wawa2010

Hi,

Here is my problem, each time I get my tires changed then I will have slow leaking problem on one of my tire. It is always so called dirty wheel causing the problem and once it is cleaned then the slow leaking is gone. The slow leaking is something like loosing 1 psi every one or two weeks or so. I am thinking instead of going back to the dealer every time and spend 50 bucks to clean the wheel (rim), how about I get a small or portable machine so i can add air by myself?

P.S. I live in Quebec Canada, so by law I have to change tire twice a year.

Thanks for any input!

NBP04TL4ME

Are you asking permission to buy a compressor to add air to your own tires?

What is "dirty" about your rims? Sounds like maybe you aren't getting a good bead.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

maybe it's a schrader valve problem

NBP04TL4ME

Unless he has TPMS.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

long story short, I only suggest the schrader valve because it happened to me once, with TPMS.

the Op should definitely trouble shoot it by dunking the wheel into a wheel bath and looking for air bubbles.

if that doesnt work try screwing the schrader valve in a bit!
that's how my tire was fixed. I took it to a wheel shop and he tightened the valve with a little tool.

Jesstzn

Have them clean the wheel when they change it .. Are you saying that you change from like summers to winters and you then have a slow leak , then you have the wheel cleaned and its gone? Then it comes back when you change from summers to winters etc? and you have the wheel cleaned again and its gone? Is it always the same wheel?

Turbonut

iTrader: (1)

As stated, place the wheel/tire in a tub of water or your bathtub abd check to see where the leak might be, as it could be anywhere, tire, valve, bead, TPMS seal........

wawa2010

Hi All,

Sorry for the late reply, I had crazy busy job these days. First of all, my TL has TPMS and since I don't have spare rim so I have to have someone switch the summer tire and snow tire every year(normally it is Mar and end of Nov). Apparently, there is no air bulb if the tire is put into water, at least I believe so. Because as I said, every time once the rim is cleaned then slow leaking is gone. And yes, it happens every time I change my tire (summer tire to snow tire or reverse). I am not sure if it is always one rim as people will switch the rim I guess, I mean put front to rear and rear to front. I am wondering if it is something wrong with some parts like a schrader valve, why the dealer doesn't ask me to replace it so they can make some money from my pocket? Any idea?

Thanks in advance!

Jesstzn

Well a dirty rim should only happen once, not every change over. Once its clean .. Its clean and if its happening with both summers and winters it rules out a tire issue.

NBP04TL4ME

Perhaps a second set of rims are in order. That wasy when you change your tires seasonally they will bolt right on and you don't have to worry about the extra abuse your rims and tires are taking. Yes it will cost you a few $$ to get a second set of rims and TPMS, but I'm sure the dealer is charging you for the work and "cleaning" of the rims now.

wawa2010

So that's why I am wondering if I just buy a portable air pump or something like that will fix my problem and that pump just cost me 50 bucks.

wawa2010

Btw, my tire is just loosing pressure 1 psi or 10-15 kpa / two weeks, i don't mind I refill some air every two weeks. The only thing i am worrying about is if the slow leak will hurt my car.

NBP04TL4ME

That's a pretty slow leak, but why not fix the problem instead of treating the symptom? Will a slow leaking tire hurt your car - no. That is until the slow leak becomes a quicker leak and when you are leaving work or home in the pouring rain or snow storm you find a flat tire............
The hassle of dealing with this on a regular basis would drive me nuts.

Sal's Type S

iTrader: (1)

Also check between rim and tire bead..