Ballast Calcium in tires?

bobhall · Apr 27, 2013

I have a TC30 which I bought new in 2006, the dealer put calcium in the rear tires for ballast, when I tried to check the pressure the calcium started to leak out.

Unfortunately the dealer went out of business, so I can稚 can稚 contact him, my question is, does the calcium affect the valve stems?, corrosion, etc.?

If so, is there a special valve stem to use for replacement?, and do you have to jack the tire up, or just have the valve stem facing to it痴 highest point to change the stems?

Thanks for the help

Willl · Apr 27, 2013

The stems will be fine.

Your gauge on the other hand....

Willl · Apr 27, 2013

Actually, I believe you can get gauges for calc filled tires.

Then again, I've known standard ones that have lasted a long time. Just flush them clean afterwards.

PHIL850 · Apr 28, 2013

Just take your reading when the valve stem is posistioned at the top of the tire. The Tire is not fill all the way with the solution, you have to leave some air in it for give.

CliffordK · Apr 28, 2013

I had a badly leaking tire that I took to a tire shop. They were able to replace a whole stem insert (not just the little thing in the end). If it is just the valve, they are cheap and easy to replace.

I recently aired up my tires, relying on the pressure gauge in the pump, which then stays clean as long as a little air is moving.