Finding/fixing a slow leak

[Steve F]

I've had a slow leak on what has become my spare tyre and decided it was time to fix it for the cape trip.

Got a mate over with some tyre pliers and went from there.

First step is to get some air in the tyre and mix up some soapy water (dishwashing liquid works well), dribble this around the bead and valve.

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc200/steveff/Jeep%20on%2035s/IMG_0729.jpg

Then look for it to start blowing bubbles :) They were easy to spot on this one.

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc200/steveff/Jeep%20on%2035s/IMG_0728.jpg

On with the tyre pliers to crack the bead. It was full of mud, so once we cracked it I got the air gun and blew the mud out and scrapped it with a screwdriver as well. You can just see the mud on the bead. There was a heap in there.

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc200/steveff/Jeep%20on%2035s/IMG_0731.jpg

All nice and clean

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc200/steveff/Jeep%20on%2035s/IMG_0733.jpg

And then put the air gun on the tyre valve stem without the valve in it, the bead seats really quickly :)

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc200/steveff/Jeep%20on%2035s/IMG_0734.jpg

All done, next to fix the tyre with the nail in it :(

Cheers
Steve

[SteveC]

Yes - Good one Steve. I had the same problem due to letting the tyres down as they flex, crap enters. If left too long it eats away at the rubber.
Luckily my local tyre guy removed it and rebalanced them for $5. beauty!