Slow air leak - rear tire - 2013 1200GSW

[noob75]

Looks like I have slow air leak in the rear tire. I am losing about 1 lb of pressure per day on the rear tire. I filled it up to 42 lbs and the bike sat in the garage for about 7 days without riding so I decided to jump on the bike and do a short ride and the TPMS said the rear was at 33 lbs. Any suggestions on how to find if there is a pin hole or leak?

2013 1200 GSW

Thanks

 

[omega man]

I would confirm with a know accurate tire gauge. After that it's soapy water in a trigger-sprayer and look for bubbles.
OM

 

[robsryder]

I have had this very slow leak occur a few times with tubeless tires. Sometimes the issue is incomplete removal of residue from the inside of the rim during a tire change. The "residue" is old tire rubber or "spooge". I use a wire wheel on an electric hand drill to clean the inside of the rim when changing tires. (I replace my own tires - I have observed some shops don't do much in the way of cleaning the inside of the rim between tire changes.) I use a rubber lubricant when mounting new tires (my preference is a product called RuGlyde, available from NAPA auto parts stores.) Once the tire is mounted, I use 80 to 100 psi air pressure to "seat" the bead of the tire on the rim. Seating of the bead is done with the valve core removed. Once the bead is seated, the valve core is reinserted in the stem and the tire pressure is adjusted to the desired value.

http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/C...re-Mounting-RuGlyde/_/R-BK_7651338_0361142441

I have heard it recommended to replace the valve stem when replacing tires. I do not always do this. Once in a while an old valve stem will have a slow leak. Sometimes removal of the valve core, cleaning with compressed air, and reinstalling can reduce the leak rate.

 

[donmoe]

After having a new tire mounted by a dealership, I discovered a slow leak too. A leak test revealed that the leak was around the base of the valve stem. Tightening its locknut solved the problem.

Don​

 

[noob75]

Thanks for the great feedback. I will get a spray bottle with soapy water and try that.

 

[35634]

sometimes it a small nail in the tread with the head worn off. found a couple like that with a bright light and careful examination

 

[noob75]

So I got a spray bottle and put some soapy water in it and found the air leak in the center of the rear tire. The hole in the tire is so small it is almost impossible to see it, about the size of the tip of a sewing needle. So The question I have is should I try to fix it and what is the best way or just leave it alone and keep putting air in the tire until I need to replace the tire. I am loosing about 1 lb of air pressure per day. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks

 

[ROBERTSI]

Time to change

So I got a spray bottle and put some soapy water in it and found the air leak in the center of the rear tire. The hole in the tire is so small it is almost impossible to see it, about the size of the tip of a sewing needle. So The question I have is should I try to fix it and what is the best way or just leave it alone and keep putting air in the tire until I need to replace the tire. I am loosing about 1 lb of air pressure per day. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks

I would replace. Like the old saying goes, So much is riding on your tires !

 

[eap]

I would plug it, ride it and change it when budget and convenience allowed.

I like and have used the mushroom type plugs many times. Quick and easy - 15-20 +/- minutes max. Be sure to ream the area of the leak very well, and then do it again to insure cause of leak is removed and you get a good insertion and seal.
http://www.cycleworld.com/2011/03/07/stop-go-pocket-tire-plugger-plus-co2-inflation-product-evaluation/.

There are lots of videos on tire repair using this and other systems.

BTW, I have read good views of MOA road side assistance program with the tire replacement option, so that might be a future option for you.

 

[strataj]

I'd have a patch on the inside of the tire.

Jay