Slow leak in tire

   / Slow leak in tire #1  

Shimon

Platinum Member
Joined
Aug 24, 2005
Messages
577
Location
Sedro Woolley, WA
Tractor
Kubota L3400 (gear driven)
One of my rear ag tires (size 11.2-24) has a slow leak. Need to add air about once month (looses about 4-5 psi per month). I've inspected the tire (which is in good condition..about 5 years old no cracks, kept under cover) and can't find any punctures. The tires are filled with Rim Guard. I sprayed the tire down with soapy water to help locate any leaks and slowly rotated the tire looking for bubbles at the 12 o'clock position (since that's where the air is). Also sprayed down the beads and valve but can't locate any leaks.

Any other suggestions to help locate slow leaks?
 
   / Slow leak in tire #2  
if you can't get the entire tire into a bath ( kiddie pool ), then it will be hard to see a 4psi per month leak.. even with soapy water. I'd be inclined to think valve.. try one with a metal cap with an oring and see what you get.. or heck.. just replac ethe core and use the tool that renews the seat and use a new core and see what it gets you.. cheak for a try and may be the cause..

soundguy
 
   / Slow leak in tire
  • Thread Starter
#3  
I don't think the kiddie pool idea would work since the tire is filled. All the air would be at the top of the tire so you won't see bubbles down low. I've never seen any stains from leaking Rim Guard. I have a metal cap on the valve but I don't know if there is an o-ring in there. I sprayed the valve down but didn't see any bubbles. I may replace the core anyway since I have the tool and spare valve cores around here somewhere.
 
   / Slow leak in tire #4  
All the air would be at the top of the tire,,,,,, Hmmm, I'm still trying to figure this one out,,,,, I thought my tires had air on the bottom and sides also,,,,,,,,, guess you could turn the tire over so the air would be on the bottom,,,,
 
   / Slow leak in tire
  • Thread Starter
#5  
The tire is filled with liquid for ballast so the air would be at the top of the tire when it sits. Have you figured it out now?
 
   / Slow leak in tire #6  
Do you have the metal type of valve stems. the nut to tighten on wheel some times will leak if side pressure is applied. Don't over tighten just check if it turns easily and make snug. just repaired a tire then discovered something had bent the valve stem no leakage until small pressure applied to stem side ways.
ken
 
   / Slow leak in tire #7  
Pump the tire up with MORE than the required air and you will find the leak.
My wife took her car in three times to goodyear and three times they told her thee is no leak.

I told her I would go the next time and they told me the same thing and I said Prove it.....they filled it and no leak while in a bath of water. I told them put 90 lbs in it and lets do it again. There it was the bubbles came out between the sipes in the tire.
 
   / Slow leak in tire #8  
The tire is filled with liquid for ballast so the air would be at the top of the tire when it sits. Have you figured it out now?

And havn't you figured out that you can lay the tire on it SIDE in the kiddie pool so that air is around the bead?

soundguy
 
   / Slow leak in tire
  • Thread Starter
#9  
Pump the tire up with MORE than the required air and you will find the leak.

Good idea. Simple. Thanks.


the nut to tighten on wheel some times will leak if side pressure is applied

I'll check that. Thanks.


And havn't you figured out that you can lay the tire on it SIDE in the kiddie pool so that air is around the bead?

I don't want to tip over a filled tire since I don't know if I'll be able to lift it again without my front loader. Plus, I don't have a kiddie pool. No kiddies. No pool.
 
   / Slow leak in tire #10  
guess there is only one solution....drive tractor down to local boat ramp at the lake and completely immerse the rear tires under water, then dive right in with snorkel gear and hunt for the leak... of course take the tire to maybe 30 lbs and use tractor jack to lift tire so you can rotate it to get air to where the leak is. :eek:
 

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