?
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I took the car back to the tyre fitters again this morning. As suggested they inflated it to 60psi but no obvious leak. They took the tyre off the rim and resealed it. I asked about fitting a tube but said it was not advisable and anyway they were not made for low profile tyres.
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Some tyre manufactures don't recommend fitting tubes to tubeless tyres but they are not illegal.Tubes are only available for 60 series tyres and above
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I forgot to mention.when testing a tyre pressure should remain as recommended.over pressure may seal leak.not solve it?
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Was mech1
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Not certain about legal side of it.But fitting a tube is a no go.the tube in a low profile has to fold.which opens it up excessive bending.ie stress it wouldnt encounter on standard tyre/wheel.due to this it stands very good chance off blow out.would suggest as you mentioned alloys are porous getting the inside of wheel rim coated.I do mean whole wheel inside.Ps peterD was correct in what he said as well.But then both are know prob`s.Least I thought they were?
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Was mech1
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I posted this some years ago and got some strange replies.
Nevertheless, it is the correct route to solving your problem.
1, Run a bath of cold water.
2. Remove wheel from car.
3. Immerse wheel in water.
4. Let waves settle, then see where bubbles are coming from. Turn wheel upside down if necessary.
Good luck
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Sean,
I think you missed this in the original note;
"No air leak is apparent when submerged in a water tank."
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>>The tyre has been removed twice and verycarefully checked and a rim sealant used.
What was the condition of the inside rim of the wheel like? If the paint is flaking or the alloy is corroded, then rim sealant will only seal as a temporary measure - if you're lucky, that is.
Get the tyre removed and remove any loose or flaking paint, giving the rim a thorough clean up, then apply Finnagans Smoothrite (colour silver) - the aerosol type.
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