Air loss in alloy rims?

daveinnh · Jan 17, 2016

I have a 2009 GMC Sierra with just over 100k miles. Back around September 2014 I had a new set of Cooper AT3 Tires installed. Now this last fall we've been losing air on 2 of the tires.

When asked if it could be bad stems (but why after a year?), the tire technician says air can pass through an alloy rim and they've seen problems with GM's.

Anyone else experience this problem? Easy fixes?

davesl708 · Jan 17, 2016

I have GM alloy rims on my 04 Suburban. They don't loose air. I would look for a bead leak. May not have seated properly.

5030 · Jan 17, 2016

Alloy rims are pretty.. I prefer steel myself... Why? Because the alloy rims oxidize in the bead area and if not properly cleaned and sealed prior to mounting new tires, they will leak and yep, a GOOD tire shop will have rim sealant and use it.

The tire guy who told you alloy rims leak is FOS.

oldpilgrim · Jan 17, 2016

5030 said:
Alloy rims are pretty.. I prefer steel myself... Why? Because the alloy rims oxidize in the bead area and if not properly cleaned and sealed prior to mounting new tires, they will leak and yep, a GOOD tire shop will have rim sealant and use it.

The tire guy who told you alloy rims leak is FOS.

^^^^^^^ this.

Industrial Toys · Jan 17, 2016

08 Sierra, same issue with untouched OEM rims AND tires. Seems it's always when I am in a hurry to get out of here, the TPS tells me I am low. Actually for this, the TPS is nice to have.

timswi · Jan 17, 2016

Like 5030 said, on any ally rim there can be some minor amount of crud build up on the bead...Quads to trucks--all the same...A little wire brushing and a skim coat of sealant usually fixes it.

Industrial Toys · Jan 17, 2016

With enough to do, it seems less trouble to put occassional air in the tires then remove the wheels, remove the tires, clean the rims, apply sealant, remount the tires, re-balance them and put them back on the vehicle.

ModMech · Jan 17, 2016

I have had similar on old AL Volvo rims, the answer is that unless they can show you a leak, it is the TIRE(s)!

I had a 10 YO Volvo, put four new tires on it and soon after had a leak of 2-5 PSI/week. Took it back and they tried to sell me the same story as you. They GROUND the rims down on the affected wheel, then applied sealer the next time, then I had them brand the tire and move it to a STEEL rim with a new valve stem... same leak. Finally they replaced the tire and refunded me all the $$ I paid them to do everything but that.

In the salt belt it can be a problem, but you will see significant deterioration of the rim near the edge and at the bead area, it will also be evident upon a water test. Defects in the rim can be sealed with an application of rubber cement. DO NOT let them grind your rims! They will remove ANY remaining protection they have and expose the bare AL!

Industrial Toys · Jan 17, 2016

I support registration and licensing of all load securing straps, chains, hooks and bungie cords, plus mandatory monthly inspections. Seen way too many ladders and furniture scattered on the highways. Let's leave common sense out of it entirely.

MinnesotaEric · Jan 17, 2016

daveinnh said:
I have a 2009 GMC Sierra with just over 100k miles. Back around September 2014 I had a new set of Cooper AT3 Tires installed. Now this last fall we've been losing air on 2 of the tires.

When asked if it could be bad stems (but why after a year?), the tire technician says air can pass through an alloy rim and they've seen problems with GM's.

Anyone else experience this problem? Easy fixes?

Likely a bead leak. Confirm in dunk tank (or bathtub).

Break down the two leaking wheels. Grind off the corrosion from salt on the bead using a twisted wire arbor brush (they work fastest and best), mount the tires, seal with automotive bead sealing rubber cement and fill with air seating the bead. Super common in just a couple three years or more anywhere there is road salt.

Amazon.com: XTRA Seal Bead Sealer: Automotive