Checking for Tire Leaks

Iplayfarmer · Aug 31, 2009

I need some more ideas for checking tire leaks. I've always used a cup of soapy water and a paint brush. However, I have a garden cart/trailer for which this isn't working. I've been all around the tire and found no leaks, but every time I air it up it's flat again the next time I go to use it. I have checked the bead and the valve too.

What's the best mix ratio for using soapy water? Is there a better way to apply it besides a paint brush? Are there other methods that work as good or better?

I know about dunking the tire in a tank, but I'm looking for something that I can do while the tire is still on the vehicle.

MikesTractor · Aug 31, 2009

I found that the bubble solution like kids use to blow bubbles works pretty good. You can find it in gallon jugs at Walmart. I use a spray bottle to put it on.

It's a little thicker than soapy water and doesn't run off as fast.

Mike

woodchuckie · Aug 31, 2009

I always over inflate the tire to make it easier to find the leak. I had a leak on a cheap china quad tire that I could not find. I finally spotted several leaks in the tread. The bubbles were so tiny it looked like bubbles just laying there but when I put my glasses on I could see them coming out.

TCBoomer · Aug 31, 2009

Glass cleaner in a can...the foam kind. Works like charm and finds the smallest leaks. Foam doesn't last but maybe 30 sec or so but you can just spray it again. It's all I use now when searching for leaks

Egon · Sep 1, 2009

Just put some slime in the tire!

Iplayfarmer · Sep 1, 2009

Egon said:
Just put some slime in the tire!

I'm about there on this particular tire. I do have plenty of occasions to find and repair tire leaks, though. TBN has me so interested in tractors, etc. that I'm now buying and fixing small garden tractors and lawn mowers as a sideline hobby. Flat tires are a common occurance.

newbury · Sep 1, 2009

Egon said:
Just put some slime in the tire!

I busted bead on my right rear. When I hooked it back up I slimed all 4.
Lo and behold, about 4 months later when I returned from a long trip (the tractor hadn't been driven for weeks) there were two tiny puddles of green on the top. Looked like slime in action.

sandman2234 · Sep 1, 2009

Looks like my suggestion, as I read the first post, has already been suggested, several times. A couple pumps of that green stuff, a few minutes cleaning up your mess and your done.
David from jax

Soundguy · Sep 1, 2009

remove tire and submerge in a tub.. if it leaks.. it will make bubbles..

soundguy

Qapla · Sep 1, 2009

If you want to use the "tub method" while the tire is still on the tractor, use a deep puddle - even if you have to make the puddle.

The exact location of the leak may not be visible, but the existance and general location of the leak will be visible. Then you know where to look with the soap.

Iplayfarmer · Sep 1, 2009

Now that I got rid of the horses, I don't have a big water trough sitting around to check tires in. Keeping a bottle of bubbles is a lot let intrusive and better for the mosquito population than keeping a LARGE tub of water.

The water trough was the only way I would have found my first valve stem leak. I had checked every square inch of that tire several times before I dunked the tire. I hadn't even thought of the valve stem until I saw the little bubbles slowly forming on the end of the schrader.

Soundguy · Sep 1, 2009

I figure the 'tub' is pretty much the 'go to' test.

every tire store in my town has a big tub of some sort beside their shop.

I think that speaks well for the diagnostic help a tub provides when looking for a pinhole in a tire..

soundguy

Iplayfarmer · Sep 1, 2009

Soundguy said:
I figure the 'tub' is pretty much the 'go to' test.

every tire store in my town has a big tub of some sort beside their shop.

I think that speaks well for the diagnostic help a tub provides when looking for a pinhole in a tire..

soundguy

I don't doubt the effectiveness of a tub at all. I think it's the standard against which all other methods are measured. I'm just looking for something that fits in the drawer with my spray paint and motor oil.

Soundguy · Sep 2, 2009

I bet you an empty tub could be leaned up against the wall with your paint an oil next to it.. or setitng in it if tub flat. no reason you have to leave the tub full except when in use. tub just has to be deep enough to get a tire section, including the valve stem under water.. so.. perhaps 8" lip.. , and wide enough so the radius of the tire will not hit the edges before the tire hits the bottom of the tub. I see oblong black poly feed tubs that fit that bill at tsc for under 10$.. tall enough to imerse the bead.. and longer than they are wide.. cheap.. and weight about a pound empty.. they make great electroloysis tubs too.. that's what I have used them for.

as for checking tires.. i cheat and just hose the tire off and dunk anything i can manhandle into the hose trough!

soundguy

BX2230Dude · Sep 3, 2009

I thought I had a slow leak on the backhoe, didn't see any bubbles though. The tires are good.

radioman · Sep 5, 2009

Iplayfarmer said:
I don't doubt the effectiveness of a tub at all. I think it's the standard against which all other methods are measured. I'm just looking for something that fits in the drawer with my spray paint and motor oil.

Yup, tub seems to be the only way to go. However, lucky me I got a above ground pool I dunk my tires in. (unfornuately I can't use it in winter time

) I tried a bunch of other ideas and none seems to be same or better then pool/tub of water.

I guess we are in the same boat here.
However, I think it would be cool if someone invented a gizmo to add water soluable color dye that we can use when adding air to tire. Just standback and look for color spray fountian

.

psj12 · Sep 5, 2009

Can I use the slime in a tube tire?

Iplayfarmer · Sep 5, 2009

radioman said:
Yup, tub seems to be the only way to go. However, lucky me I got a above ground pool I dunk my tires in. (unfornuately I can't use it in winter time) I tried a bunch of other ideas and none seems to be same or better then pool/tub of water. I guess we are in the same boat here.
However, I think it would be cool if someone invented a gizmo to add water soluable color dye that we can use when adding air to tire. Just standback and look for color spray fountian .

Now if only there were a tub I could dunk my camp trailer in

. I just smelled a propane leak, and I'm having a hard time finding it.