Tire sealant?

plaindave · Apr 25, 2018

Anyone have opinions on tire sealant? I致e got a slow leak in a front tire and it is easier to inject sealant in there compared to taking the tire off and having it repaired. I致e never had good luck with slime, and wondered if there was another, better option.

oosik · Apr 25, 2018

I've used slime(the green icky stuff) once and fortunately never had to tear that tire down. I've heard that some brands of sealant make tire tear down a real PITA. There is the option of putting a tube in the tire. However - I would first want to know what is causing the slow leak. A big 'ol honkin' nail would need to be removed and the hole simply patched.

Oldoak · Apr 25, 2018

Or originally run too low on air and have a piece of gravel or twig jammed between the rim and tire bead. But then how would I know?

PILOON · Apr 25, 2018

A lot depends on what kind of leak.
Small hole? a cord plug will fix that real quick.
Around the rim? that is possibly rust that allows air to escape, here slime will do the job.
Valve? OK spit on it and see if it bubbles. Hey, also jiggle the valve so confirm good seating.
If all else fails install an inner tube.

On a front it is always possible that sharp turns with low inflation caused a foreign object (sand grit twig) to get jammed between rim and tire bead.

DwayneB · Apr 25, 2018

Tireject.com more expensive than slime but works even on fairly large punctures.
Tire Sealant, Fix Flat Tire, Slime Tire Sealant

Sawyer Rob · Apr 25, 2018

Another vote for Tireject!

SR

LouNY · Apr 25, 2018

Gemplers has 3 different types of stop leaks, I haven't used theirs I have used the green slime and had limited success with it.

bigtiller · Apr 26, 2018

I would take it off and get it repaired.

Ford850 · Apr 26, 2018

I've used slime on smaller tires and have always had success with both bead/rim leaks as well as small thorns etc. My DX55 had a low front tire last week, so I jacked it up and applied soapy water to the tire. I found 4 slow leaks in the tread. Not wanting to add that much slime to the larger tire, and wanting a cleaner tire and rim if I wanted to add a tube or patch later, I opted for plugs. I slathered the plug cords heavily with rubber cement and they all worked well. I also found the plugs and cement were half price at Menards compared to a couple auto parts store chains.